5 Cars Still Worth Buying

There is a reason why some car models, like the Toyota Corolla and Tesla Model 3, have a lot of staying power. Despite the Covid-19 pandemic and rising gas prices, these cars consistently top Consumer Reports’ reviews. 

The following is a list of cars worth buying on today’s market. Not only do these cars get motorists from Point A to Point B, they have low depreciation values, meaning that you can buy, drive, and sell these vehicles without jeopardizing your finances. 

The Toyota Corolla 

The Toyota Corolla is one of the best-selling cars in the world––only rivaled by Ford’s F-Series. Here’s why: 

Japanese Automakers Have a Different Production Process 

One of the reasons why Toyota is such a bestseller is because it’s got Japanese craftsmanship built right in. 

Consider the following. On an American assembly line, if a car has a defect, manufacturers will push the car down the line and address the problem before it goes to the showroom. Japanese assembly lines are different. 

When manufacturers spot a problem, they halt production immediately and address the problem. This reduces the likelihood of recalls, accidents, and customer dissatisfaction. 

They Hold Their Value and Get Great Mileage 

Here are two other things to consider when purchasing a Toyota Corolla: 

• It holds its value. Business Insider reports that most cars lose about 50 percent of their value within the first five years of ownership. Not Toyota’s cars. After the first five years of ownership, these cars retain about 60 percent of their original value. 

• Toyota gets great mileage. Toyota Corollas generally get about 35 miles to the gallon, making it one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles on today’s market. Most cars––especially luxury sports cars and trucks––can’t match that. 

The Tesla Model 3 

A new Tesla Model 3 costs around $44,000. Some people can’t imagine paying that much for a new vehicle. However, according to Consumer Reports, you could save anywhere from $800 to $1,000 a year on gas. 

Other reasons why this car has great staying power include: 

EV Cars Are the Future 

Gas-powered vehicles are slowly becoming a thing of the past. The New York Times reports that by 2025, General Motors hopes to introduce 30 EVs to the market. Ford notes that within 20 years, the organization hopes to have an entirely EV selection. 

The Edison Electric Institute even notes that by 2030, there will be over 18 million EVs on the road. Combined with gas prices, economic instability, and other factors, this number could be even higher. 

Teslas Come with State-of-the-Art Features 

Even basic Tesla EVs come with features unheard of in other vehicles. They come with autopilot, built-in video game consoles, and artificial intelligence. Tesla’s a trendsetter on today’s auto market. It could take years for other carmakers to implement such features, making it a car worth buying and investing in. 

Jeep Wrangler  

Jeep Wranglers are some of the most recognizable cars on today’s roads. Not only are they perfect for off-roading, but: 

They Retain Their Value 

U.S. World & News Report says that after five years of ownership, a Jeep Wrangler retains more than 65 percent of its original value. That’s incredible. That means you could buy a Jeep Wrangler for $22,000 and, five years later, sell it for $14,300. That’s better than most trucks and SUVs on today’s market. 

They’re Solidly Manufactured 

U.S. World & News Report rated 7.7/10 for the 2021 Jeep Wrangler. It noted that even in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, Jeep sold more units in 2021 than 2020. Other features that make this car worth buying include:

• Rear- and front-facing cameras 
• Spacious cargo and cab space 
• A slew of safety features 
• Anywhere from 17 to 22 miles per gallon (not bad for a vehicle this size) 
• Silent rides
• Incredible off-roading ability 

These vehicles also come with impressive ground clearance, making them safe to drive in flooded or snowy areas. 

The Toyota Tacoma 

Pickup trucks generally retain their values over time. Toyota Tacoma is a perfect choice for anyone that wants the feel of an F-150 but wants to save money on gas and monthly payments. 

U.S. World & News Report notes that, in 2015, Toyota Tacomas lose about 32 percent of their values within the first five years. This means you can buy a new Toyota Tacoma for $32,000 and then sell it for more than $20,000 when you’re through with it. 

Other reasons to consider purchasing this vehicle include: 

• They’re great for off-roading. 
• Toyota cars typically need less maintenance than other vehicles. 
• It has good hauling and towing capabilities. 
• You can get anywhere from 20 to 25 miles per gallon––which, again, is pretty good for a truck that size. 

They also come with Bluetooth capabilities and other features. 

The Honda Civic 

The Honda Civic is one of the most reliable cars on today’s market. U.S. World & News reports gives this model an 8.7 on a scale of one to 10, citing: 

• Great fuel economy. On a full tank, you can get about 33 miles per gallon. You’ll hardly have to go to the gas station with this car in your garage. 

• It gets top ratings. U.S. World & News Report listed the Honda Civic as number one in multiple categories, including the compact car, hatchback, and small cars categories. 

• Good deprecation. Within the first five years of ownership, the Honda Civic will retain at about 70 percent of its original value. Resale values hover around $14,000––which is really good, considering that a new 2022 Honda Civic costs around $21,000. 

A Final Word 

Ultimately, your budget, commute, and family determines what cars are worth buying. However, you can’t go wrong with cars produced by Toyota, Honda, Jeep, and Tesla. Not only do these cars have minimal mechanical issues, but they get great mileage and hold their values over time. 

To learn more about what car is right for you, consider visiting Kelly Blue Book’s website. Here, you can learn about cars’ resale value, reliability, cost, features, and more.