Affordable and Reliable: Best Used Cars Under $15K
When you need a new car that fits a tight budget, there are plenty of great options out there to choose from. Understanding what to look for and the types of cars that are good to buy used will help you make the best decision overall.
At Preferred Chrysler Dodge Jeep in Western Michigan, we have a wide variety of used inventory under $15K. You can choose what is right for you and find the right fit for your budget. Come see us to check out the current options and find a great ride.
In this guide, we share several of the best models to look for in this price range.
Dodge Charger
If you want something with plenty of space, a bit of sporty action, and powerful performance on the road, a Dodge Charger might just be a great choice for you. Chargers have the best of economy paired with fun style and performance that really make them stand out.
These cars are loved because they are spacious throughout, even in the backseat. It has a wide body that offers strength, angles, and sport-like precision. It’s also strong and sturdy and designed to be a long-lasting vehicle that will certainly make an impression.
Chevy Malibu
The Chevy Malibu is always a fantastic ride. It’s designed to be a mid-size family car. These cars are affordable even when they are brand-new. They have long road life, and the used models in this price range are good for everyday drivers. You can find some great steals and likely even get a newer model with low mileage for under $15K.
Chevy Malibus get an average of 27-35 MPG. The body style is curvy and sculpted, making the car look great on the road for any type of use. You can easily take command of the road and attract attention from everyone you pass by.
Chrysler 300
The Chrysler 300 is an exceptional sedan build for speed, stability, and comfort. This is a luxury ride that you will be lucky to find as they always go fast when they become available. They are powerful and fun to drive, with plenty of luxurious space inside. These sedans are large, spacious, and designed to offer a little bit of luxury on the road.
One of their most noteworthy details is the power of performance. It’s a smooth ride, and you will likely find either a V8 or a V6 under the hood. It’s all power and luxury in one stellar ride.
Mazda3
The Mazda3 is designed to be an affordable vehicle straight off the lot. The used models are no exception, and they are perfect for everyday driving and offer high fuel economy. This car has always been designed to be sporty and sleek on the road while still providing for basic driving needs.
They are easy to care for and often last for a very long time without any major repairs. If you find one of these under $15K, it’s well worth checking out.
Things to Look for in a Used Car
When you are buying a used car, it’s important to pay attention to detail and be observant to avoid getting a dud. Use a reliable dealership that you can trust, and always test drive the vehicle. Here are some things you can keep in mind when looking for a new car under $15K.
Mileage
How much mileage are you comfortable with? If you are willing to be patient and wait for the best option, you will be able to find lower mileage even in this price range. That being said, you should be prepared to have reasonable miles on the car. Any car in this range will be used and may have slightly high mileage.
You also don’t want to get extremely high mileage, because you want this car to last.
Is There a Vehicle History?
It’s always a good idea to see if there is an available vehicle history to look at. You can’t always find a history, but you can certainly look. The history will tell you if there have been any accidents and whether maintenance has been kept up properly. It’s a log of everything that has happened with the vehicle and a great way to know what you are getting into.
The thing about vehicle history is that it isn’t always 100% accurate. However, it’s still a good way to get a visual for the history of the ride.
Always Test Drive
Sometimes the best way to figure out whether you will like a vehicle is to drive it. When you buy a used vehicle, you should always drive it first. You may jump in and decide that you don’t like the car at all. You might also discover something that seems to be off or a red flag.
The test drive is important just to see if you can get a feel for the ride and decide whether it’s really a good fit.
Check Under the Hood
If you are at all familiar with cars or have someone with you who is, don’t be afraid to check under the hood. You can see what’s going on in the engine and whether there are any signs of misuse or hidden problems. Again, this won’t always show you everything, but it’s a good way to get a visual for the car’s condition.
An inspection would be a great idea here if at all possible.
Find Quality Rides Under $15K
Even with a tight budget, you can still find a great ride. At Preferred Chrysler Dodge Jeep, we have plenty of inventory under $15K for you to check out. The inventory does vary, so the best thing to do is come to the lot and check it out!
You would be surprised how many great rides can fall into this category. We’ve shared a couple of awesome models that are often in the price range here, but there are many more that you might consider.