Oct 13, 2026

I’m an Auto Expert: 7 Used Cars I’d Buy With My Own Money in 2027

Buying used can save you money compared with buying new, but the right model matters and so does the condition of the individual vehicle. The Federal Trade Commission recommended researching repair records, safety tests, mileage and ownership costs before buying, then getting both a vehicle history report and an independent inspection.

So which cars would people who know the auto industry actually buy with their own money? Experts pointed repeatedly to Toyota, Honda, Mazda and Lexus models. Here are seven vehicles worth putting on your 2027 used-car shopping list.

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1. Toyota Corolla

“If I had to pick one vehicle for my own family, it would probably be the Toyota Corolla,” said Bruce Shields, founder and president of ABS Tag & Title — for buyers who prioritize affordability and dependable transportation. He specifically recommended 2020 to 2022 models with the 2.0L engine and estimated shoppers could pay roughly $15,000 to $23,000, depending on mileage, condition and location.

“They're simple, fuel-efficient and generally inexpensive to own,” Shields added.

2. Toyota Camry

The Camry offers another relatively affordable route to Toyota reliability for shoppers who want more space than the Corolla. Shields favors 2018 to 2021 models with the 2.5L, four-cylinder and puts the approximate price range at $16,000 to $25,000.

“The Camry has earned its reputation the old-fashioned way, by lasting,” he said, noting that these cars routinely last beyond 200,000 miles with basic maintenance.

One important caveat, however, according to Alex Black, chief marketing officer and auto expert at EpicVIN, is that you should always check an individual car's history even when it’s a generally reliable model.

3. Honda Accord

For shoppers who want a midsize sedan, Shields recommended the Honda Accord for “excellent longevity, a comfortable ride and lower ownership costs than many midsize competitors.” He favors 2018 to 2021 models with the 2.0T engine or naturally aspirated four-cylinder models, with his estimated price range running from $18,000 to $28,000.

He did, however, warn against individual cars with questionable maintenance histories on turbocharged engines.

4. Mazda3 Hatchback

Jason Allan, founder of Bestest Automotive and former head of vehicle reviews and ratings at Kelley Blue Book, has put his own money behind this recommendation: Both of his children drive Mazda3 hatchbacks that were purchased used at about 5 years old.

“They’re cheaper used than the equivalent Honda or Toyota,” he said.

The hatchback’s flexibility is “super useful,” he said, adding that his son was able to move a dresser to and from college in his Mazda3. This is an especially useful pick for a younger driver who wants practicality without settling for a bland first car.

5. Mazda CX-5

Buyers who need SUV practicality can look at the Mazda CX-5, which Shields described as “dependable, practical and enjoyable to drive.”

He recommended 2017 to 2021 models with the naturally aspirated 2.5L engine and estimates a price range of roughly $16,000 to $27,000.

6. Lexus RX 350

A used Lexus RX 350 could appeal to someone who wants “Toyota reliability with a little more comfort and refinement,” Shields said. He recommended 2015 to 2020 models with the 3.5L V6, with an estimated purchase range of $22,000 to $35,000.

Shields did caution that Lexus maintenance will cost somewhat more because it is a luxury brand, but said it can still be considerably less expensive to maintain than many German luxury vehicles.

7. Ford F-150

This is the wildcard pick for people who don’t mind driving a truck.

“Speaking for myself, today I would rather buy a used Ford-150 than a sedan," Black said. "Pickups still hold their value, so insurance companies still repair them, making it likely to be a well-maintained car, not a patched one.”

Final Take: The Car Matters More Than the Brand

A model's reliability reputation doesn't guarantee that an individual car is a good buy. Buyers should research maintenance history, accidents, title status and how previous owners treated the vehicle.

It can be worth the money to get a vehicle history report and having the car independently inspected, as well.

“I've seen people spend $25,000 on a used vehicle and hesitate over a $200 inspection. That's backwards. The inspection is often the cheapest insurance policy you'll ever buy,” Shields said.

This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.

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Written by

Jordan Rosenfeld

Edited by

Rebekah Evans