Top Second-Hand Car Brands for Thrilling Deals

When it comes to buying a second-hand car, selecting a trustworthy and reputable brand can make all the difference in ensuring a reliable and value-for-money purchase. Renowned for their durability and performance, brands like Toyota, Honda, and Ford often top the lists for second-hand car buyers due to their consistent quality and long lifespan. Meanwhile, luxury brands such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz are popular among those looking for upscale options, offering a blend of prestige and advanced engineering even in pre-owned models. For a more comprehensive view of the best brands that consistently deliver satisfaction in the used car market, check out the detailed guide below.

Illustration of second hand car

Best brands of second hand car in 2025

Toyota

Toyota is renowned as one of the best producers for second-hand cars, largely due to its vehicles' exceptional resale value. For instance, the Toyota Tacoma retains 86.2% of its value after the first five years, and the Toyota Tundra holds 80.5% of its value over the same period. This high resale value is attributed to Toyota's reputation for reliability, durability, and quality, making its models highly sought after in the used car market. In 2024, Toyota was named the Best Resale Value: Brand by Kelley Blue Book for the eighth time, highlighting its consistent performance in retaining vehicle value. Additionally, Toyota's models such as the Camry, RAV4, and Corolla are popular choices, contributing to their strong resale market. You can learn more about Toyota's resale value through this detailed analysis.

Honda

Honda is renowned for producing vehicles that retain their value exceptionally well, making them one of the best brands for second-hand cars. Models like the Honda Civic, Accord, and CR-V consistently outperform competitors in resale value, with some retaining up to 90.89% of their original value after five years, as seen in the 2021 models. Honda's strong brand power, high reliability, and lower ownership costs contribute to this excellent resale performance. For instance, Honda vehicles from 2020 and 2021 retain more than 88% of their value in the first year, and they are selling at a 29% higher price than initially forecasted. This value retention is a key factor in Honda's popularity in the used car market. For more information on how Hondas hold their value, explore their insights.

Ford

Ford stands out as a top producer for second-hand cars, with several of its models consistently ranking high in resale value. The Ford Maverick, for instance, has secured Kelley Blue Book's Best Resale Value Award for three consecutive years, boasting an estimated five-year resale value of 54%. The Ford Bronco leads the pack with an impressive 66.7% resale value, highlighting Ford's commitment to durability and long-term investment potential. These vehicles retain significantly more of their original price compared to the average new vehicle, which typically retains only about 42.4% after five years. This makes Ford vehicles a valuable choice for both individual buyers and commercial fleets. For more information, visit the 2024 Best Resale Values for Trucks and SUVs page.

Chevrolet

Chevrolet is renowned for producing vehicles that retain significant value in the second-hand market, with models like the Chevrolet Camaro coupe holding an impressive 75% of its value after five years, and the Chevrolet Colorado maintaining 67.3% of its value over the same period. This resilience in resale value is a key factor in Chevrolet's popularity, especially when compared to other brands. For instance, the Chevrolet Corvette coupe retains up to 72.6% of its value, making it a desirable choice for both buyers and sellers. Additionally, Chevrolet's overall market performance, such as selling over 2 million vehicles annually from 2014 to 2018, underscores the brand's reliability and demand. These statistics highlight Chevrolet's strong position in the used car market. For more insights, visit the Chevrolet models with the best resale value.

Nissan

Nissan is a reputable brand for second-hand cars, known for its reliable and affordable vehicles. The Nissan Rogue, for instance, is one of the most popular models, with over 186,000 units sold in 2022 and 286,000 in 2021, making it a common and desirable find in the used car market. Nissan's other models, such as the Altima and Sentra, also maintain strong sales figures, with the Altima selling nearly 140,000 units in 2022 and the Sentra selling over 127,000 in 2021. Additionally, Nissan's average transaction price for its vehicles has been competitive, with a 4% drop to $36,597 in the final quarter of 2023. This combination of popularity and affordability makes Nissan a top choice for those seeking reliable used cars. For more insights on Nissan's most sought-after models, you can explore their details in this informative blog post.

Subaru

Subaru is renowned for producing vehicles that retain exceptional resale value, with models like the Crosstrek, Forester, Impreza, and Outback leading their categories according to Kelley Blue Book. These vehicles depreciate slowly, with the Outback, for example, retaining 58.25% of its original value after five years, and Subaru's focus on all-wheel drive, reliability, and safety contributes to their strong resale performance. In 2022, Subaru sold 722,280 vehicles in the US, reflecting the brand's consistent growth and consumer trust. The brand's honest pricing strategy and production aligned with market demand also help maintain high resale values. Subaru's vehicles are known for retaining their performance and condition even at high mileages. For more insights on Subaru models with the best resale value, visit their blog.

Hyundai

Hyundai has established itself as a formidable brand in the used car market, with several models demonstrating strong value retention. For instance, the Hyundai Tucson retains about 58.4% of its original price after five years, a figure that exceeds the 50% mark often used as a benchmark for good resale value. Additionally, Hyundai's overall market value has seen a significant rise, with cars selling for 35% more than expected prices, indicating high demand and solid resale potential. The brand's market share in the US retail market has also been impressive, reaching 12% in 2022 and maintaining a strong presence above 10% in recent quarters. This combination of factors makes Hyundai an attractive choice for those looking to invest in a reliable and valuable used vehicle. For more insights on Hyundai's resale value, visit CoPilot.

BMW

BMW is renowned as one of the top producers for second-hand cars, with its vehicles retaining a significant portion of their value over time. For instance, a BMW 3 Series depreciates by about 45% after five years, retaining a resale value of around $28,426 from its original price of $51,712. This resilience in value is a testament to BMW's commitment to quality, aesthetics, and technological innovation. In the US market, BMW has consistently shown strong sales performance, with 2023 sales reaching 361,654 units, a 9.08% increase from the previous year. Additionally, BMW's electric vehicles have seen a significant surge, with a 63% increase in US sales in the first quarter of 2024. For detailed figures and trends, visit BMW US sales data.

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz is renowned for its durability and retention of value, making it one of the best producers for second-hand cars. The brand's vehicles, such as the C-Class and E-Class, depreciate significantly in the first few years but stabilize thereafter; for example, a Mercedes-Benz C-Class depreciates by 50% after 5 years, retaining a resale value of $28,233. This stability in value, combined with high consumer satisfaction and strong brand loyalty (with 70% of U.S. consumers likely to purchase another Mercedes-Benz), makes used Mercedes-Benz cars highly desirable. Additionally, the brand's investment in new technologies, such as electric vehicles and advanced driving systems, enhances the long-term value of its vehicles. Mercedes-Benz's global presence and extensive production network also contribute to its reputation for reliability and quality. For more insights into their market performance and consumer trends, visit Statista's Mercedes-Benz overview.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen is a renowned brand in the automotive industry, particularly notable for its robust presence in the second-hand car market. With a global market share of 7.6% in 2023 and plans to increase it to 7.8% in 2024, Volkswagen's vehicles are highly sought after due to their reliability and durability. In the US, Volkswagen's sales have stabilized around 340,000 to 360,000 units over the last five years, with models like the Tiguan and Jetta being top sellers. The brand's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, as outlined in its "Strategy 2018," has contributed to its strong reputation in the used car market. Additionally, Volkswagen's investment in electric vehicles, such as the ID.4, which saw a 24.4% year-over-year sales increase in Q2 2023, further enhances the value of its second-hand vehicles. For more detailed information on Volkswagen's US sales figures, visit their official sales resource.