Which Is Right For You?
New doesn’t always mean better—especially with cars. Some rides are built to impress in the showroom, while others are total value traps. If you want the best deal without buyer’s remorse, here’s your guide to which models are showroom-worthy and which ones truly shine secondhand. Let’s start with the models best bought from a showroom.
1. 2025 Toyota Camry
Toyota refined the 2025 Camry’s hybrid powertrain, improving efficiency to achieve an EPA-estimated 53 mpg city and 50 mpg highway for the LE FWD. It’s also packed with standard safety tech, such as Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0).
2. 2025 Ford F-150
The 2025 model comes with smarter towing systems. For instance, the 3.5L EcoBoost® V6 delivers a towing capacity of 13,500 lbs, and the Hybrid PowerBoost™ offers up to 11,200 lbs. Select trims even include Hands-Free Driving for semi-autonomous towing.
2025 Ford F-150 Lariat - Is It The ULTIMATE Full Size Truck? by Vehicle Visionary
3. 2025 Tesla Model 3
Buying the latest Model 3 ensures access to upgraded battery technology, extended range, 0–60 mph acceleration in 2.9 seconds (Performance AWD), and all new software updates, including enhanced Autopilot features. Older models lack these refinements, making the 2025 version the most advanced.
10 Reasons to Buy a TESLA Model 3 in 2025 by Vegas Tesla Family
4. 2025 Subaru Outback
Subaru's newest Outback adds upgraded EyeSight safety and a sleeker infotainment interface. It’s built for outdoor lovers, sure, but the tech-forward cabin that features a standard dual 7-inch or an available 11.6-inch SUBARU STARLINK Multimedia touchscreen is just as appealing.
2025 Subaru Outback -- What's NEW for 2025?? (More Standard Features!) by Car Confections
5. 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
The newest RAV4 Hybrid improves efficiency and handling. It has better regenerative braking and smarter AWD. The 2025 RAV4 Hybrid achieves an EPA-estimated 41 MPG (city) for LE, XLE, XLE Premium, SE, XSE, and Limited trims.
6. 2025 Honda CR-V
The redesigned CR-V feels almost like a mini luxury SUV. It has top-notch tech capabilities, including a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay®, and Android Auto™. Honda also recently introduced a smoother hybrid system.
7. 2025 Mazda CX-5
The 2025 CX-5 offers refined handling with a standard 2.5L engine. It features a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay on Carbon Edition trims. This model balances sporty performance with upgraded interior comfort for daily driving ease.
2025 Mazda CX-5 Review: A Timeless Driver's Choice by CarGurus
8. 2025 Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai went bold with the Tucson’s redesign. The newest model stands out for its tech-rich cabin with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Add to that a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian/Cyclist/Junction Turning Detection.
2025 Hyundai Tucson | MotorWeek Road Test by MotorWeek
9. 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 features a redesigned interior with a digital dash and enhanced trailering technology, including up to 14 camera views. These upgrades offer immediate benefits over older models.
2025 Chevrolet Silverado - Why It’s BETTER Than The Competition by Vehicle Visionary
10. 2025 Honda Accord
This latest generation refines performance with a smoother 204 HP hybrid, achieving up to 51 city/44 highway/48 combined MPG (EX-L Hybrid). Tech includes a standard 7-inch or available 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless CarPlay/Android Auto on most trims. This new Accord is a smart long-term choice over older models.
The 2025 Updated Honda Accord Is Better Than You Think by Sean Chandler
While these cars are best for buying first-hand, sometimes, the smartest deal comes with a car that’s been run a few miles and still offers great value.
1. 2018 Chevrolet Malibu
The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu offers midsize comfort with EPA-estimated up to 27 city/36 highway MPG from its 1.5L turbo engine. It has a surprisingly upscale interior that features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Often overlooked, you can find cleaner models at a lower price.
2. 2017 Hyundai Sonata
The 2017 Sonata hits that budget sweet spot with features that still hold up. Under the hood, it offers a 2.4L engine or a turbocharged 2.0L option for extra zip. Inside, you get Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, blind-spot monitoring, and a roomy 16.3 cu. Ft. trunk.
Alistair Fernandez on Wikimedia
3. 2015 RAM 1500
This car offers serious value with a coil-spring rear suspension, delivering a smoother ride than many leaf-spring rivals. The 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 achieves an EPA-estimated 20 city/28 highway MPG for 2WD. You’ll also appreciate the rugged performance and a refined cabin made of high-quality material.
4. 2015 Toyota Tacoma
Midsize but mighty, the 2015 handles off-road adventures like a champ and rarely lets you down mechanically. It offers reliable 2.7L I4 or 4.0L V6 engines, while the 2024/2025 models feature a 2.4L turbo with up to 278 HP or a hybrid i-FORCE MAX at 326 HP.
5. 2019 Tesla Model 3
Early adopters paid the premium, so you don’t have to. The 2019 Tesla Model 3 features a distinctive, minimalist cabin dominated by a large, centrally mounted 15-inch touchscreen display. It’s quick, and thanks to Tesla’s OTA updates, it feels newer than it is.
6. 2017 Ford Escape
This compact SUV is affordable and easy to find in good condition. The 2017 Escape has up to 68 cu. Ft. of cargo space, and the rear seats also fold down. Certain trims feature an available turbocharged engine, such as the 1.5-liter EcoBoost, which delivers enhanced acceleration.
7. 2017 Kia Sorento
The 2017 Kia Sorento typically ranges from $13,700 to $20,000 used, though well-maintained models may reach $25,000. It earned an NHTSA 5-star overall safety rating. Optional all-wheel drive enhances its versatility for daily and longer journeys without excessive cost.
8. 2016 Nissan Rogue
A used one ranges from $13,000 to $19,000 and has up to 33 MPG highway from its 2.5L four-cylinder engine. The 2016 Rogue features enhanced sound-dampening for a quieter ride, per Nissan’s 2016 updates.
9. 2015 Ford Edge
The 2015 Ford Edge is a midsize SUV that blends comfort with power. It has a refined interior and a standard 2.0L EcoBoost I-4 (245 hp), with an optional 3.5L V6 (280 hp) or 2.7L EcoBoost V6 (315 hp). All of this comes with a six-speed automatic.
10. 2014 Chevrolet Equinox
The 2014 Equinox features a spacious interior that has up to 63.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The compact dimensions (187.8 inches in length) enhance city maneuverability, while its fuel efficiency averages around 23 MPG combined.
