When it comes to buying in the used car market, most potential consumers value reliability above all else. Used vehicles are typically much cheaper than their new counterparts, but it comes with the risk of not knowing how well the previous owner executed the maintenance, together with the fact that you’re unlikely to have a comprehensive warranty package when you take ownership.
Thankfully, there are some viable options currently sitting in used car lots, from SUVs to sedans, that will keep you going with very basic maintenance requirements. This makes them the most attractive cars that you can currently consider, as there’s a strong likelihood that they will run forever.
The models in this list have been extensively researched to ensure the most accurate information possible as of the time of publishing. Models are listed in ascending order from least to most reliable.
2020 Kia Rio
Reliability Score: N/A
The 2020 Kia Rio doesn’t earn a quality and reliability rating from J.D. Power either, but it does score a 78/100 consumer-verified overall score, including 81/100 for the driving experience and 75/100 for resale. The model now sells for $9,092 to $10,341, which is a fair amount less than its $15,850 MSRP when new.
Kia Rio Reliability
The 2020 Kia Rio’s reliability sits around average for subcompact cars, with RepairPal giving it 4/5. Consumer reviews are mixed, as many owners report few major issues and good everyday use, while some note occasional transmission hesitation, infotainment bugs, or acceleration quirks. There’s one recall for brake master cylinder performance, and wider owner complaints include stalling or shifting oddities in some cases. iSeeCars indicates that the model will cover 7.6 years and 111,245 miles with a 2.6 percent probability of reaching 200,000 miles.
2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Reliability Score: N/A
The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a renowned crossover option, primarily thanks to its impressive reliability standards. J.D. Power doesn’t issue this model with a quality and reliability score, but it earns an 82/100 consumer-verified overall score, with 87/100 for the driving experience and 76/100 for resale. You can pick a five-year-old model up for anywhere between $11,613 and $15,889, depending on the mileage, condition, and specification. Pricing started at $22,595 when it was new.
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Reliability
The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport’s reliability sits in the mid-range among compact SUVs, with RepairPal rating it around 3.5/5 and annual repair costs slightly below average, suggesting modest unscheduled repair frequency and costs. Owner reports vary widely, with some reporting dependable use with few issues, while others cite CVT quirks, occasional infotainment complaints, and isolated electrical glitches. One recall covers transmission control software. iSeeCars indicates the 2020 Outlander Sport will cover an average lifespan of 11.2 years or 148,485 miles with a 10.4 percent probability of reaching 200,000 miles.
2020 Toyota Yaris
Reliability Score: 79/100
The now-defunct 2020 Toyota Yaris remains an impressive subcompact sedan option if you prioritize reliability. J.D. Power issues the model with an 81/100 consumer-verified overall score, which includes 79/100 for quality and reliability, 85/100 for the driving experience, and 76/100 for resale. You can pick these up for as little as $12,002 to $14,542, which isn’t too far off from its $15,650 starting price in 2020.
Toyota Yaris Reliability
The 2020 Toyota Yaris shows strong reliability for a subcompact car with a high RepairPal score of 4.5/5 and positive owner feedback praising its dependable daily use and low running costs. Most owners report few major issues and recommend it for basic transport, with consumer ratings often highlighting solid reliability. A recall touched the fuel system but doesn’t appear to signal widespread failure, and common complaints tend to be minor, like vibration, occasional transmission quirks, or belt latch issues in a few cars. iSeeCars highlights a 10.4-year or 145,779-mile average lifespan for the ’20 Yaris, with a 17.9 percent probability of reaching 200,000 miles.
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2020 Volkswagen Passat
Reliability Score: 81/100
The 2020 Volkswagen Passat is one of the most dependable options that you can consider in the used market, which is surprising considering the German brand had to bring its production to an end due to poor demand. J.D. Power issues this model with an 85/100 consumer-verified overall score, consisting of 81/100 for quality and reliability, 79/100 for the driving experience, and 90/100 for resale.
Volkswagen Passat Reliability
The 2020 Volkswagen Passat’s reliability is mixed with an overall above-average RepairPal score of about 4/5 and average annual repair costs near $639, suggesting uncommon major issues but an average frequency of smaller faults. Owner feedback on sites like Kelley Blue Book shows many drivers rate reliability around 4.2/5 and recommend the car, praising everyday dependability. There are at least three recalls for airbags and lighting, and some owners report sporadic engine or suspension faults. iSeeCars reveals that you can expect to cover 10.3 years or 136,706 miles of driving without experiencing mechanical faults, with an 8.6 percent probability of the 2020 Passat reaching 200,000 miles.
2020 Infiniti Q50
Reliability Score: 81/100
The 2020 Infiniti Q50 may be a premium car option, but its Nissan-based drivetrains make it one of the most underrated options in its class in terms of reliability. J.D. Power awards the model an 80/100 consumer-verified overall score, including 81/100 for quality and reliability, 73/100 for the driving experience, and 79/100 for resale. 2020 model years currently sell for anywhere between $15,740 and $30,882. When new, you would have spent at least $36,400 for the base Q50 Pure model.
