What’s The Best Selling Used Car? A Comparison of the Top 2 of Recent Vehicles – Honda Accord & Toyota Camry
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Written by
Leslie Kasperowicz
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Reviewed by
Joel Ohman
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UPDATED: Nov 15, 2020
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Most people these days search the Internet when they want to purchase something even if it is just to get a gauge of the price.
When it’s a big purchase such as a used car, comparisons are also important so that you can see what you are likely to get for your money.
Table of Contents
You Wanna Know “What is the One Best Used Car?” – not Cars or 20
Inevitably your search – ‘What’s the best selling used car?’ – will come up with variations. Depending on who has compiled the list and which criteria they have used.
That’s exactly what we found when we were researching this too. The searches were sorted into ‘best used cars’, ‘most reliable used cars’, ‘electric cars‘, and Top 10 and Top 20.
Below I have included a list of the top selling cars in the United States for 2018. You can bet the car you are looking for is probably on this list.
| Rank | Make / Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ford F-Series | $28,025 |
| 2 | Chevrolet Silverado | $27,785 |
| 3 | RAM Trucks | $27,890 to $58,170 |
| 4 | Toyota Camry | $23,070 |
| 5 | Honda Civic | $18,740 |
| 6 | Toyota Corolla | $18,500 |
| 7 | Honda CR-V | $24,045 |
| 8 | Toyota RAV4 | $24,910 |
| 9 | Honda Accord | $22,455 |
| 10 | Nissan Rogue | $23,820 |
| 11 | Nissan Altima | $22,500 |
| 12 | Ford Escape | $23,750 |
| 13 | Ford Fusion | $22,610 |
| 14 | Ford Explorer | $31,660 |
| 15 | Chevrolet Equinox | $23,100 |
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Or maybe not!
What I decided was to post the top selling used cars!
Here is the list.
| Rank | Make/Model | Used Price Range (avg) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Honda Accord | $6,000 to $26,000 |
| 2 | Toyota Camry | $8,000 to $31,000 |
| 3 | Nissan Altima | $8,000 to $24,000 |
| 4 | Toyota Corolla | $9,000 to $18,000 |
| 5 | Honda Civic | $9,500 to $25,000 |
| 6 | Ford F-150 | $7,000 to $40,000 |
| 7 | Chevrolet Silverado | $9,600 to $38,000 |
| 8 | Chevrolet Impala | $8,000 to $21,000 |
| 9 | Chevrolet Malibu | $7,500 to $20,000 |
| 10 | Ford Escape | $10,000 to $31,000 |
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First of all we found that for some time the Toyota Camry which held the top spot for used cars since 2007 had been pipped to top spot by the Honda Accord.
Honda Accord is the Top Used Car
This car has been one of the country’s favorite cars since its launch in 1982. Reasons for this include its strengths in safety, comfort and offering good value. It is also a great family car with plenty of interior space and great handling.
Image Credit: Autoblog.com
Note: The 2014 Honda Accord (image above) is the vehicle we are comparing to a brand new Honda. After all of my research the number one used car is the Honda Accord. Depending on miles you can buy one for a little at $11,000.
Specs & Price of New Honda
Below are the specs and price of a new Honda Accord to compare with a used Honda.
| EX-L 4dr Sedan 2.0L 4cyl | Hybrid 4dr Sedan 2.0L 4cyl | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $32,905 | $29,605 |
| Combined MPG | 48 | 48 |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Base Engine Type | hybrid | hybrid |
| Total Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Drive Train | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Mileage Est. (Cty / Hwy) | 49 / 47 mpg | 49 / 47 mpg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.8 gal. | 15.8 gal. |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Range In Miles (Cty / Hwy) | 774.2 / 742.6 mi. | 774.2 / 742.6 mi. |
| Cam Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Horsepower | 212 hp @ 6200 rpm | 212 hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Torque | 232 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm | 232 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm |
| Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Battery | 1.3 kWh lithium-ion | 1.3 kWh lithium-ion |
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Image Credit: Jalopnik
Note: The 2018 Honda Accord doesn’t have a V-6 option or a 2-door model. Beautiful looking vehicles.
Specs & Price Range of Used Honda
Here I’ve included a table list of a used Honda 2014. As you can see there isn’t much a difference.
