10 Great Used Car Deals for Under $15,000

Dealers across the country are currently looking to shed excess inventory on their lots. As a result, there are plenty of attractive offers out there, and used vehicles in particular can bring modern conveniences at a very reasonable price.

Buying a pre-owned car is not as harrowing an experience as it once was. Today there are a number of vehicles that are several years old yet still feel completely caught up with the times. You can easily find features such as navigation, smartphone integration and adaptive cruise control on the used market at prices that raise eyebrows.

So what can you get from a used car for $15,000 these days? Edmunds' experts sifted through recent transaction data to find 10 examples for your shopping list. From comfortable sedans to versatile SUVs, these vehicles offer a great alternative to more expensive new cars. And since each one has been out for five years or fewer, they are eligible for certified pre-owned warranties that protect your investment.

2015-2017 Ford Fusion

Average used price: $11,412-$15,351

Looking for an affordable sedan that is more premium than its price would let on? The Ford Fusion could be the right fit. It has an elegant exterior design, spacious seating, sharp handling and a smooth ride quality. Get one with the optional turbocharged engine and the Fusion can be downright sporty. It's like getting a European luxury sedan on the cheap.

Plenty of advanced technology and driver assistance features are available too. The infotainment touchscreen (MyFord Touch) in the 2015-2016 Fusion, however, can be frustrating to use. That might be an incentive to get the 2017 Fusion with the superior Sync 3 infotainment system if you can.

See used Ford Fusion models for sale near you

2015-2016 Honda Accord

Average used price: $13,905-$15,815

The versions of the Honda Accord sedan that fall into this price range are from 2015 and 2016, meaning they have since been replaced by a newer Accord that debuted in 2018. But the Accord has been a regular on "Best of the Year" lists for a reason, and these models are no exception.

Accords from this period have smooth and powerful engines combined with a roomy interior and a comfortable ride. You'll find a pleasing level of standard features, such as dual-zone climate control and a rearview camera, on every Accord. Picking one of the more loaded trim levels such as the EX-L also gets you leather upholstery and more advanced safety and technology features.

See used Honda Accord models for sale near you

2016-2019 Chevrolet Cruze

Average used price: $12,643-$14,601

The Chevrolet Cruze is a good choice for an affordable and economical small sedan. Chevrolet introduced the most recent version of the Cruze in 2016, and every model year since then is now available on the used market for under our target price.

While the Cruze isn't quite as refined as, say, a Honda Civic, it's an attractive sedan that offers sporty handling, an easy-to-use infotainment system and a roomy back seat. It's also more affordable than a used Civic, meaning you can get a newer car for the same amount of money. Plenty are for sale on the used market too.

See used Chevy Cruze models for sale near you

2015-2018 Honda Fit

Average used price: $10,962-$15,194

We count the Fit among the darlings of the entire automotive market, what with its easy-to-drive nature that mixes both quickness and fuel efficiency. And don't be fooled by its compact shape — the Fit is a champion of versatility, owing to a multiconfigurable "Magic Seat" in the second row that makes loading and hauling large items a breeze.

Any models following the 2015 redesign are a good bet, and 2018 versions came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and active safety aids. The touchscreen can be finicky, and there isn't a ton of rear headroom. But the Fit is tops when it comes to charm for your buck.

See used Honda Fit models for sale near you

2015 Jeep Cherokee

Average used price: $14,811

The Jeep Cherokee has a bit of a love-it-or-hate-it face, but if you have an eye for the unorthodox, this crossover strikes a nice balance of standard features, ride comfort and everyday usability. It even adds a dab of Jeep's trademark off-road prowess to the mix.

The greatest strengths for the Cherokee are its impressive ride and a load of technology equipment like Bluetooth capability, reclining rear seats and a 5-inch touchscreen. We also like its roomy interior and smooth powertrains. The Cherokee's base engine can be lethargic and rear storage isn't the biggest. On the whole, though, it's an SUV that delivers at this price.

See used Jeep Cherokee models for sale near you

2015-2019 Kia Soul

Average used price: $10,235-$14,672

Few vehicles can match the personality you get from a Kia Soul. This little hatchback has won over car shoppers with its quirky design, spacious interior, and long list of standard features such as Bluetooth connectivity and, in later years, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility.

The fact that such a wide range of model years is available for an average price under $15,000 makes the Soul an anomaly. Shoppers should have little trouble finding the exact features they want to fit their budget. On the downside, the Soul's ride quality can be a little harsh at times, and its fuel economy is below average for a small hatchback.

See used Kia Soul models for sale near you

2015 Mazda CX-5

Average used price: $13,692

The CX-5 has been a runaway smash for Mazda, and it's easy to immediately see why. Even though it was redesigned in 2017, this version still tugs at our heartstrings. It drives much like it looks — athletic, engaging and efficient, the CX-5 delivers on the crossover promise of additional space and utility with dynamic car-like handling.

You might notice some areas for improvement. There are better infotainment and stereo systems in competitors, and the base engine could stand to gain some power. But the CX-5 proved Mazda could stick to its fun-loving principles while setting new standards in comfort, safety and interior quality for the brand that still hold up today.

See used Mazda CX-5 models for sale near you

2014-2016 Nissan Rogue

Average used price: $11,830-$15,414

Looking for a small SUV to fit your active schedule? The Nissan Rogue checks all the boxes. It boasts a roomy interior and a smooth feel on the road. You can find used Rogues with an optional third row of seats, allowing you to seat up to seven people in a pinch, or configurable rear storage that makes securing cargo a breeze.

This era of Rogue also offers a decent number of optional safety features such as a surround-view parking camera system. Drawbacks include lethargic acceleration and real-world fuel economy that rarely matches the EPA's estimates. But this spacious SUV packs in a lot of value.

See used Nissan Rogue models for sale near you

2015 Subaru Forester

Average used price: $14,824

Who doesn't love a Forester? For a certain segment of buyers, it's just about the perfect arrangement. Backed by Subaru's trademark durability and standard all-wheel drive, it's the crossover that can splash through mud or scurry up to a campground and you never have to worry about it.

Of course, the Forester is practical too. This version offered plenty of space, an optional turbo engine, and a number of standard safety and driving assistance features. Like several vehicles on this list, the touchscreen isn't perfect and the base engine gets noisy at higher rpm. But there's a reason the Forester is nearly ubiquitous at a campground near you — it just works.

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2019 Volkswagen Jetta

Average used price: $15,929

The average price of a 2019 Jetta is a little over our threshold, but considering it's nearly a brand-new vehicle, we decided to stretch the rules. Volkswagen issued a completely new Jetta for this model year. The result was an attractive deal then, and an even better one now.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Look for the optional Beats premium audio system, which is fantastic. But the real attraction is a level of ride comfort that is well worth the price of entry. Volkswagen kept costs low with a plasticky interior. Still, the Jetta is equipped for people who spend a lot of time in the car and want to feel at ease doing it.

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