7 Best Toyotas to Buy Used for a Great Deal in 2024
When it comes to buying a used car Toyota consistently ranks as a top choice thanks to its legendary reliability strong resale value and impressive longevity. Whether you’re looking for a sedan SUV or a pickup Toyota offers a wide variety of models that are sure to meet your needs without breaking the bank. In this article we'll dive into the 7 best Toyota models to buy used today along with their pros cons and a little dose of humor to keep things light. So buckle up and get ready to find your next used Toyota!
Toyota Camry – The All-Time Favorite
Why the Camry?
The Toyota Camry has long been America’s favorite sedan and for good reason. This mid-size sedan offers smooth handling great fuel efficiency and superb reliability making it one of the most sought-after used cars on the market. It's the kind of car that makes you feel like a responsible adult without having to give up all the fun.
Key Features
- Engine Options: Reliable 4-cylinder and V6 engines
- Fuel Efficiency: 28-39 mpg depending on the model year and engine type
- Safety: Excellent safety ratings across all years
- Interior: Spacious comfortable with intuitive controls
Potential Drawbacks
- Not the Flashiest: Driving a Camry is like wearing sensible shoes You know it’s the right choice but you’re not going to turn any heads
- The Infotainment System: Some older models feel like you’re trying to text on a flip phone while driving
Fun Fact: A used Camry might be the only car on earth that your grandma and your teenage niece will agree is “pretty cool.”
Toyota Corolla – The Practical Pick
Why the Corolla?
If you’re looking for reliability on a budget the Corolla is your go-to. This compact sedan is perfect for first-time buyers daily commuters and anyone who just wants a no-fuss car that won’t die on them. It’s like the goldfish of cars easy to take care of and it'll just keep going even if you forget about it for a while.
Key Features
- Fuel Efficiency: 30-40 mpg depending on the model year
- Low Maintenance Costs: Cheap parts and repairs
- Compact Size: Perfect for city driving and tight parking spots
- Safety: Solid safety ratings for a small sedan
Potential Drawbacks
- Performance: Let's just say the Corolla won’t win any drag races but you’ll get to your destination with an extra $50 in your pocket from all the gas you saved
- Interior Design: Simple to the point of feeling like a rental car
Quote from Alex Collantes: "The Corolla is the kind of car that makes you feel good about not overspending while still getting everything you need."
Toyota RAV4 – The All-Rounder SUV
Why the RAV4?
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV that does just about everything right. It’s roomy without being huge reliable without being boring and fuel-efficient enough to make your hybrid friends jealous. You could fit your family your dog and a weekend’s worth of camping gear in there without feeling cramped.
Key Features
- Versatile Cargo Space: Foldable rear seats for larger items
- AWD Available: Great for those winter months or off-road adventures
- Fuel Efficiency: Around 24-35 mpg depending on the year and engine type
- High Resale Value: This baby holds its value like a champ
Potential Drawbacks
- Road Noise: Some models are noisier than a toddler on a sugar high
- Driving Experience: It handles well but it’s not exactly a thrill ride
Humorous Twist: Think of the RAV4 as the reliable friend who always shows up on time but will never be the life of the party.
Toyota Highlander – The Family-Focused SUV
Why the Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander is perfect if you need more space and comfort for your family without jumping into minivan territory. With seating for up to eight and plenty of advanced safety features the Highlander is the SUV that screams “I’m a responsible parent” but in a good way.
Key Features
- V6 Engine: Solid power without feeling sluggish
- Third-Row Seating: Extra room for kids or your in-laws (if you must)
- Reliability: High resale value due to Toyota’s build quality
- Safety Features: Blind-spot monitoring adaptive cruise control and more
Potential Drawbacks
- Gas Guzzler: The Highlander has the appetite of a teenage football player when it comes to fuel
- Third-Row Space: If you’re over 5'7" good luck fitting back there comfortably
Humorous Twist: The third row is great for “optional” passengers aka people you wouldn’t mind losing legroom for.
Toyota Tacoma – The Compact Truck King
Why the Tacoma?
For those who need a little more power in their lives the Toyota Tacoma is the perfect compact pickup that gets the job done without the bulk of a full-size truck. It’s the kind of truck that lets you haul your stuff take on a dirt trail and still fit in a city parking spot without sweating.
Key Features
- Engine Options: 4-cylinder and V6 available
- Off-Road Capabilities: TRD Pro models are perfect for adventure seekers
- Durability: Tacomas are known to run forever seriously some have passed 300K miles
- Resale Value: You’ll probably make money off it if you ever sell it
Potential Drawbacks
- Ride Comfort: Feels like sitting on a moving park bench if you’re going off-road
- Cab Size: If you’re tall sitting in the back seat is a test of your yoga flexibility
Humorous Twist: The Tacoma is the truck for people who want to feel rugged but still want to be able to find a Starbucks in under 5 minutes.
Toyota Prius – The Eco-Friendly Hero
Why the Prius?
The Toyota Prius is the hybrid that put hybrids on the map. For those who prioritize fuel economy and environmental impact the Prius is the used car that offers both. Plus it’s like wearing a badge that says “Look at me I care about the planet” even if you’ve been to a drive-thru three times this week.
Key Features
- Fuel Efficiency: Up to 50+ mpg depending on the model year
- Hybrid Tech: Seamless transition between electric and gas power
- Spacious Interior: Surprisingly roomy for a compact hybrid
- Low Maintenance Costs: The battery’s long-lasting and cheaper to replace than most people think
Potential Drawbacks
- Acceleration: The Prius goes from 0 to 60 eventually
- Design: You’ll get mistaken for an Uber driver 9 times out of 10
Humorous Twist: Driving a Prius is like wearing socks with sandals you know it’s the right choice but that doesn’t stop the judgmental looks.
Toyota 4Runner – The Adventurer’s Best Friend
Why the 4Runner?
If you’re the kind of person who hears “off-road” and thinks “challenge accepted” the Toyota 4Runner is your perfect match. This mid-size SUV is built to take on rugged terrains with excellent ground clearance and off-road capabilities that make it look like it’s just getting started even after 200K miles.
Key Features
- Body-on-Frame Construction: Built tough like a pickup but with the utility of an SUV
- Off-Road Features: Crawl control locking rear differentials
- Towing Capacity: Can tow up to 5000 lbs depending on the model year
- Interior Space: Plenty of room for gear or your whole crew
Potential Drawbacks
- Fuel Efficiency: Think of it like drinking a milkshake with a broken straw lots of effort not much result
- Handling: Maneuvering it around the city feels like steering a boat through a kiddie pool
Humorous Twist: The 4Runner’s the car equivalent of that one friend who insists on doing everything the hard way just because they can.
Final Thoughts
Toyota offers a wide range of used cars that cater to every kind of driver. Whether you’re looking for fuel efficiency reliability or off-road capabilities Toyota’s lineup has something for everyone. For the best Toyota to buy used look no further than these solid options all of which have been trusted by millions worldwide.
Alex Collantes’ Opinion: “These Toyotas aren’t just cars they’re investments in peace of mind. If you want a car that you can pass down to your kids look no further.”
For more insights on the most reliable used Toyotas check out this guide to find the best Toyota to buy used.
So next time you’re on the market for a used vehicle think Toyota because buying one means you're not just buying a car you’re buying years of worry-free driving.