5 Used Cars That Are Good Investments for Families in 2026
When car shopping, it’s easy to believe that buying a brand new car is worth the expense, as a new car can be seen as a long-term investment that can go the long haul (literally and figuratively) – especially for a family. However, new cars are not only expensive, but they also come with several additional high charges, especially in terms of pricey insurance and immediate value depreciation as soon as the car rolls off the lot.
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That’s why buying a relatively newer used vehicle can actually be a better investment for you and your family. A used car has typically already depreciated, and insurance rates tend to be lower than what is required for a new vehicle.
A reliable, well-maintained used car can be trusted to go beyond 100,000 miles with very little repair or maintenance and can serve a family well as a long-term investment. Here are five such cars, each of them expert-approved for MoneyLion.
1. Toyota RAV4
Ryan Salata, marketing director of Specialty Auto Parts USA, described the RAV4 as a car that is “resistant to depreciation, gets 26 miles per gallon, comfortably seats five and can run for 200,000 miles or longer with routine maintenance.”
Nigel Tunnacliffe, co-founder and CEO of Coastline Academy, agreed, noting that the RAV4 is a good competitor to the similar Mazda CX-5. “It performs slightly better in terms of reliability and fuel efficiency, making it a generally cheaper choice in the long run,” he said to MoneyLion. “It lacks the acceleration of the Mazda CX-5, making it more well-suited to city driving than highway driving, but it is still an all-around solid vehicle.”
2. Mazda CX-5
Speaking of the CX-5, Tunnacliffe called it “a solid choice for a family vehicle.” He said that “the model has been consistently strong for the past decade, giving buyers a wide range of potential years to choose from. [It] is spacious and quiet, making it a good vehicle for errands, trips, and everyday family activities.”
3. Mazda6
Meanwhile, Salata recommended the Mazda6 for its reliability and rugged 2.5L engine. “Its cabin quality is on part with luxury brands,” he added, also noting “it has an impressive log book and depreciation has made it a great buy for families who know about its solid reliability.”
4. Honda Accord
If it’s sheer reliability you seek, the Honda Accord is a perfect ride. Not only does it get 30 miles per gallon, but Salata indicated that the Honda’s “severe repair rates are low, and replacement parts are cheap and service is easy.”
5. Toyota Camry Hybrid
A hybrid is often a solid investment for families because of how much can be saved on fuel costs. The Toyota Camry hybrid, for instance, “saves families $1,200 per year versus gas sedans,” per Salata. “The regenerative braking system also ensures longevity of brake pads up to 100,000 miles,” with the hybrid Camry able to rack up over 200,000 miles for a family “with no major issues reported by customers.”
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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