Skip to main content Main Navigation beebs
Skip to main content

Best used cars under $30,000

Explore the best used cars under $30,000 of 2024
2019 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE

1. Toyota Camry

CarMax owner rating

Price range*
$12,599—$42,998
Estimated combined MPG
44 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating
4.5 out of 5

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

Pros

  • Comfortable and spacious interior
  • Smooth ride and quiet cabin
  • User-friendly tech features

Cons

  • The base engine lacks excitement
  • A plain, uninspiring interior
  • Smaller cargo capacity than rivals
2024 Toyota Corolla SE

2. Toyota Corolla

CarMax owner rating

Price range*
$11,998—$27,998
Estimated combined MPG
34 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating
4.5 out of 5

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

2021 Honda Civic LX

3. Honda Civic

CarMax owner rating

Price range*
$12,998—$48,998
Estimated combined MPG
24 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating
4.5 out of 5

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

Pros

  • Appealing exterior design
  • Multiple engine options to choose from
  • Balanced handling

Cons

  • Noticeable road noise at higher speeds
  • Somewhat unintuitive infotainment system
  • Lackluster base engine
2024 Honda Accord EX

4. Honda Accord

CarMax owner rating

Price range*
$13,998—$32,998
Estimated combined MPG
32 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating
4.5 out of 5

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

2023 Nissan Sentra SV

5. Nissan Sentra

CarMax owner rating

Price range*
$9,599—$25,998
Estimated combined MPG
33 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating
4 out of 5

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

2022 Nissan Altima SR-VC Turbo

6. Nissan Altima

CarMax owner rating

Price range*
$10,599—$31,998
Estimated combined MPG
28 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating
4 out of 5

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

2023 Hyundai Elantra Limited

7. Hyundai Elantra

CarMax owner rating

Price range*
$9,998—$33,998
Estimated combined MPG
23 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating
4 out of 5

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

2021 Hyundai Sonata SEL Plus

8. Hyundai Sonata

CarMax owner rating

Price range*
$9,998—$30,998
Estimated combined MPG
27 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating
4 out of 5

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

2021 Kia Forte EX

9. Kia Forte

CarMax owner rating

Price range*
$10,599—$24,998
Estimated combined MPG
26 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating
4 out of 5

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

Pros

  • Available turbocharged engine
  • Standard smartphone integration
  • High fuel economy

Cons

  • Limited rear legroom
  • Firm ride
  • Vague steering
2022 Volkswagen Jetta SEL

10. Volkswagen Jetta

CarMax owner rating

Price range*
$9,599—$26,998
Estimated combined MPG
33 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating
4 out of 5

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

How we ranked this list

To create our "Best Of" lists, our analysts look at CarMax vehicle and sales data over a recent 6-month period, from December 2023 through May 2024. Looking back over a 6-month period allows for the highest sample size possible while also providing up-to-date pricing information. Some articles may include data points with lower sample sizes.

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2006-2020 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy.

Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Fuel economy may vary for reasons like driving conditions and vehicle history. Unless specified, figures are for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. See fueleconomy.gov.

Range figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new and assume a full battery charge. Range will vary based on things like battery age, vehicle condition and history, driving and charging habits, accessory use, and driving conditions. Battery capacity may decrease with time and use. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

Ready to find your next vehicle?

* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities.​ By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.

We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.