Best Pre-Owned Vehicles Under $25K

So, you’re in the market for your next vehicle, but there’s a catch: you have a strict budget. Here’s the thing, many drivers seeking a pre-owned vehicle consider the $25,000 and under the category of pre-owned vehicles to be the sweet spot in regards to value. You can get a great vehicle at this price without sacrificing performance, efficiency, tech, or any other possible thing you’re looking for. Shopping for used cars for sale is a great way to get started looking at affordable options.

Consider a Chevy Trax

The first vehicle we want to bring to your attention is the Chevy Trax, which can easily be found at a price lower than $25,000 (even bought brand new). We recommend starting with the 2017 model if you are looking at used options. The Trax is an excellent commuter vehicle known for its small stature and fuel efficiency, but that’s not all it has to offer. The 2017 Chevy Trax has a modernized infotainment center with complementing features: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both of these features were sorely lacking in the preceding model. The 2016 Trax did include a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, but it’s made even better by newer software.

The 2017 Trax may not be the strongest vehicle you’ve ever seen, but it’s certainly fuel-efficient – perhaps more so than the car you’re currently driving. The excellent fuel efficiency is a result of the turbocharged 1.4L I-4 engine that comes with the 2017 Trax. This model has EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 25 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway with front-wheel drive. This model is also available with all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive Trax models have EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 24 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. Shoppers looking for a spacious vehicle will be glad to have a total of 48.4 cu.ft. of space, should they ever need it.

Check Out a Chevy Equinox

If you want the quintessential SUV experience on a budget, then listen up. The Equinox is one of Chevy’s most popular SUVs, and models like the 2018 release can be found for prices well under $25,000. For the 2018 model year, the Equinox has three engines available, all turbocharged. The first available engine is a turbocharged 1.5L I-4 which provides 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with this engine, the Equinox gets EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 26 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. The next option is a 1.6L turbo-diesel I-4 engine which yeilds 137 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque. With this engine, drivers can get up to 28 MPG in the city and 39 MPG on the highway. And finally, the most powerful engine is the turbocharged 2.0L I-4, which outputs 252 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, alongside fuel economy ratings of 22 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway.

Passenger and cargo space are definitely not lacking in the 2018 Equinox. Folding down the second row of seats gives you a maximum of 63.5 cu.ft. of space, but if you’re driving with passengers (friends, family, etc.), you likely won’t hear any complaints about being cramped as head and legroom is respectable for both the front and back rows. The 2018 Equinox also includes all the tech features you could want, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot installed into its 7-inch infotainment center. The Equinox is one of those vehicles that’s worth keeping your eye on, as Chevy’s commitment to creating a top-notch crossover is best described as admirable.

Fan of Ford? Look Out for an Escape

Ford is one of America’s favorite automotive manufacturers, and you’ll find some of the best offerings from this esteemed car maker here on our used lot at DePaula Chevrolet. The 2019 Ford Escape is a fantastic SUV that can be found for under $25,000. Three powertrains are offered on the 2019 Escape, including two turbocharged powertrains and a 2.5L I-4 engine. The 2019 Ford Escape not only performs well against its competitors but is also incredibly spacious. This is because the 2019 Escape garners a maximum cargo capacity of 68 cu.ft. of space. Every 2019 Escape model comes with a SYNC 3 infotainment center. Thanks to features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and more, the 2019 Escape keeps up with similar offerings found under $25,000, like the Chevy Equinox.

Looking for a Sedan? Here’s the Chevy Malibu

What if you wanted something more recent, but still want to keep within your budget of under $25,000? The answer is the Chevy Malibu. More specifically, the answer is the 2021 Malibu, which easily sits as one of Chevy’s most recent, yet cost-effective offerings that you can find. To call the Malibu a fantastic value would be an understatement – the 2021 Malibu is easily one of the most technologically advanced sedans that not only sits at a price under $25,000 but under $20,000. The Malibu is also undeniably stylish, to boot. The technological prowess of the Malibu was made even more prominent with additions like Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
There are two available powertrains for the 2021 Malibu, and if you’re looking to save the most money, then consider one equipped with a turbocharged 1.5L I-4 engine. This engine provides ample performance: 160 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, and further cost-saving EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 29 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway. Although, the turbocharged 2.0L I-4 engine that comes with the Premier trim is also an incredible offering. The engine is pretty capable with its 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque ratings and its fuel economy ratings of 22 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway.

How About the Toyota Camry?

There are a lot of great sedans out there, but we’d be remiss if we did not discuss the popular Toyota Camry. The 2018 Toyota Camry is one of this manufacturer’s most worthwhile offerings if you want any or all of the following: excellent performance, a value-friendly price, and an undeniably superior build quality. The most palpable evidence is the Top Safety Pick+ rating the 2018 Camry received from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS.) Not every vehicle gets the honor of any of the IIHS’ accolades, let alone its most esteemed award, so this tells you something about how great the 2018 Toyota Camry will be for you and your loved ones. The technological side of things isn’t as robust or prominent as its competitors, but the Camry makes up for it with phenomenal performance and efficiency, including a hybrid powertrain and a strong V6 engine on offer.

Scratching the Surface

Do any of the vehicles we mentioned interest you? There are plenty of great options to consider, and even more, than we could fit into this list. Your next step should be to visit us at DePaula Chevrolet to get a closer look at the brand or model that speaks the most to you.