There’s no denying that the auto industry has gone wild for SUVs over the last couple of decades while trucks have become increasingly popular for many drivers. This has left sedans, once the foundation of the auto industry, largely overlooked and even outright abandoned by many companies. This gives someone looking at used cars for sale an advantage. Some models that aren’t being made anymore are still out there, plus shopping used opens up a huge number of vehicles overall. There are potentially too many options available, so it helps narrow things down by focusing on used sedans. Whether you’re shopping right now or just interested in what’s out there, let’s look at some of the best options for a used sedan you can find on the market right now.
2019 Toyota Camry
For more than 40 years, the Toyota Camry has been one of the most popular cars available, new or used. This means there are tons of them out there, though most buyers aren’t about to go looking at a car from the 1980s. While it started off as a compact car, it’s grown a bit over the years. The modern Camry is a midsize model, making it a great choice for a wide range of drivers. That might make it a little pricier than a compact sedan, but I prefer its midsize design for daily driving and added flexibility.
Many generations of the Camry have been available, but the eighth generation that launched with the 2018 model year is a great one for drivers looking at used models. I personally prefer to skip the first year of any generation or new vehicle since there are often bugs that need to be worked out. That puts the 2019 Camry in a better position as far as I’m concerned and why I chose it over the other possible years in this generation (it ran through the 2024 model). There was a facelift and update for 2021, which makes those great for someone looking for advanced features, but the 2019 Camry will go easier on the bank account.
2020 Honda Accord
An absolute legend in the auto industry, the Honda Accord has been around for nearly 50 years now, which is almost unheard of. First in production in 1976, much like the Camry, the Honda Accord started off as a smaller compact car, but it has grown over the years to become a midsize sedan. The legacy of the Accord is remarkable for a few reasons. It was the first Japanese car produced here in the US at a plant in Ohio in 1982, and it became the best-selling Japanese car here for sixteen straight years. It also finds a place on Car and Driver’s 10Best list almost every year, making it one of the most popular sedans on the road.
This also means there are a lot of Accord models out there when looking at used sedans and tons of different years and options to choose from. Right now, we’re in the 11th generation of the Accord, but the 10th generation can be a better option for overall value. This one launched for the 2018 model year, with a facelift for 2021. That being said, I like the 2020 Accord since it’s more budget-friendly by slotting in just before the update. The 2020 Accord is also the last year a manual transmission was offered, which some drivers prefer.
2019 Mazda Mazda6
Another midsize sedan, the Mazda6 doesn’t have the legacy of the previous two vehicles, but it has proven itself a great car in the time it’s been on the road. First released for the 2003 model year, the Mazda6 is a sleek ride that has always combined good looks with reliable performance. I had a tough time choosing between this one and the Mazda3, a compact model with a lot to offer. For anyone interested in something smaller, that’s one I’d quickly suggest checking out.
When it comes to a used Mazda6, I’d say the recent third generation is the way to go (it went from 2014 to 2021, but don’t let that long run put you off). Overall, this was a solid generation, but the 2019 model is the way to go as far as I’m concerned. It followed a mid-generation update and refresh for the 2018 model, which offered a newly available 2.5L 227-hp engine that makes the Mazda6 incredibly fun to drive. It also looks great after getting exterior updates and provides improved tech features thanks to interior upgrades. Mazda has sadly decided to discontinue this great car because of SUVs, but a used Mazda6 is a terrific find.
2020 Ford Fusion
What’s that? Is an American car on this list? That’s right, your eyes don’t deceive you, but don’t worry, there’s only one of them. (I was tempted to go with the Chevy Malibu, but Ford won out). The Fusion is a midsize sedan released first for the 2006 model year, which enjoyed a nice run for over a decade. One notable thing about the Fusion is that it offered a wide range of powertrains including standard gas engines, hybrids, and even a plug-in hybrid version. That’s particularly worth keeping in mind when it comes to used models since it means a lot of different performance options and engines are out there.
I chose the 2020 Ford Fusion for two reasons. It comes at the end of the Fusion’s second generation following a facelift and updates for 2019, and it’s the last year it was available. The 2019 updates included Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 suite of driver assistance features becoming standard on every Fusion, along with updated looks and enhanced features inside. With 2020 being the last year for the Fusion, its trim lineup was condensed a bit, but this just means the standard features were improved overall, and that’s a benefit when looking at used models. Since trucks and SUVs are more popular these days, the Fusion met its end after the 2020 model, and no sedans are currently available in Ford’s lineup.
2019 Kia Optima
Rounding things out, we have the Kia Optima, which has been a popular option since it first hit the road more than 20 years ago. Yet another midsize sedan, the Optima started its life as a rebadged Hyundai Sonata, but it eventually took on an identity of its own. In some other markets, it has been known as the Kia K5 since 2006 and the launch of its second generation, though it remained the Optima here in the US until recently. With the launch of its most recent fifth generation in the US and the 2021 model year, the name changed to the K5. If you look at a used one from before then, it’ll still be called the Optima.
When it comes to a used model, I went with 2019 for a few reasons. For starters, this is part of the fourth generation of the Optima, which was a good one overall and ran from 2016 through 2020. There was a facelift and update for the 2018 model year, which means an Optima from 2019 provides these improvements and the exterior refresh that came with it. A 2020 model would be just as fine a choice, but it would likely cost a bit more than a more recent option.
Used Cars Still Have a Place
If I ran the auto industry, I’d remind every brand out there that plenty of drivers still need something affordable and reliable. SUVs are great for families, and I get why they’re so popular, even amongst many singles or young couples. The functionality they provide is hard to beat. But I also know plenty of people who just want a decent car they can enjoy and afford. Sadly, that’s becoming a lot harder to find. In fairness to the car companies, sedan sales often lag behind SUVs and trucks, so of course, they’re going to follow the profits. However, surveys and studies show plenty of drivers are interested in sedans. As they become harder to find, used cars will become even more attractive, so it’s worth noting what’s out there and which models are best.
