6 of Our Favorite Used Car Models

One of the great things about shopping for a used car is that you have a lot of options available to you. But while that gives you plenty of freedom as you consider different used cars for sale, it can also be a bit overwhelming. Sometimes, too many options can make it a lot harder to determine which one is right for you, and that’s something we see quite often when our customers come to us. Even if you have narrowed down certain features that you know you want, the possible choices that include those options can still seem like too much.

So today, we thought it might be helpful if we took a few minutes to go over some of our favorite options when it comes to the used cars we have for sale. Keep in mind that no list like this can ever be fully inclusive – we’re not about to spend 10,000 words listing all the details of every car we like. That’s just too much. But we can put out some suggestions and point you in the right direction of where to look as you consider your options. The following vehicles are presented in no particular order and keep in mind that the right car for you will depend on exactly what you’re looking for.

#1 – The Chevy Malibu

First introduced in 1964, the Chevy Malibu has changed a lot over the years. While it was discontinued in 1983, it made a return in 1997 and has been quite popular ever since. This means you will find a lot of different models out there when looking at the Malibu, which gives you plenty of freedom to find just what you need. The current Chevy Malibu is a midsize, four-door sedan that is a fantastic option for a wide range of people.

We really like models from 2013 to 2015, which represent the 8th generation of the Malibu and can include great features and powerful engines. Models from after 2015 can also be a terrific choice – but since they are more recent, they are also going to be a bit more expensive. If you want excellent performance, then look for a Chevy Malibu from the last couple of generations with one of the available turbocharged engines.

#2 – The Ford Focus

If you are unsure of exactly what you need in a vehicle as you start looking at used cars for sale, then keep an eye out for the Ford Focus. This model has been around since the end of the 1990s, so there are a lot of them out there. One particular aspect of the Focus to note is that over the years it has been available as a four-door sedan, a two-door coupe, a four-door hatchback, and even a two-door hatchback. This means you can find a lot of different options within the Focus lineup.

The hatchbacks were discontinued starting in 2008 here in the US, though they made their return with the start of the next generation of the Ford Focus in 2011. So if you are interested in a hatchback design, then you’re going to want to skip those years. One other thing to note is that there were a lot of complaints about rust issues with the 2011 models, so we would suggest passing on those and looking for something from 2012 or later.

#3 – The Chevy Cruze

If you’re interested in a compact car, then the Chevy Cruze is one to watch for as you look at different used cars for sale. The Cruze was first introduced in 2009 and has been quite popular ever since it hit the road, which means you will find a lot of them out there. Even though it has a small size, this is still a four-door option, so it is a good choice if you need something that is compact but still has a good amount of interior space.

The first generation of the Chevy Cruze ran until 2016, so a lot of the used models you find out there will be from this period. As you look at different used Cruze models, keep your eyes open for ones from 2012, when there was the addition of a six-speed manual transmission and a turbocharged engine, as well as ones from 2014 when there was an update. Newer models from the most recent generation have included an available hatchback, rather than a standard sedan, so keep that in mind as you consider your options.

#4 – The Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry has been available here in the US since 1982 and has sold a lot of models during the last nearly 40 years. Throughout that time, there have been almost a dozen different generations, with some major differences between them. Initially, the Camry was introduced with a narrow-body design and sold as a compact sedan here in the US. Starting in 1991, however, it was redesigned with a wider body and has been sold as a midsize model ever since.

We recommend looking for Camry models from the most recent generations, starting with 2006 or later cars. These are four-door midsize sedans that offer excellent performance and tremendous reliability. The fact that a Camry is easy to maintain and will run well with little need for repairs is one of the reasons it’s so popular, particularly as a used model.

#5 – The Ford Fusion

First introduced for 2006 model year, the Ford Fusion is a four-door, midsize sedan designed to seat five passengers comfortably. This is an extremely solid choice if you are looking for a reliable and functional car – it is easy to drive, a lot of fun on the road, and handles quite well. We see a lot of people looking for a Fusion as a great first car for their teenager, or as a reliable vehicle that will run well for years ahead.

There have been a couple of generations of the Ford Fusion available, from 2006 to 2012, and from 2013 to 2020. To be honest, a used model from either generation is a great choice, though those from the second generation are going to have more recent technology and safety features on them. A Hybrid model became available starting in 2010, and was offered throughout the second generation too – so if you want a used hybrid car, then this is a terrific model to look for.

#6 – The Chevy Camaro

You’ve probably noticed by now that most of these recommendations are practical, reliable vehicles – they’ve all been sedans. We’re not made of stone, however, and while a sedan is certainly a great choice for a lot of drivers, there’s something to be said for the power and performance of a two-door pony car. The Chevy Camaro is one of our favorite options for anyone looking for a used car with a lot of muscle.

First introduced in the late 1960s, there have been a lot of different models and changes throughout the years for the Camaro. After a brief period where it was unavailable in the early 2000s, it roared back to life in 2010 and has been dominating the road ever since. The most recent generation kicked off with the 2016 model year and features incredibly powerful engines and trim levels that let you take advantage of everything it has to offer.

Great Used Cars at Dan Cummins

We can’t promise we’ll have all of these used cars for sale all the time, as our inventory of pre-owned models fluctuates. So keep an eye on what we have and act quickly if you see something you like. But if you’re ready to find a great used car that will take care of you for many years, then come visit us at Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick of Georgetown.

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