A Commuter’s Guide to Buying a Used Sedan

Finding the perfect commuter vehicle starts with deciding what’s important to you. We all know that hours in the car require access to entertainment, but what about fuel economy and interior space? Which comfort features are important to you? Your search for “used cars near me” ends here because we are going to help you whittle down your options and find the best fit.

The sedan category was built for commuters. This four-door body style comes in a variety of sizes, from subcompact to nearly full size, and the sheer variety of options means you can handpick the comfort and convenience features you desire without getting stuck with a bunch of equipment you don’t want or need. When you buy used, you open up even more opportunities to tap into luxury, even if your budget is tight.

Shopping for a sedan isn’t as complicated as it seems. Sure, there are a lot of options out there, but once you know what’s important to you, you’ll find that a few models will stand out and show up in your search more often. Which sedan is right for you? We break down different categories here, including what to look for and what to avoid, so you’ll end up with a car you love.

Subcompact Sedans

If you’re racking up a lot of mileage, a subcompact sedan might be right for you. It’s the smallest sedan body style and one that’s popular among commuters and city dwellers. The beauty of this smaller stature vehicle is its size. Also, because they attract younger, first-time buyers, some of the body styles are quirky and edgy.

Pros

You can’t beat a subcompact sedan for fuel economy. It’s not uncommon to see fuel economy ratings in the 40 MPG range, especially for highway driving. Because subcompacts are often targeted to first-time buyers, they typically offer more robust infotainment systems, meaning you’ll get smartphone capability and access to higher-end sound systems, both ideal for staying entertained during solo commutes. Subcompacts are also incredibly easy to park; they can squeeze into just about any tight space, perfect for urban drivers.

Cons

Unfortunately, the very trait subcompact cars have going for them is the one that stops buyers in their tracks: size. If you require a lot of cargo space or prefer to drive something a little larger, you’ll probably find subcompact sedans restrictive. Also, most subcompact sedans aren’t offered in ultra-luxury trims, so finding a fully-loaded version with all the bells and whistles might prove to be challenging.

Popular Subcompact Models: Hyundai Accent, Nissan Versa, Kia Rio.

Compact Sedans

Moving into the next size, the compact sedan category opens up more variety. This is an evergreen segment, meaning it always draws a lot of buyers, regardless of new vehicle trends (a.k.a. SUVs and crossovers). Compact sedans are “just right” sized: big enough for rear passengers to ride comfortably, but not so large that fuel economy is sacrificed. Body styles tend to stay similar from year to year, with few exceptions.

Pros

Freedom of choice headlines the biggest benefits of shopping in this segment. There are so many high-quality compact sedans to choose from across a spectrum of price points. You’ll find everything from European luxury imports to dependable icons at a sub-$20,000 price point. Buying used in this category is also relatively stress-free, as many compact sedans are rated exceptional for reliability.

Cons

The compact segment includes a lot of lookalike models, which means finding a car that feels individualized might be challenging. Manufacturers focus on delivering quality first and designing cars that appeal to the masses. Here, you’ll find predictable exterior styling and very few out-of-the-box models. Also, these cars tend to retain their value, which means there might be fewer great deals on low mileage used inventory.

Popular Compact Models: Honda Civic, Kia Forte, Mazda3, Toyota Corolla

Mid-Size and Full-Size Sedans

The mid-size and full-size categories lean into luxury far more than their smaller counterparts. This is the sweet spot for imports like BMW, Lexus, and Audi, and a category that offers more diversity in key areas, such as performance. Because of its expansive range of options, the larger sedan categories are great places to find deals, especially among more expensive trims and models, because leases are popular with this segment of buyers. A lease is generally three years long, which means the used market is constantly flooded with low mileage inventory.

Pros

As we mentioned, the diversity of choice and availability of a large volume of off-lease inventory highlights the pros of buying in this segment. Stalwart names, like Accord and Camry, occupy the mid-size sedan segment, reassuring used buyers of factory quality and long-term reliability. Also, several hybrid models are available, which offsets the larger, heavier body style from a fuel economy standpoint.

Cons

Diversity of choice also means it might be frustrating to zero in on a specific vehicle. Understanding which vehicle offers the best value relative to price, features, and reliability can be an overwhelming task. In addition, because many of these vehicles offer expansive ranges of features and trim lineups, it’s hard to decide even after you’ve settled on a make and model. Also, added bulk means a likely reduction in fuel economy, a big strike for some commuters.

Popular Mid-Size Models: Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry
Popular Full-Size Models: Nissan Maxima, Toyota Avalon

General Buying Tips

It matters where and from whom you purchase your vehicle. While it’s true that if you look hard enough, you can find that once-in-a-lifetime low mileage sedan that’s been garaged and only driven to the market and back by grandma. Still, those opportunities are extremely rare, and you’ll have to search far and wide to find them, sifting through a lot of lemons in the process.

Most buyers decide to move forward with their search quickly and expect to buy as soon as possible. Consider bypassing endless auto classified sites and partnering with Coyle Chevrolet GMC when you want your next vehicle. Working with a dealer like us is convenient because you can handle your purchase, financing, and ongoing maintenance under a single roof. Also, we carry a large inventory of used vehicles, including certified pre-owned options.

Once you’ve selected a vehicle, be sure to give it a test drive to ensure you like it. If you drive a lot of highway miles, take it on the highway. If your workday includes lots of in-town driving, drive through town. It’s important to get a feel for how the vehicle stands up to your driving style and habits. Is it comfortable? Do you like the handling? How about comfort and convenience features?

We also recommend paying close attention to the onboard entertainment, smartphone connectivity options, and available safety features. The newer the model, the more comprehensive you can expect the infotainment and safety systems to be, while older models may not offer quite as much state-of-the-art integration. If you’re on the phone a lot for your job, this may become important.

We Will Help You Find the Best Sedan

No matter which size or category you choose, keep these simple guidelines in mind to ensure you receive the best possible price, quality, and long-term satisfaction. Luckily, the sedan category is full of amazing options for commuters. Finding a car that satisfies your budget and individual tastes is easy because of the sheer volume of options. What’s hard is narrowing down your search to a few options. Take a little time before you start shopping and make a list of features you need. Then, let us help you find the perfect car on our lot.