5 Used SUVs That Mechanics Tap as Smarter Buys Than New Models
Buying a new car is one of the most expensive purchases you can make, and also the one guaranteed to plummet in value.
“Vehicles lose about a third of their original value in the first three years, more for electric vehicles,” said Matt Clamp of Scrap Car Comparison.
Keep Driving: 10 Most Reliable Used Cars Under $20K
Try It: Start Growing Your Net Worth With Smarter Tracking
But with many models able to run for 15-20 years and 200,000 miles or more nowadays, the first three years are a drop in the proverbial bucket. With new-car prices up 30% since the pandemic, per Fortune, many buyers have started exploring used options and some models age much better than others.
Look for these five used SUVs, known for their longevity and reliability, that can save you thousands of dollars over their lifetimes.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Looking for Toyota’s famous dependability, but don’t want to spend an arm and a leg? Consider buying a used RAV4 hybrid.
Alan Gelfand, mechanic with the German Car Depot, has nothing but praise for Toyota’s compact SUV.
“The hybrid system on the RAV4 has proven to run strong for many years, with available all-wheel drive. It’s a great purchase for buyers looking on the lower end of the price spectrum while still getting low ownership risk and better long-term value,” he said.
Honda CR-V
Honda’s CR-V serves as the RAV4’s closest competitor in the compact SUV category. If you don’t need lots of bells and whistles, it’s a reliable workhorse of a car that can serve you for a decade or more, even bought used.
“CR-V’s make great used cars for people who want simple vehicles without a lot of features,” Gelfand said. “They are inexpensive to repair and last for many years. For people who just need to get around town every day, a used CR-V with good service records would be a safe choice.”
Mazda CX-5
Another dependable, low-maintenance compact SUV, the CX-5 can go the distance as well. With its comfortable interior and long list of safety features, it's a fantastic SUV for its price point.
Ashley NeSmith, aka Ashley the Auto Advocate, sees plenty to like about the CX-5.
“It has a solid reliability record and buyers can save thousands by purchasing a well-maintained used model instead of buying brand new,” she said.
Check Out: Enter for a Chance To Win $500 in MoneyLion's Summer Break Giveaway (No pur. nec. Ends 7/4/26. See Official Rules at mlion.info/summerbreakofficialrules)
Lexus RX
Toyota’s luxury brand Lexus brings all of the company’s manufacturing precision and quality control, with extra flair and features.
NeSmith said that luxury vehicles typically depreciate faster than mainstream brands, so buyers can sometimes get into a low-mileage RX for the same money they'd spend on a new non-luxury SUV. Gelfand loves the model too.
“Used buyers save thousands compared to buying new, but the vehicle has a long life expectancy with good mechanics," he said. "It’s a great family vehicle, very luxurious and comfortable with loads of safety features. It’s especially durable compared to many European luxury SUVs that require lots of repairs.”
Toyota Highlander
If you want more space, consider the mid-size Highlander. It brings the same low maintenance costs and longevity as the RAV4 — and the same potential discount by buying used.
“A young Highlander with 40,000 to 70,000 miles on it should provide many years of trouble-free operation,” Gelfand said. “It’s a great family hauler with lots of room for passengers and cargo.”
Do your homework, comparing life-of-ownership costs for both new and used SUV models. Sometimes you can score a great discount on new cars, but by buying a 2- to 4-year-old model, you typically skip the fastest depreciation period while getting a still-young car with plenty of miles ahead of it.
To help Americans navigate the added cost of summer, MoneyLion is giving away $1,000 every day through July 4. Enter the Summer Break Giveaway here (No pur. nec. Ends 7/4/26. See Official Rules at mlion.info/summerbreakofficialrules)
Editor’s note: Photos are for representational purposes only and might not reflect the exact year, make or model of the vehicle(s) listed in this article.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
More From MoneyLion: