If you’re looking for a robust used car with a budget of $20,000 but has yet to define any particular wants or perks you’re looking for, this article should help to get your mind rolling a bit.
1. Chevrolet Cruze
Nowadays, you can easily find a late first-generation 2016 Chevrolet Cruze LT going for around $15,000. This year of first-generation Cruze is actually known as the Cruze Limited. While it may date all the way back to 2011, there are redeeming features to be found here: availability and affordability.
The LT trim is the mid-range offering, motivated by a 1.4-litre turbocharged inline-4 putting out 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. While a 6-speed manual was standard, the optional 6-speed automatic will be more prevalent on the market. This powertrain is modest but offers adequate performance paired with solid fuel economy.
You would at least want an LT trim model though, otherwise, it may feel a tad outdated. The LT trim comes with 16″ alloys, the 1.4-litre engine, daytime running lights and cruise control. Most importantly, LT trim could opt for the Technology pack which installed a 7″ Chevrolet MyLink infotainment touchscreen system and plenty of connectivity options.
Regardless, you’ll find a pre-owned Chevrolet Cruze to be a sleek looking compact sedan with confident handling, sporting a simple interior with sufficient passenger room and a large trunk.
2. Ford Fusion
Want something more muscular? The Ford Fusion may be your choice. 2016 models can be had for around $17,000, but 2017 models are starting to sell for less than $20,000. This mid-sized sedan consistently reigns on top of its competitors, offering an excellent well-rounded driving experience.
The 2017 year is a facelift year for the Fusion, offering a new sharper look, infotainment system, revised interior design, and new trim levels, so it may be wise to go for the 2017 model. Nonetheless, you’ll most likely be expecting a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated Duratec inline-4 putting out 175 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. It’s basic but sufficient. However, the Fusion does boast an impressive repertoire of alternative engines, even the 1.5-litre EcoBoost will deliver a good punch.
Despite that, the underpinnings of the Fusion won’t disappoint regardless of your engine choice. It’s flattering, offering a decorous driving experience with excellent driver input qualities, making it a facile endeavor to drive. Its stolid composure will no doubt impress more on the highways.
It’s also well-equipped even at the base S trim (16” alloys, reverse camera, cruise control, etc) with a pleasantly premium-feeling executive interior. Combined with all the praiseworthy traits, the Fusion stands out as an excellent entry-level luxury used sedan.
3. Kia Soul
It’s a more peculiar choice, but the Kia Soul is a genuinely respectable compact crossover to drive. 2016 Kia Souls are readily available at roughly $16,500. If you love the quirky looks, there’s more underneath that’ll certainly please you.
First of all, it’s a compact, but it’s so boxy that it offers tons of space for everything inside. The interior cabin is warm and friendly looking, with very intuitive and accessible controls. It gets a 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated inline-4 as standard with standard 6-speed manual and optional 6-speed automatic. A 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated inline-4 is also available that offers a tad more zest.
It’s not as entertaining a drive, but it will serve you just fine. The practicality offered here is undeniable, and that’s the remarkable aspect that most Soul buyers covet the most. There are also tons of features available to the Soul, with a decent kit on the base trim. If you want space in a small car, the Kia Soul quintessentially represents space efficiency.
4. Nissan Altima
Want a more Japanese representation of basic luxury? A used Nissan Altima may be your answer. Basic 2016 S trim models are available for $16,000, while for just under $20,000, you can find yourself a 2017 SV model. There are not many discrepancies between the two years though.
The powertrain is simple, 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated inline-4 putting out 182 hp and 180 lb-ft with a CVT. This combination seems dull, but it pushes the Altima along at a quite respectable pace. 7.8 seconds from 0-100 km/h, in fact. The Altima also responds well to inputs, with a composed attitude throughout. Fuel economy is also one of its forte.
You’ll find a good looking interior inside with decent build quality. The front seats may impress you the most, offering an extremely supple experience. In the S trim, you can expect a 5” infotainment touchscreen, keyless ignition and entry, cruise control, 6-speaker audio system and basic connectivity.
The Altima stand strong as a pragmatic choice, it’s hard to go wrong with one. A V6 model is also available, but likely to be out of budget.
5. Mitsubishi Lancer
Something with a more recognizable name, 2016 Mitsubishi Lancers are going for around $16,000.
The 2016 year received a refresh, with a new CVT that behaves better. Otherwise, you can expect to find a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated MIVEC inline-4. A bigger, 2.4-litre variant is also available which offers more zeal, but at a cost of efficiency.
Under acceleration, the Lancer will seem uncouth due to its age, but it offers an enthusiastic acceleration if you can overlook that. The 2.4-litre engine will impress even more. What may shock you even more is how enthralling the Lancer behaves around corners. It’s eager and dependable, instilling plenty of driver confidence for canyon roads.
While the interior build quality won’t surprise you, but all the controls are simple and plain to operate. Space is adequate front and back too, with a comfortable front seat. It also comes with a solid kit, offering 16” alloys, keyless entry, cruise control, voice control, LED running lights and more.
The Lancer is clearly the choice here for the keener drivers. It’s a car designed for the younger populace, evident by an optional subwoofer option. It’s no Evolution, but offers a similar look, with a pretty big aftermarket available to it.
These are just a few options to serve as a starting point, but they’re all robust selections with varying market in mind. With fortune, you may be able to find the ideal choice for your needs down here at Garston Motors, so don’t hesitate to come down and have a look around.