While the sky-high prices we were seeing in the used car market during the height of the pandemic have cooled down, they still haven’t dropped to pre-COVID times. The used car market, put simply, is hot. This means that brands that really stand out must be doing something especially right. One of these brands is Toyota. In fact, many of the top-selling vehicles in the US are Toyota models. Not surprisingly, every used Toyota dealer in the country is seeing a lot of action. There’s just something about the Toyota brand that keeps drivers coming back for more. Actually, it’s no mystery—Toyota vehicles are known for affordability, dependability, practicality, and great overall design.
Four of its models have done a particularly excellent job perpetuating Toyota’s amazing reputation: the Camry, the RAV4, the Tacoma, and the Highlander. These each represent a different segment of the market, meaning there is a high-quality used Toyota option for just about any driver. Below, we’ll go over what makes used Toyota vehicles as a whole so popular and what specifically drivers love about these four models.
Why People Love Used Toyota Vehicles
There are some qualities that are true for every Toyota, no matter which model you purchase. We’ll cover them below.
Affordable and Easy Repairs
Car experts have agreed time and time again that when it comes to a car brand that’s easy and affordable to repair, it doesn’t get much better than Toyota. In fact, Toyota vehicles are designed to be simple to repair. When you need parts, their wide availability makes it easy to get a good deal on them. You don’t have to pay a premium to the one rare dealer that carries the brand’s parts the way you do with some luxury or performance names. Practically every auto shop has Toyota parts or can get them quickly. When it’s time for repairs, the driver is in command and has the power to shop around and compare prices.
Tons of Hybrid Options
Three of the four used models we’ll discuss today have had hybrid variants for quite some time now, and the fourth model has recently received a hybrid option. While it can feel like the conversation around hybrids has just heated up in recent years, Toyota has been ahead of the game, offering these vehicles with electrified powertrains for a long time now. As concerns around fuel prices continue to rise, being able to get a hybrid vehicle at a used car price is very appealing, and Toyota has hybrids in different body styles.
Unmatched Longevity
In a time when it seems like brands keep cutting corners on materials, and things just don’t last like they used to, Toyota vehicles outlast the competition. Many Toyota vehicles are known for having longer lifespans than competitors in their segments, giving drivers more value (aka more miles) for every dollar spent.
#1 – The Camry
The Camry is the best-selling sedan in the US, a position it has consistently held for many years. This midsize sedan is popular because of its famously comfortable cabin and rear legroom. It’s proof that drivers can remain in the sedan segment and still make all passengers happy. Its smooth handling pleases drivers, too.
Another great feature of the Camry is its timeless aesthetic. In fact, it’s what makes a used Camry ideal for professionals who want a stylish vehicle for pulling up to meetings. Toyota did a smart thing by not messing with perfection when it comes to the styling of the Camry. It’s always struck a balance between laid-back and sophisticated that appeals to a range of drivers.
The Camry’s terrific fuel economy in its gas engine models is another perk of this vehicle. Plus, its first hybrid variant debuted back in 2007, so drivers who want the added efficiency of electrification can explore several generations of the Camry and find what they are looking for.
#2 – The RAV4
The 2021 RAV4 won the Kelley Blue Book’s prestigious “Best Buy” award because it delivers excellent value across the board in comfort, durability, capability, and practicality, all for a reasonable price point. That’s true of older generations, too. On the longevity front, the RAV4 impresses. Experts say that it can easily run 250,000 miles when properly maintained. That means you can count on a used model for many years.
The RAV4 is a compact SUV with available all-wheel drive. It combines car-like handling that makes it good for navigating congested streets and getting into tight parking spots, with all-wheel traction that helps you stay in command on slippery roads.
With its solid towing abilities (for a small SUV), the RAV4 packs a lot of possibilities into its small frame. It’s a versatile choice for those looking for a good everyday vehicle and a good adventure vehicle. The RAV4 even got its first hybrid version in 2016, so you can certainly shop pre-owned models if you’re after a hybrid rendition.
#3 – The Highlander
Those needing three rows of seating for up to eight passengers might consider a used Highlander. This people hauler is known for its longevity, too. In fact, some say that with proper care, it can last 300,000 miles. So if you find a well-maintained Highlander with 100,000 miles on it, you can still expect another couple hundred miles of life from it. The Highlander has impressive towing abilities, too. Between its large maximum cargo space (with the rear seats down) and great towing powers, it takes the cake on practicality for those needing to lug a ton of stuff around.
Not many think of a hybrid when they think of a large SUV. But Toyota actually blessed the Highlander family with a hybrid as early as 2005, way ahead of its competition (for reference, Ford and Kia didn’t electrify the Explorer and Sorento until 2020). Traditionally, drivers who needed seating for eight and wanted to shop the pre-owned market had to accept poor fuel economy, but you can now check out several generations of the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
#4 – The Tacoma
The Tacoma is America’s sweetheart of a truck. While not as big or popular as the Ford F-150, it far outshines its competition in sales figures (for reference, in 2022, Toyota sold 215,853 Tacomas, while GM only sold 117,018 Canyons and Colorados, and Ford sold just 56,987 Rangers).
Its midsize frame makes the Tacoma a great everyday truck, getting solid fuel economy for a pickup and offering easy-to-maneuver dimensions. It combines practicality and functionality with safety and comfort. Plus, experts say that a Tacoma can be expected to run for 250,000 miles.
Its diverse menu of trims doesn’t hurt its broad appeal either. The Tacoma has a model for everyone, whether you’re looking for a basic work truck, an aggressive off-roader, or a luxury option. A hybrid Tacoma even arrived for the 2024 model year, although you won’t find many used examples just yet. With a couple of bed size options and some different powertrains to explore, like peppy I-4s and powerful V6s, the Tacoma is a vehicle that many drivers feel they have the power to make their own.
