If you are considering purchasing a used car, you might be researching many options. You are likely looking for something affordable, reliable, and easy on the eyes.
If you need some help narrowing down your list, you are in luck. J.D. Power has released its reliability rankings for the used car market. The scores are ranked out of 100, and these are some of the top earners to look for in 2024.
1. 2023 Honda Accord/Accord Hybrid
The Honda Accord has competed with the Toyota Camry for the top spot in the midsize sedan ratings. This year, it edged its nemesis with an 83 out of 100 in the J.D. Power Score Ratings.
The car still shines and offers drivers top-notch tech features. The downside is the price. It is the most expensive in its class, costing more than the Altima, Camry, Optima, Sonota, and Legacy.
2. 2023 Kia K5
Whatever Kia is doing in the warehouse, other automakers need to start taking notes. They consistently show up on these types of lists. The K5 is the first Kia on this one, but there are more coming.
The Kia K5 was designed to compete with the Camry, which is exactly what it has done. With a price tag of $26,000, it is cheaper than its competition of the same year and has similar features. It also scores an 84 out of 100 in reliability, also rivaling the pricier Camry.
3. 2023 Nissan Altima
The midsize Altima has become accustomed to being second to the more popular Camry and Accord, but that might change in 2024. The sedan has an easy-to-use infotainment system,blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and driver drowsiness monitoring.
The Altima won’t leave you hanging at the pump, either. It can achieve a range of 27 to 39 miles per gallon, depending on the driving conditions. Add the leather interior and technology package, and the Altima is a great buy for a used car. Plus, it has a rating of 84 out of 100.
4. 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda Miata is one of the few sports cars that made the list of most reliable cars in 2024. The two-seater roadster earned this acclaim. In terms of reliability rating for sports cars, it consistently outperforms bigger names like the Mustang, Camaro, Impreza, and Supra.
If you are in the market for a convertible coupe, check out the Miata. It is hip, quick, and ready for a cruise down the coast while avoiding the tow trucks at all costs.
5. 2020 Toyota Corolla
Expect to see Toyota at the top of most of these reliability lists. The 2020 Corolla also ranks among the best compact sedans in terms of miles per gallon and maintenance costs.
The average price of this 4-year-old car is around $16,000. That is a steal for a vehicle that averages $360 a year in service fees and scores an 85 in reliability.
6. 2018 Toyota Camry
Right off the bat, we get another Toyota. This time, it is the larger Camry sedan. The Camry has always combined style, performance, and functionality, but the 2018 model has taken reliability to another level.
Standard features in the 2018 model include lane departure warning, four-wheel ABS, stability control, and traction control to keep you and your family safe. You will feel safe cruising in this Toyota, which has an 85-point score and an average cost of just under $20k.
7. 2019 Mini Cooper Hardtop
The Mini has no shortage of retro style. It is also well-built and rarely spends time in the auto shop, making it highly attractive to second-hand buyers.
The car has seen two recalls, both of which were sensors and easy fixes. Still, you can rest assured that you are in safe hands if you purchase a used Mini. They have an 85-point score and can be bought for around $27,000.
8. 2021 Lexus IS
Lexus has worked hard to earn the reputation of building reliable and luxurious cars. The 2021 Lexus IS embodies both of these features. Standard safety features include blind spot assist, lane departure warning, and daytime running lights. Add this to a spacious cabin and refined technology, and you have an exceptional used car.
New buyers should expect to spend only $500 on yearly maintenance costs, far less than other luxury SUVs. With a score of 85, you can drive around with the piece of mind knowing you bought a quality vehicle.
9. 2022 Kia Forte
As we mentioned before, Kia has really stepped up its game in the past couple of decades. It has built luxury-looking vehicles while maintaining its price points and industry-leading safety standards. The Forte, one of its flagship models, is the epitome of what it stands for.
Certified Pre-Owned Kias still qualify for their 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, one of their unique features. When all these features were combined, the Forte earned an 87-point score.
10. 2021 BMW 4 Series
When you think of a BMW, you think of elegance and fine-tuning. The bonus of it being one of the most reliable cars on the market proves it is a finely made automobile.
Choosing to drive the 4 Series will give you a smooth ride and reduce your trips to the mechanic. It is one of the few luxury cars on this list, but with a score of 87, we couldn’t omit the model. If you want sophistication and performance, look no further than the 4 Series.
11. 2023 Genesis G80
Genesis has been striving to compete with their German automakers, Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. The Genesis G80 is a luxury car with a rare 10-year/100,000-mile warranty. That alone should earn the G80 a spot on this list.
The 300-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, rear-wheel drive, also scored an impressive 87 out of 100 in the J.D. Power Rankings. With an average price tag of $75,000, Genesis should begin to compete with higher-priced automobiles.
12. 2019 Kia Rio
It’s no surprise we see another Kia on the list; the Korean auto manufacturer prioritizes reliability over all else. Their compact model is perfect for drivers on a budget, as the average cost is just $14,000.
For that price, you will get an extended warranty if it is certified pre-owned. Plus, you will have the comfort of mind knowing you are driving a car with a reliability score of 91, one of the highest scores J.D. Power gives out each year.
13. 2021 Chrysler 300
There aren’t many cars that provide a cloud-like ride with the ability to burn rubber like the Chrysler 300. With over 300 horsepower under the hood, this sedan can hold its own off the starting line.
Inside the vehicle, you can sit comfortably — not because of the ergo dynamic seats (although they help), but because you know you are driving a reliable car. Owners can expect to spend around $600 monthly on expenses, as it was given a J.D. Power score of 92!
14. 2019 Porsche 911
Sports cars are worth a hefty price tag due to their performance and consistency. Porsche has always prided itself on building precision-driving machines, so it is no surprise it has earned a rating of 93 out of 100!
Unlike some other exotic cars, Porsche wants you to stay on the road. For the average price of over $100,000, customers are staying loyal to the brand. The average cost of maintenance per year is just over $1k, which is not bad for a sports car. The total reliability score is 93, proving that 911 is at the top of its game.
15. 2020 Chevrolet Sonic
The 2020 Chevy Sonic comes in as the most reliable used car award in 2024. The compact coupe scored an exceptional 93 rating and beat out the Porsche by a fraction.
How did the Sonic do it? It has four-wheel ABS, a post-collision safety system, and traction control. For the price of just $13,000 and the cheap running costs, it is hard to beat.
