Today’s Used Car Market Entices Sedan Buyers

A growing number of car buyers are turning to used cars for sale, particularly in the sedan category. America’s insatiable appetite for SUVs means fewer options for sedan buyers, and while the sedan category will never completely disappear, more buyers than ever before face a harsh reality when shopping for a four-door sedan: the need to compromise. It’s not all bad news, though. Whether you’re hunting for the least expensive, most fuel-efficient subcompact sedan or your tastes align more with ultra-luxury European imports, the pre-owned sedan market offers a diverse range of choices at hard-to-beat prices.

In its heyday, the sedan enjoyed a majority market share––that is, until 2013 when SUVs outsold sedans for the first time. That number continues to increase with every new model year. Pickup trucks also continue stealing market share from the sedan category, especially with the advent of compact trucks designed with fuel-efficient engines that rival the sedan’s historically superior fuel economy ratings. Still, a surprising number of Americans prefer the sedan for its driver-centric characteristics. If you’re one of them, consider the used sedan market.

Buying a used sedan comes with all the same advantages as a typical used car purchase, such as a lower purchase price that reflects its depreciated value. Used sedans are also typically less expensive to insure. Best of all, the used sedan market encompasses hundreds of nameplates, models, and trims in every size category. Reliability and quality can be easily verified with vehicle history reports that detail ownership history and title information and document any damage sustained from accidents or other events, such as floods. Convinced? Read on for some used sedan recommendations.

Compact Sedans for Commuters and Budget Shoppers

Price-motivated buyers and those who deal with long daily commutes can start with a deep dive into the compact category. Here is where you’ll find iconic vehicles like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Nissan Sentra. Known for their impressive fuel economy ratings and reliability, these models, along with discontinued nameplates like the Chevrolet Cruze, represent the best combination of affordability and practicality.

Newer compact sedans incorporate advanced safety and infotainment technology designed to protect occupants and keep everyone entertained. Features like smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make streaming your favorite playlist or podcast as easy as connecting to a USB port. Meanwhile, driver-assist safety features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring add another level of safety for commuters and young families.

The used compact sedan market also includes several other discontinued models that are worth considering, such as the Ford Focus, as well as specialty trims of currently produced models that no longer exist. For example, the sporty Nissan Sentra SE-R, discontinued in the 2012 model year, featured a 177-horsepower engine, a sport-tuned suspension, and trim-exclusive exterior styling that included a rear spoiler and SE-R badging. Dig into the top-selling Chevy Cruze, and you might be surprised to learn that a turbo-diesel engine offered on certain trims achieved 52 MPG on the highway.

Midsize Sedans for Practicality and Variety

Moving up to the midsize category unlocks a plethora of specialty models and performance-oriented options that driving enthusiasts will love. Utter the name BMW or Mercedes-Benz, and what comes to mind? Typically, sedans by these sought-after German automakers stretch close to six figures. For used buyers, though, that number shrinks substantially. Consider models like the ultra-high-performance BMW M5 or the Audi RS6, one still in production, the other discontinued. These vehicles exemplify the depth of options available to buyers looking for a high-performance option.

If practicality is your priority, models like the iconic Chevy Malibu make sense. Manufactured for decades, the Malibu came in several iterations ranging from an affordable base model, designed for commuters and budget-minded shoppers, to performance trims like the Malibu SS, which featured a more aggressive exterior curb profile, larger wheels, and a powerful engine. Chevy is discontinuing the legendary Malibu in 2025, which will likely increase demand for used versions. Still, there are plenty of great deals to be had regardless of your feature wish list.

Automakers like Honda, Toyota, and Nissan are still producing their popular midsize sedans. The Accord, Camry, and Altima lead the category in sales, so the used market is constantly refreshed with off-lease models and trade-ins. Other great midsize sedans to consider are the Subaru Legacy, which comes standard with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, and the now-discontinued Volkswagen Passat, a sporty option with a spacious cabin and reliable German engineering. Buyers will also find plenty of hybrid models, including the Toyota Camry Hybrid, which offer exceptional fuel economy ratings that keep ownership costs low.

Full-Size Sedans and Luxury Models

If your dream car involves room to stretch out, along with buttery soft leather seating and power everything, skip the high price of a new luxury sedan and check out the used market, where you’ll find popular models like the BMW 7 Series and the Lexus LS for a fraction of the price. Scattered throughout the cabins of these fancy sedans are ultra-luxury touches like ventilated seats, leather seating, and concert-grade sound systems. Lesser-known models, like the Genesis G90, add high performance to the list of amenities, with turbocharged engines and all-wheel drive systems designed to tackle inclement weather and hug hairpin turns like roadsters.

The often-overlooked Cadillac lineup includes the discontinued CT6, a flagship sedan with a powerful Blackwing V8 engine, authentic wood accents in the cabin, and massaging seats. Discontinued in 2011, the Cadillac DTS is a true full-size sedan offering a smooth ride and a cavernous, whisper-quiet cabin. Other popular used full-size sedans include the Toyota Avalon, the Chrysler 300, and the Nissan Maxima. These models fall in the premium sedan category but also offer lower-end trims priced for affordability.

Chevy’s last round of Impala sedans, manufactured from 2014 to 2020, represents great value in the full-size category. A fuel-efficient V6 engine making over 300 horsepower highlights the Impala’s impressive performance capabilities, while its 111.7-inch wheelbase demonstrates Chevy’s focus on spaciousness. Newer models offer smartphone connectivity, upgraded Bose audio systems, and dual-zone automatic climate control, among other comfort and convenience features.

Choosing the Best Used Sedan for Reliability

As with any used vehicle purchase, consider where you do your shopping. While finding a private seller on an online classified site may seem like the best option for finding a great deal, the risks may overshadow any potential savings. Buying from an established automotive retailer doesn’t automatically mean you’ll pay more; in fact, you’ll gain a long list of benefits, including having access to a state-of-the-art service center and an in-house team of financing experts who can source the best possible financing rates.

If you prefer a sedan to an SUV or a pickup truck, you’re not alone. Many buyers are steadfast in their support for the classic sedan body style. Driving a sedan means you’re closer to the road. Sedans are more aerodynamic than other body styles, which means better fuel economy. Also, you’ll find more true sports cars in this category without sacrificing the utility of a four-door vehicle. Imagine being lucky enough to find a car that affordably incorporates otherworldly luxury, sports car-like performance, and convenience––thanks to the robust used sedan market, cars like this are well within reach.

Whether you like compact sedans that are nimble enough to navigate congested city streets, or you’re longing to park a luxury nameplate like BMW or Infiniti in your driveway, the smart choice is to look for a pre-owned sedan that provides all the features you want and need without the extra expense of buying new.