Only the price, the “new car smell”, and the gas mileage since the comparison is with a hybrid.
| LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl CVT) | EX-L 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl CVT) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $11,000 - $17,000 | $11,000 - $17,500 |
| Combined MPG | 30 | 30 |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Basic Warranty | n/a | n/a |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Total Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Drive Train | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Mileage Est. (Cty / Hwy) | 27/36 mpg | 27/36 mpg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.2 gal. | 17.2 gal. |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Valves | 16 | 16 |
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Toyota Camry is the Second Spot
The Toyota Camry has always appeared high in the super-mini stakes probably because it hits the spot for both reliability and affordability and the fact car insurance for this model is usually cheaper.
Image Credit: Cars.com
Note: After doing some research the top selling used vehicle prior to 2007 was the Toyota Camry (image above). Since then the Accord has taken over the 1st spot. Probably because of the slightly cheaper cost.
Probably one of the reasons is slipped to second behind the Accord is the Camry is a little more pricey overall and for parts.
New Toyota Camry Specs & Price
Below is the price and specs of a Toyota Camry Hybrid. Comparable to the Honda, but we are comparing to a used one.
| XLE 4dr Sedan 2.5L 4cyl | SE 4dr Sedan 2.5L 4cyl | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $30,140 | $27,995 |
| Combined MPG | 38 | 38 |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr. / 36000 mi. | 3 yr. / 36000 mi. |
| Base Engine Type | hybrid | hybrid |
| Total Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Drive Train | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| EPA Mileage Est. (Cty / Hwy) | 40 / 37 mpg | 40 / 37 mpg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.0 gal. | 17.0 gal. |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Range In Miles (Cty / Hwy) | 680.0 / 629.0 mi. | 680.0 / 629.0 mi. |
| Cam Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Horsepower | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Torque | 200 hp @ 5700 rpm | 200 hp @ 5700 rpm |
| Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Battery | Sealed Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) | Sealed Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) |
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Used Camry Specs & Price Comparison
Below is table list of the price and specifications of the Camry. Not much a difference between the new and used. Except for the obvious and a huge amount savings if you decide to go the used car route.
The used Camry is a little more costly than the used Accord by about $3,000 on average.
| SE 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) | LE 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 11/13 (2.5L 4cyl 6A) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $14,967 - $20,729 | $14,967 - $21,729 |
| Combined MPG | 28 | 28 |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr. / 36000 mi. | 3 yr. / 36000 mi. |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Total Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Drive Train | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| EPA Mileage Est. (Cty / Hwy) | 25/35 mpg | 25/35 mpg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.0 gal. | 17.0 gal. |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Cam Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
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Image Credit: Consumer Reports
Note: 2018 Toyota Camry redesign. The MSRP is $24,000. Adding any trim to the vehicle is $1,000 to $1,500 extra. Additional add-ons and features will make the cost of the new Camry about $29,000.
Which Vehicle to Buy is Based on Your Needs & Budget
The list according to What Car? meanwhile still placed the Toyota Camry in the overall number one spot. But because of their categories several other used cars did well too.
These include the Nissan Altima coming out as the best family car with the Honda Civic as the best small family car.
One thing to note is it appears the Toyota Camry seems to hold its value longer than the Accord.
If you’re looking for city car in the small category, then opt for the Honda Accord. But if it’s the other end of the market covering executive and luxury travel, then the Audi A6 is the car for you or the Nissan Pathfinder in the SUV class.
Now You Know Which Used Vehicles Top the List
What this does is confirm there is plenty of information out there with reviews covering many categories to give you a full, overall picture of just about any car you might be considering.
It’s up to you to narrow it down according to the criteria most important to you be it size, fuel consumption, oh and of course price range for the used model.
And don’t forget the CarFax!
Hold Old of Vehicle Should I Buy?
My own personal preference when buying a used vehicle is one that is 3 to 4 year old. I used to say 2 year, but vehicles are so well made now that 3 to 4 years is best for depreciation and value.
Next on the check list is how to finance your purchase. If you don’t have the cash up front there are many banks who will help you with a car loan so that you can purchase the used car of your dreams.
Whatever you do don’t get a loan from a dealership!
Think about what you can sensibly afford to pay back and don’t forget the other expenses which you will incur when buying a car such as the car tax and insurance and of course reserves for maintenance and unforeseen costs.
If a bank will not give you a loan, you can also search online for companies that can organize used car loans for you taking the search headache out of the equation.
After all you’ve done all that hard work researching which car!
And if you are like me – buying used to save a ton of cash…make sure you don’t get ripped off through a bad loan!
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