The Best Used Cars You Can Get Under $40,000

By

Andreas Jones

Hey! I’m Andreas Jones and I am the founder of KindaFrugal.com. I’m passionate about all things personal finance, side hustles, making extra money, and lifestyle businesses. I have been featured in major publications such as Forbes, Entrepreneur On Fire, Lifehack.org, Influencive and Goalcast.

| Published on September 8, 2024

The Best Used Cars You Can Get Under $40,000

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Buying a vehicle is such a fun experience as you get to look for the perfect vehicle for your needs. That being said, as the price of new vehicles can shock people, finding a used option is a smart and economical choice.

With digital maintenance records through sites like Carfax, it’s easier to feel confident knowing the history behind the vehicle you’re buying. No one likes surprises, especially when it could mean a monetary or safety hazard for you and your loved ones.

In this article, we will explore a diverse range of the best used cars under $40,000, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

best used cars: Audi Q5 (2017-2019)

Audi Q5

The Audi Q5 is a luxury SUV you can pick up for under $40,000. It has a premium interior, a sophisticated Audi touch, a sleek and modern exterior design, and a powerful engine that matches.

The 2017 to 2019 model year of the Audi Q5 offers many features, such as the turbocharged motor, the Quattro all-wheel-drive system, and a bunch of tech features, including the virtual cockpit and advanced safety features.

Chevrolet Tahoe (2016-2019)

Chevrolet Tahoe

This all-American family SUV offers so much for your money. With a well-equipped and spacious interior for the whole family, an enormous towing capacity, and cargo space, this SUV is perfect for the person who needs an SUV to fit the whole family.

The Chevrolet Tahoe comes in various engine options, but most people want that classic V8 sound, plus it gives you that power to tow. The 2016 to 2019 model years offer the best value for your money.

Honda Accord (2018-2021)

Honda Accord

This midsize family sedan from Honda has the reliability and ride quality many want. The Honda Accord is praised for its spacious interior, strong engine, and reliability, making it perfect for daily commuters.

The 2018 to 2021 model years of the Honda Accord offer a great range of modern safety features and technology, making it a perfect used car to pick up.

BMW 3 Series (2017-2019)

BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3 Series is perfect for the person who wants a sedan as a daily driver yet can still be a fun and sporty car when needed. With its modern, sleek interior and powerful motor, you can enjoy your daily commute in the 3 Series.

Picking the right year of the BMW 3 Series is a challenge, but the best choice for you is the 2017 to 2019 model years, as you get a range of options. Options include the M-performance packages and upgraded interiors, so you can easily find the right 3 Series.

Ford F-150 (2017-2020)

Ford F-150 (2017-2020)

The Ford F-150 is one of the most sold vehicles currently on the market. This truck is reliable and versatile, so you can easily haul your family or work with it. The truck has a comfortable and modern cabin with many features.

One of the great things about the Ford F-150 is the range of options available. The 2017 to 2020 model years offer a massive range of motors and vehicle configurations.

Lexus RX 350 (2016-2019)

Lexus RX 350

This luxury SUV from Japan offers you so much for under $40,000. With a smooth and comfortable ride, high-quality interior materials, and a big boot, the Lexus RX 350 is an excellent option for someone in the market for an SUV.

Between 2016 and 2019, the Lexus RX 350 was packed with safety-related technologies and advanced driver aids, ensuring your safety on the road.

Mazda CX-5 (2018-2021)

Mazda CX-5 (2018-2021)

The Mazda CX-5 is considered one of the best compact SUVs on the market because of its premium interior, outstanding performance, and beautiful exterior. This SUV is perfect for a family looking for a reliable and great-looking SUV.

The 2018 to 2021 Mazda CX-5 is designed with performance in mind. It features a turbo version of the motor that makes this SUV feel sporty and fun to drive, perfect for those who love adventure.

Subaru Outback (2018-2021)

Subaru Outback (2018-2021)

The Subaru Outback is built for people who want to adventure and explore off-road tracks. With the all-wheel drive system that made Subaru famous, you can conquer anything with this SUV.

The 2028 to 2021 Subaru Outback offers a lot, such as spacious cargo capacity, an excellent safety rating, a powerful boxer-four motor, and solid build quality. The 2020 redesign also provides more tech offerings and an upgraded interior.

Tesla Model 3 (2018-2020)

Tesla Model 3 (2018-2020)

If you are looking for an affordable, beautiful, fun electric vehicle, the Tesla Model 3 has everything. This EV is right for you with its sleek, modern exterior and clean interior. Plus, you get access to the Tesla Supercharging station network.

The 2018 to 2020 Tesla Model 3 is a great choice at a great price. These model years offer a great range, fast acceleration, and great technology.

Toyota Camry (2018-2021)

Toyota Camry (2018-2021)

No list of the best-used cars is complete without talking about a Toyota. The Toyota Camry, known for its reliability, comfort, and great looks, is a secure choice for anyone needing a sedan.

The Camry model years from 2018 to 2021 are the ones you should look for. These years offer a refined ride, a great fuel economy rating, many modern safety features, and many creature comforts to make this car enjoyable to drive.

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As someone of above-average height, I can tell you that driving a compact car is not only uncomfortable, but it’s also always the safest. It makes blind spots more common, making it hard to see streetlights without disjointing my neck. Car shopping has always been a hassle, and I wish I had this information before I started test-driving multiple cars. These are some of the best vehicles for those taller than their fellow drivers.

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