Finding the best used cars under 15000 USD has become more difficult in 2021 compared to previous years due to used car shortages pushing many cars previously inside this price range outside of it. However, that doesn’t mean it is impossible.
In fact, a 15k budget, in my opinion, represents the price point with the best value for money within the entire used car segment, as most used cars at this price point have already experienced most of the depreciation that they will experience in their usable life, but still have the majority of their usable service life remaining.
For the purposes of this article, I will not be considering cars made before 2010, since, in my experience, 20 years is a reasonable usable lifespan for a vehicle as everyday, financially viable transportation, provided you don’t abuse the car and regularly perform basic maintenance. With that in mind:
(All prices courtesy of Cars.com)
Table of Contents
Best Sedan: 2010-2014 Hyundai Genesis
Genesis was spun off from the Hyundai brand to become its own luxury brand back in 2016, and even if people do think of the Hyundai Genesis, they often think of the coupe, a competent, reasonably priced performance car that confusingly has nothing to do with the sedan, despite having nearly the same name!
However, the original U.S. market Genesis was the sedan, and because it is often overshadowed and forgotten, it has become an excellent used car bargain, easily one of the best used cars under 15000 USD! For the price, no used car comes close in terms of luxury, with a comfortable ride, both available engines being very smooth, a good stock sound system, and a generously appointed interior.
Furthermore, it is reliable too, with average ownership costs compared to all other cars, making it exceptional in the context of its intended competition, the Mercedes S Class and BMW 7 series; cars known to make rich men poor with their maintenance costs. However, the Hyundai Genesis does have its faults, notably, the rear seats do not fold flat, limiting the car’s practicality and cargo capacity, there was no option for AWD or a hybrid like its competitors, and all models are thirsty compared to a regular sedan, with low 20s mpg for the V6, and high teens mpg for the V8.
For 15k, a low mileage, V6-powered model is fairly easy to find from a dealer, and, if I’m honest, that’s the model to have anyway, as the V6 has more than enough power for regular use, making it one of the best bargains overall in the used car market.
2010-2014 Hyundai Genesis Specifications
- Engine: 333 hp 3.8 liter V6, 429 hp 5.0 Liter V8 (optional)
- Transmission: 8 Speed Automatic
- Fuel Economy: 18 City / 28 Highway, 16 City / 25 Highway (optional V8)
- Approximate Maintenance Costs: $550.00/year
- Cargo Capacity: 15.9 ft³ (rear seats do not fold down)
Best Hatchback: 2012-2015 Volkswagen Golf TDI
The diesel-powered Volkswagen Golf TDI has become a more attractive option recently due to circumstances largely out of its control: falling diesel prices. In fact, nationally, diesel prices have gotten to the point where they are comparable to those of mid-grade gasoline, making the 40-50 mpg fuel economy of the Golf TDI an even more attractive proposition than before. But the best thing about the Golf has to be its interior; the fit and finish of which is far ahead of its competitors at this price point.
However, due to the looming shadow of dieselgate scaring many people off (something that in my view shouldn’t scare you off because every other manufacturer did the exact same thing), they have come to be excellent bargains. Maintenance costs and reliability though, are solidly average for their class, but at the 15k price point, used 2012-2015 Golf TDIs are readily available and offer an incredibly compelling package for the financially conscious used car buyer looking for one of the best cars under 15000 USD with great gas mileage.
2012-2015 Volkswagen Golf TDI Specifications
- Engine: 140 hp 2.0 liter 4 cylinder diesel
- Transmission: 6 Speed Manual, DSG Automatic (optional)
- Fuel Economy: 31 City / 43 Highway
- Approximate Maintenance Costs: $630.00/year
- Cargo Capacity: 15.2 ft³, 46 ft³ with seat area
Best Sports Car: 2010-2012 Mazda MX-5
Also known as the Miata, within the car enthusiast community, there is a saying regarding the answer of which sports car to buy, and that is “Miata is always the answer.” And rightfully so. For what these small, two seater convertibles lack in cargo capacity, they make up for in sheer fun, as they are regarded as some of the best driver’s cars on sale. Fuel economy is good for a sports car, unremarkable for a four cylinder for a sports car, with mid-high 20s mpg overall, making it one of very few viable options for fun cars that save gas. And while you need to use premium fuel, maintenance costs for the MX-5 are below average for all vehicles its size. Handling has always been a shining point for MX-5s, and this one is no different, regularly winning comparison tests with other sports cars when new.
However, this model has gotten a bad rap by some car enthusiasts for being “too soft,” and “not pure enough.” To me though, this is unjustified, as the longer wheelbase and slightly larger size compared to its predecessors make it much more livable as a car that you need to drive every day.
In summary, the NC Miata being considered “inferior” by some to its predecessors makes the the NC 2010-2012 MX-5 Miata an underappreciated sports car bargain that is easy on the wallet to buy, and stays easy on the wallet down the road.
