Best Used Small Cars for 2024
These are the best used small cars by price and budget based on a data-driven analysis of each vehicle's reliability, resale value and safety.
The best used small and compact car under $10k is the 2014 Hyundai VELOSTER, with the 2015 Honda Civic (coupe) being the best used small and compact car under $15k. The 2018 Honda Civic (coupe) ranks #1 for the best used small and compact cars under $20k.
The best used small and compact car under $25k is the 2020 Honda Civic (coupe), with the 2023 Honda Civic being the best used small and compact car under $30k. The 2023 Honda Civic (hatchback) ranks #1 for the best used small and 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
The reliability score represents an analysis of iSeeCars' proprietary research on the longest-lasting vehicles.
Value Retention
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
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).
