The 10 easiest used cars to sell for top dollar
When buying a new car, resale value is rarely a priority. But thinking ahead can pay off: getting a bigger return when you sell your car means more money to put toward your next drive.
A vehicle’s reliability, appearance, and overall demand all play a role in how it retains its value. Brands like Toyota and Honda are known for strong resale, while others like Volkswagen and Audi can quickly lose value due to costly repairs and lower reliability.
To help you get the edge, we’ve rounded up 10 of the most popular used cars on the market in 2024. These picks make it easier to know which cars will hold their value and sell quickly when the time comes.
The tables below show the base powertrain specifications for each model, and all images feature 2024 model year vehicles.
Honda Civic
Percentage of total sales of used cars aged 1 to 5 years: 1.5%
|
Engine |
2.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-four |
|---|---|
|
Power |
158 hp |
|
Couple |
138 lb-ft |
|
Generation |
11th |
|
Starting MSRP |
$23,915 |
First of all, a car that probably won’t surprise you. The Honda Civic has been one of America’s favorite compact cars for decades.
It’s easy to see why it’s so popular. The Civic has a long-standing reputation for reliability, especially compared to many domestically produced compact cars.
Toyota RAV4
Percentage of total sales of used cars aged 1 to 5 years: 1.6%
|
Engine |
2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four |
|---|---|
|
Power |
203 hp |
|
Couple |
184 lb-ft |
|
Generation |
Fifth |
|
Starting MSRP |
$28,850 |
Next comes the Toyota RAV4, a vehicle that has gained its popularity thanks to its rock-solid reliability. It even knocked the Ford F-150 off its spot as America’s best-selling vehicle after an incredible 42 years.
As a midsize SUV, the RAV4 offers a perfect blend of space, practicality and everyday usability. It’s easy to see why it’s so beloved and why it’s one of our favorites.
Ford Explorer
Percentage of total sales of used cars aged 1 to 5 years: 1.6%
|
Engine |
2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four |
|---|---|
|
Power |
300 hp |
|
Couple |
310 lb-ft |
|
Generation |
Sixth |
|
Starting MSRP |
$36,760 |
Next comes a model that has been a staple of American SUVs since 1991. The Explorer helped shift the industry from large sedans and minivans to SUVs that were both comfortable and efficient.
Today, the Explorer still enjoys great popularity, and its strong presence on the used market proves it.
Nissan Rogue
Percentage of total sales of used cars aged 1 to 5 years; 1.6%
|
Engine |
1.5-liter turbocharged inline-three |
|---|---|
|
Power |
201 hp |
|
Couple |
225 lb-ft |
|
Generation |
Third |
|
Starting MSRP |
$28,320 |
The Nissan Rogue is currently the brand’s most popular model. As a mid-size SUV, it directly competes with vehicles like the Toyota RAV4.
Unlike the RAV4, the Rogue doesn’t have the same reputation for reliability, in part due to CVT transmission issues in the 2010s. Still, its spacious interior, affordable price, and smart design make it a favorite with buyers.
Toyota Tacoma
Percentage of total sales of used cars aged 1 to 5 years: 1.6%
|
Engine |
2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four |
|---|---|
|
Power |
228 hp |
|
Couple |
243 lb-ft |
|
Generation |
Fourth |
|
Starting MSRP |
$31,500 |
The first pickup on our list is the Toyota Tacoma, the brand’s well-known midsize truck. It arrived in the United States in the mid-1990s and gained customer loyalty thanks to its reliability and versatility.
Modern Tacomas also sport a bold and aggressive look, which is very appealing to most truck buyers.
Toyota Camry
Percentage of total sales of used cars aged 1 to 5 years: 1.7%
|
Engine |
2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four |
|---|---|
|
Power |
203 hp |
|
Couple |
184 lb-ft |
|
Generation |
Ninth |
|
Starting MSRP |
$26,240 |
It’s no surprise that the Toyota Camry is on this list, as it’s still one of the most popular sedans in the United States.
The Camry still offers the perfect blend of practicality, reliability and style. Its five-year resale value is around sixty-four point five of its original price, which is impressive for a sedan in today’s market.
Chevrolet Equinox
Percentage of total sales of used cars aged 1 to 5 years: 1.8%
|
Engine |
1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four |
|---|---|
|
Power |
175 hp |
|
Couple |
203 lb-ft |
|
Generation |
Fourth |
|
Starting MSRP |
$27,995 |
One of the more surprising entries on our list is the Chevrolet Equinox, a midsize SUV that doesn’t have the same history as the RAV4 or Explorer.
Still, it’s popular on the used market thanks to its reputation for reliability, affordable price, and reliable base engine. On top of that, Chevrolet has more than 2,800 service centers across the United States, so help is never far away.
Aries 1500
Percentage of total sales of used cars aged 1 to 5 years: 2.1%
|
Engine |
3.6-liter naturally aspirated V6 |
|---|---|
|
Power |
305 hp |
|
Couple |
273 lb-ft |
|
Generation |
Fifth |
|
Starting MSRP |
$44,165 |
In the United States, it’s no surprise that full-size pickup trucks like the Ram 1500 are among the most popular used vehicles.
Part of their appeal comes from their ruggedness, ease of use and the confidence they provide when driving at heights. Beyond that, trucks are an integral part of American life, and many people love that connection.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Percentage of total sales of used cars aged 1 to 5 years: 2.4%
|
Engine |
2.7-liter turbocharged inline-four |
|---|---|
|
Power |
310 hp |
|
Couple |
430 lb-ft |
|
Generation |
Fourth |
|
Starting MSRP |
$36,800 |
Another full-size truck on our list is the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, a longtime favorite that’s been even more popular than the Ram 1500 for decades.
People can debate endlessly about which full-size truck is better, but the Silverado’s durability is hard to beat. JD Power gives it a score of 84 out of 100, a solid score for a modern pickup.
Ford F-150
Percentage of total sales of used cars aged 1 to 5 years: 3.0%
|
Engine |
2.7-liter turbocharged V6 |
|---|---|
|
Power |
325 hp |
|
Couple |
400 lb-ft |
|
Generation |
14th |
|
Starting MSRP |
$39,060 |
No surprises here: the Ford F-150 tops the list of most popular used vehicles in the United States. It has been the best-selling truck in the United States for 47 years and has held the title of best-selling vehicle for 42 years.
Its popularity has declined slightly in recent years, but the F-150 is still among the best. When it comes to second-hand sales, it’s king, and it should stay that way for years to come.
Sources: Honda, Toyota, Chevrolet, Ram, Ford, Nissan, JD Power, KXAN.com, iSeeCars.com, CarBuzz
