The best used cars to buy in 2022 include the subcompact SUV Mazda CX-3, the luxury subcompact BMW X1, and the large SUV Toyota Land Cruiser, according to a new study.
iSeeCars, an automotive research firm, selected The Best Used Cars to Buy for 2022 based on their data for each category.
“[The study] takes into account long term reliability, safety ratings when they’re available, and also value retention,” said Julie Blackley, iSeeCars communications manager.
The subcompact SUV is a new category because many were not manufactured until 2014, according to Blackley.
“The subcompact SUV Mazda CX-3 has one of the highest possible safety designations, which is Top Safety Pick Plus,” she said. “That’s the highest honor that the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety gives out.”
While Toyotas like the large SUV Toyota Land Cruiser tend to do well with resale value because of durability and reliability, BMWs are known for performance.
“The X1 is popular due to its lower starting price because it’s a very small SUV compared to traditional luxury SUVs, which makes it more attainable to buyers,” Blackley told The Dallas Express.
“The large SUV Toyota Land Cruiser is indestructible and also holds its value very well. One reason is because it hasn’t been redesigned in a long time. So, you can buy an eight-or-nine year-old version and it looks the same as a new one,” Blackley said.
The Land Cruiser was recently discontinued. “That hasn’t really factored into resale value yet,” Blackley said in an interview. “Their value is just going to keep going up because they’re a beloved car and obviously since they’re discontinued, there’s going to be less of them on the road.”
The study further found that the best used car under $10,000 is the 2013 Kia Soul.
“It doesn’t offer all-wheel drive, so that keeps the cost low,” Blackley said. It fits a niche buyer and looks like a big wagon. It’s not your traditional SUV. There are no other cars on the road that look like it. Kia, in general, offers a good warranty. It’s a 10-year powertrain warranty, so that helps buyers. It is a reliable and dependable vehicle that offers good value.”
iSeeCars ranked the 2021 subcompact SUV Buick Encore as the best used car under $25,000.
“Buick is a luxury automaker, although it’s not the flashiest or most fancy, but it is still a premium automaker for the more practical consumers that want something more premium than a Chevrolet,” Blackley said. “The Buick Encore is popular and it’s an affordable luxury subcompact SUV.”
The 2013 Jeep Wrangler also landed among the best used cars to buy under $25,000, according to the study.
“Jeep Wranglers are historically one of the highest resale value vehicles and a lot of used Wranglers sell for close to or even more than new ones,” Blackley added. “They’re also extremely popular. Jeep has a very enthusiastic fan base. There are people who are just classified as Jeep people. So, it’s just a special vehicle.”
