Are you looking for a used vehicle but don’t know where to start your search or what type of vehicle would best suit your needs? While an efficient sedan like the Honda Civic might be a great option for your daily commute, perhaps you also need the capability of a truck like the Toyota Tacoma or the Chevy Silverado to tackle your weekend projects and adventures. As your Louisville used car lot, the team here at Coyle Chevrolet Buick GMC can help you narrow down your choices to find the best used car, truck, or SUV for your driving, budget, and lifestyle needs.
As veterans in the automotive business, we know what it means to shop for a used car and the stress that’s often part of the process. That’s why we’re here to simplify the process so that you can get excited about finding the perfect vehicle for your needs. To do that, we’ve highlighted some of the best used cars for new drivers, families, people on a budget, and weekend warriors with a sense of adventure. So, take a look at our top picks and then head on over to the dealership to start shopping from the best used car dealer in Louisville.
One of the greatest dilemmas for young drivers looking to get behind the wheel of their first vehicle is affordability. Most new drivers are around the age of 18 and typically don’t have a lot of money to spend on a new car. When parents are making the purchase, there’s an even greater concern for safety and reliability. Young drivers are prone to accidents, and those dents and dings on a new model are more than cringeworthy. That’s why finding a reliable used vehicle is a great option for both young drivers and your wallet!
Honda Civic: The 10th generation Civic is a great buy because Honda added the first-ever turbocharged engine to the lineup. Found in models made in 2016 or later, the engine delivers plenty of power, while the addition of the Honda Sensing safety suite gives you confidence and peace of mind behind the wheel.
Chevy Equinox: If you’re looking for an SUV, the Equinox is a great midsize option that offers unique features like Teen Driver technology. To save even more money and still enjoy plenty of technology, shop for third-generation models built between 2017 and 2020.
Toyota Prius: Introduced in 1997, the Prius is a great buy for young drivers looking to save even more money on fuel. The revolutionary hybrid was updated in 2019 with a new electric all-wheel drive system that makes it the most fuel-efficient all-wheel drive sedan in America with a combined EPA-estimated average of 50 MPG.
There were few options for families other than the minivan in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Many minivans of the era were cumbersome to drive, lacked power, and were wildly unattractive with wood panels and poorly made interiors that could barely withstand the demands of a family vehicle. Fortunately, that’s changed thanks to the rising popularity of the SUV segment that includes everything from crossovers and compact SUVs to midsize and full-size options.
Toyota 4Runner: Spacious and ready for adventure, the 4Runner was updated in 2014 and continues to offer a variety of technology and features. What’s even better is that the 4Runner can venture off the pavement and down the trail; just be sure to shop for a model equipped with Toyota’s terrain management system and the trail package.
Honda Pilot: The Pilot is the ultimate family vehicle and carries the reliability of the Honda brand. The 3rd generation Pilot debuted in 2016 and is a great value thanks to features like LED headlights, a more powerful engine, and an extensive suite of standard safety features.
Buick Enclave: With Buick refreshing the Enclave in 2022, shopping for a used Enclave built between 2017 and 2021 is a great way to make your money go further. The 2017 redesign improved the Enclave’s proportions to boost efficiency and add more room to the cabin, all of which is enhanced by the Enclave’s smooth ride and innovative connectivity and safety features.
Who doesn’t love to save money? If you’re looking for a used car that offers the utmost in savings, then look no further than models like the Hyundai Sonata, Ford Focus, and the Nissan Versa. These models deliver outstanding efficiency and plenty of features at a great value, which puts more money in your wallet to spend on your next adventure.
Hyundai Sonata: As one of Hyundai’s top sellers, the Sonata is a great buy because it’s not only efficient, but it’s also a capable performer. The 7th generation (2014-2017) Sonata delivers the most value because you’ll find three powertrain options as well as newer technology like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Ford Focus: Redesigned in 2018, the Focus delivers exceptional efficiency and spaciousness with its five-door design that gives it a sporty look. To enjoy new technology like a touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, be sure to shop for 2018 or newer models.
Nissan Versa: The Versa is the least expensive car in Nissan’s lineup, which means it’s even more affordable when purchased off the used lot. The second-generation Versa (2012-2019) is a bare-bones model, but it’s designed with efficiency in mind. With an average of 39 MPG on the highway, you’ll not only save money on the vehicle itself, but you’ll also save hundreds of dollars in fuel.
Many customers are looking for a vehicle that can do double duty - a vehicle that can not only work hard but play hard as well. This is exactly what you’ll find when shopping for used models like the Toyota Tacoma, Chevy Tahoe, and Jeep Wrangler. The models offer unique capability whether you need to tow a trailer, carry lots of gear, or head down the trail for a weekend adventure with friends.
Toyota Tacoma: The top-selling midsize truck in America, the Tacoma is incredibly versatile and can handle everything from towing to trail-riding. Because the Tacoma holds its value, you won’t have any trouble finding a model that meets your budget and driving needs whether you shop for a newer 5th generation model (2019 to present) or an older model like a 2016.
Chevy Tahoe: Blending capability and spaciousness, the Tahoe is an outstanding SUV that can handle whatever you throw its way. Redesigned in 2015, older models offer lower prices, but you’ll find more technology on newer models like the 2019 Tahoe that comes standard with a WiFi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
Jeep Wrangler: Nothing quite says adventure like the Jeep Wrangler. Wranglers have one of the best resale values in the market, which means it’s easy to find a model that best suits your budget needs, whether that means a 4th generation model built in 2018 or an older model from the 2010s that still has plenty of life under the hood.
Before you can start shopping for the best used vehicle for your needs, it’s important to determine what those needs are. Are you a new driver looking to buy your first vehicle, or are you a parent trying to find a reliable and safe vehicle for your growing family? Are you shopping for a great value vehicle that will keep more money in your wallet, or are you in the market for a vehicle that knows how to balance both work and play?
As you learn more about what you need in a vehicle, the team here at Coyle Chevrolet Buick GMC can help you narrow down your choices. We’re one of the most popular used car lots in Louisville, and that’s a reflection of our commitment to our customers and our efforts to make the car-buying process an easy and enjoyable experience. So, what are you waiting for? Your next car is right here on the lot, which means it’s time to start shopping!