These are the 5 Best Used Cars Under $30,000 in 2023, According to MotorTrend
After a year that saw the highest used car values in a generation, used car values are finally coming back to earth. That means knowing how to find the right car is important when finding used cars to fit your budget. MotorTrend has recently explored the recent used car market and come up with their top five used cars for under $30,000 in 2023.
2019-2020 Toyota Avalon: The best used full-size sedan for under $30,000
The Toyota Avalon is the first recommendation in this comprehensive MotorTrend list, and for good reason. We loved the 2020 Toyota Avalon when it was new, and as a used car its value is still impressive. A 2019-2020 Toyota Avalon is a hybrid that makes a great used car for under $30,000. That gives it up to 43 mpg for both city and highway driving, so you can dodge high fuel costs. You’ll get plenty of luxury as well, with upscale leather upholstery and standard heated seats. Plus, standard safety equipment like automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection make the Avalon an IIHS Top Safety Pick+.
Best Used Luxury Car for Under $30,000 in 2023: The 2019 Lexus ES
Luxury cars often depreciate quickly, so you can get a great value by buying one used. This is why we love the second car in MotorTrend’s recommended list, the 2019 Lexus ES. The ES shares a platform with its Toyota Avalon sibling, but with a more upscale cabin and more standard features. For sound, a 10-speaker audio system comes with each 2019 ES model. Plus, the sculpted seats feature leather upholstery and power adjustability, giving you excellent comfort.
Meet the 2019-2020 Acura TLX for a blend of fun and luxury in an affordable used car
The 2019-2020 Acura TLX makes this list for its wealth of performance variants and excellent standard features. Available with the A-Spec handling package and V6 engine, the TLX can be quite a sporty contender as a used car for under $30,000. You’ll also find plenty of premium technology with standard driver assist features like automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and collision warning.
The 2019 Hyundai Veloster is a used car bargain at under $30k
The Veloster N may get most of the headlines, but the standard Veloster delivers plenty of fun for less. You can get a punchy 2.0-liter turbo with a manual or automatic transmission for those who love to drive. That means putting a fun car in your hands in a used car for less than $30,000. Like other models mentioned, the Veloster offers automatic emergency braking, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard.
2020 to 2021 Honda Civic
Even new, the Honda Civic doesn’t carry a hefty price tag. That makes finding one used for less than $30,000 less challenging. What makes the Civic a highlight is what you get for that affordable price. Nimble handling is a Honda Civic hallmark, putting an engaging car in your hands. Plus, you can find used Honda Civic models from just two years ago at prices well below $20,000. Honda’s legendary penchant for reliability makes any used Civic an excellent buy and the modern features of the 2020 and 2021 models mean you can enjoy your pre-owned Civic for years to come.
Find the best value used cars for under $30,000
While there are plenty of used cars out there for less than $30,000, these MotorTrend picks represent an excellent balance of tech, comfort, and performance for the price. If you’re shopping for a used car in 2023, keep these models on your shortlist and get the most out of your next used car purchase.