2010-2012 Mazda MX-5 Specifications
- Engine: 167 hp 2.0 liter 4 cylinder
- Transmission: 5 Speed Manual (Sport), 6 Speed Manual (Touring, Grand Touring), 6 Speed Automatic (optional)
- Fuel Economy: 22 City / 28 Highway
- Approximate Maintenance Costs: $440.00/year
- Cargo Capacity: 5.3 ft³
Best Crossover/SUV: 2013-2016 Mazda CX-5
Here we are, once again back at the 2013-2016 Mazda CX-5. As I stated in my last list (Read Here), the CX-5 is great car that, for some reason, is often forgotten about by the car-buying public. The good news is that their mistake is your gain, since this one of the best cars under 15000 USD available overall, and you can get it for much cheaper than its objectively worse rivals. The CX-5 has a lot to offer, including communicative steering, car-like handling, 30 mpg fuel economy, a composed ride, all wrapped up in an interior that uses high quality materials and is equipped with comfortable seats. Even the worst point of the CX-5, the confusing infotainment system, isn’t that big of a deal. Why is that? Because, the standard infotainment/navigation unit utilizes a standard “double-din” design, meaning installing a better head unit with all the features you do want is much more straightforward than many of its competitors that use proprietary designs. If you are buying a CX-5, avoid the underpowered 2.0 liter base engine, and go instead for the 2.5 liter option. While slightly less fuel efficient, this unit offers a significant power bump that makes the 2.5 liter model the one to buy. At the 15k budget, CX-5s with under 100k miles and the better engine are readily available (though not four-wheel drive). A manual transmission option is even on offer, but only with the base engine. Overall, the CX-5 is a fantastic underrated crossover that is easy on the wallet, and easy to recommend.
2013-2016 Mazda CX-5 Specifications
- Engine: 155 hp 2.0 liter 4 cylinder (Base), 185 hp 2.5 liter 4 cylinder (optional)
- Transmission: 6 Speed Manual, 6 speed automatic
- Fuel Economy: 25 City / 31 Highway (Base 2.0 Liter Engine), 24 City / 30 Highway (optional 2.5 liter engine)
- Approximate Maintenance Costs: $400.00/year
- Cargo Capacity: 34.1 ft³, 64.8 ft³ with seat area
Best Truck: 2010-2014 Nissan Frontier
Trucks have been hot commodities in the U.S. market lately, with many popular trucks such as the RAM 1500, Toyota Tacoma, and Ford F-150 so hot that finding examples that are new enough to be suitable for use as everyday drivers is nigh on impossible. However, there is one inexpensive truck in the used market that is often overlooked: the Nissan Frontier. Feature packed it is not. What it is, is a small, simple, reliable truck that is more than capable of doing real work. While the interior is a bit of a bare bones throwback, to put it lightly, strong points include the optional V6 engine, which is powerful and responsive, the handling, and the abundance of available tie down points in the bed. Fuel economy is decent for the class, though not impressive, and it is wise to avoid the underpowered 4-cylinder model. 4WD examples unfortunately, are above of the 15k price point unless you are willing to buy an older, 2005-2010 model. But, for 15k, with a bit of shrewd negotiation, it is very possible to get a clean, V6, 2WD model more than capable of handling your day-to-day truck needs.
2010-2014 Nissan Frontier Specifications
- Engine: 152 hp 2.5 liter 4 cylinder (Base), 261 hp 4.0 liter 4 cylinder (optional)
- Transmission: 5 speed manual, 6 Speed Manual, 6 Speed Automatic
- Fuel Economy: 17 City / 22 Highway (Base 2.5 Liter Engine), 16 City / 20 Highway (optional 4 liter V6)
- Approximate Maintenance Costs: $475.00/year
- Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs (2.5 liter engine), 6,500 lbs (optional 4 liter V6)
Best Minivan: 2011-2013 Honda Odyssey
The minivan segment as a whole has, unfortunately, long been overshadowed by SUVs and Crossovers, whose cooler image of “go anywhere” has resonated with buyers much more than the “mom” stereotype of minivans. Despite this, in terms of packaging, they maintain the edge when it comes to cargo capacity and space for passengers, and no minivan exemplifies this more than the Honda Odyssey. A regular staple on American roads for over 20 years, the Odyssey excels in its job at hauling a family by providing a comfortable interior, above average reliability, excellent cargo capacity, seating for 8 (except the base LX model), and fuel economy in the low-mid 20s, which is high considering it is a V6 in a vehicle this size. Additionally, the Honda Odyssey earns top American safety ratings all around, something that other vehicles in its class struggle to do. However, all is not perfect with the Odyssey. Avoid the 2014 model year, as despite being in the price range, reliability is poorer, so I cannot recommend it. Also, the interior controls for the driver are too complicated and difficult to use. Also, do make sure the car has been properly serviced though its life, as Honda minivans across multiple generations have had transmission issues. If possible, try to get a 2013 model, since that is the first year with modern car conveniences like a backup camera and bluetooth, a nice quality of life upgrade that will increase livability. At the 15k price point, clean, well cared for examples with under 100k miles are easy to find, making the 2011-2013 Honda Odyssey one of the best cars under 15000 USD to transport a family on a budget.
2011-2013 Honda Odyssey Specifications
- Engine: 248 hp 3.6 liter V6
- Transmission: 5 speed automatic, 6 speed automatic (Touring, Touring Elite)
- Fuel Economy: 19 City / 28 Highway
- Approximate Maintenance Costs: $615.00/year
- Cargo Capacity: 38.4 ft³, 148.5 ft³ with seat area
Summary
With this list of the best used cars under 15000 USD, hopefully you will be able to make a smart buying decision that you will not regret. Which of these six used cars would you personally buy? Let me know down in the comments below.
