Best Used Compact Cars for 2023
These are the best used compact cars by price and budget based on a data-driven analysis of each vehicle's reliability, resale value and safety.
The best used compact car under $10k is the 2014 Nissan Sentra, with the 2014 Honda Civic (coupe) being the best used compact car under $15k. The 2018 Subaru Impreza ranks #1 for the best used compact cars under $20k.
The best used compact car under $25k is the 2020 Honda Civic (coupe), with the 2022 Honda Civic being the best used compact car under $30k. The 2022 Subaru WRX ranks #1 for the best used compact cars under $35k.
How We Rank These Cars
iSeeCars Best Used Car Rankings are calculated based on the latest research by our data science team and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
We analyze data from over 12 million new and used vehicles in our Longest-Lasting Cars and 5-Year Depreciation Studies, combined with the NHTSA's Safety Ratings to give you an unbiased guide to the best vehicles in each segment.
After being evaluated, vehicles with the highest average scores earn a spot in the iSeeCars Best Car Rankings. (No final score is given to vehicles missing a score in any of the categories, but scores for other categories are still shown.)
Vehicles are scored in three categories:
Reliability | 33.3%
The reliability score represents an analysis of iSeeCars' proprietary research on the longest-lasting vehicles.
Value Retention | 33.3%
The value retention score is based on our data science team's statistical analysis and prediction of 5-year depreciation from MSRP to determine which cars hold their value best, using US Bureau of Labor Statistics data to adjust for inflation.
Safety | 33.3%
The safety score is calculated based on the last five years of crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and incorporates the latest Top Safety Pick information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