Infiniti Q50 Reliability
The 2020 Infiniti Q50 holds above-average reliability for its class with a RepairPal score of 4/5 and a ranking in the top tier of luxury midsize cars, low annual unscheduled repair frequency, and moderate annual costs reported by owners. Real-world owner reviews also skew positive, with many reporting few issues and high satisfaction, though some note occasional electronics or infotainment glitches. iSeeCars indicates it will cover an average lifespan of 12.8 years and 143,391 miles with a 13.7 percent probability of reaching 200,000 miles.
2020 Mazda3
Reliability Score: 82/100
The 2020 Mazda3 range is an exceptional hatch and sedan offering if you value reliability with a premium feel. J.D. Power awards the model an 82/100 consumer-verified overall score, including 82/100 for quality and reliability, 83/100 for the driving experience, and 80/100 for resale. People are currently paying $13,930 to $19,487 for this model year. When new, you would have spent $21,500 for the base sedan.
Mazda3 Reliability
The 2020 Mazda3 hatch and sedan deliver solid reliability, with RepairPal giving the model about 4/5 and ranking it well among compact cars, and KBB owner feedback showing roughly 4.2/5 reliability scores, with many owners recommending the 2020 Mazda3 for everyday driving. There are recalls for brake caliper bolts and false automatic braking alerts, but long-term mechanical failures aren’t widespread. Some owners report isolated issues like transmission quirks or electronics glitches, yet overall, it holds up well with regular maintenance. iSeeCars suggests that the model will last 10.7 years or 137,250 miles with a 10.5 percent probability of reaching 200,000 miles.
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2020 Honda Fit
Reliability Score: 84/100
The 2020 Honda Fit has grown a cult following in recent times, despite poor demand in the new car market, ultimately leading to its demise in the U.S. The final model year of the generation earns a 74/100 consumer-verified overall score, including 84/100 for quality and reliability, 71/100 for the driving experience, and 77/100 for resale. These typically sell for anywhere between $14,012 and $18,800, which is incredible considering how pricing started at $16,190 when new.
Honda Fit Reliability
The 2020 Honda Fit shows strong reliability overall, with Kelley Blue Book owners rating it 4.6/5 and most drivers recommending it for dependable daily use. Independent data suggests its problem reports per thousand vehicles stay low compared with many peers. There are multiple recalls, including rear-camera and airbag sensor campaigns, but these don’t flag widespread mechanical failures. Real-world ownership comments tend to highlight solid reliability with occasional minor issues like rattles, climate quirks, or infotainment glitches.
2020 Toyota Corolla
Reliability Score: 85/100
The 2020 Toyota Corolla is an obvious inclusion on this list, as it benefits from a longstanding reputation of being a trustworthy car. J.D. Power issues it with an 82/100 consumer-verified overall score, including 85/100 for quality and reliability, 79/100 for the driving experience, and 79/100 for resale. You can pick one up for anywhere between $14,757 and $19,891, which is fairly impressive considering pricing started at $19,600 when new.
Toyota Corolla Reliability
The 2020 Toyota Corolla has a strong reputation for reliability and ranks near the top of compact cars with a high RepairPal score of 4.5/5 and positive owner-based reliability feedback. Consumer reviews often highlight dependable operation with few major issues reported over typical ownership, and many owners recommend the 2020 Corolla for everyday use. Toyota issued a handful of recalls, but nothing that undermines overall durability, and most problems tend to be minor, like infotainment or accessory glitches rather than core mechanical failures. iSeeCars indicates that the model will cover 11.2 years or 148,105 miles without facing any noteworthy mechanical issues, with a 17.1 percent probability of reaching 200,000 miles.
2020 Honda Civic
Reliability Score: 86/100
The 2020 Honda Civic is easily one of the safest bets that you can consider if you want a used car that’ll last with basic maintenance. J.D. Power awards this model an 85/100 consumer-verified overall score, which includes 86/100 for quality and reliability, 86/100 for the driving experience, and 82/100 for resale. Pricing for this model ranges between $17,973 and $25,661, highlighting impressive value retention, considering pricing started at $20,000 when new.
Honda Civic Reliability
The 2020 Honda Civic holds generally solid reliability with a RepairPal score of 4.5/5 and average annual repair costs low for compact cars, showing above-average ownership dependability. Consumer surveys put reliability around average relative to peers and list some issues like electronics or exhaust complaints, and the 2020 Civic has multiple recalls covering fuel pumps, brakes, and airbag sensors. iSeeCars says that the model will cover an average lifespan of 13.5 years and 163,492 miles with a 27.5 percent probability of reaching 200,000 miles.
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2020 Buick Encore
Reliability Score: 90/100
The 2020 Buick Encore scores an incredibly high 84/100 consumer-verified overall score, including 90/100 for quality and reliability, 79/100 for the driving experience, and 75/100 for resale. $11,083 to $16,532 is what you’ll pay for a five-year-old model, down from the $23,200 MSRP when new.
Buick Encore Reliability
The 2020 Buick Encore’s reliability sits around average to above average for a subcompact SUV with a RepairPal score of about 4/5 and moderate annual repair costs, suggesting relatively low unscheduled issues. Consumer owner reviews on Kelley Blue Book show decent reliability ratings, with many owners satisfied, though some note underpowered acceleration and occasional quality complaints. Some reported problems include infotainment bugs, rough shifting in the transmission, brake issues, and a few recalls, like missing bolts in the start-stop system. According to iSeeCars, you can expect an 11.8-year or 135,716-mile average lifespan with a 3.7 percent probability of reaching 200,000 miles.