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Best Used Midsize Sedans: Summary Points
- The Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Mazda6 are among the best used midsize sedans in 2024.
- We looked at data from NHTSA, the IIHS, and Kelley Blue Book for this list.
- Each sedan here includes a rundown of its essential details, like the powertrain, fuel economy, safety ratings, and other features.
Best Extended Warranty Options
Get a free quote for any pre-owned sedan that has run out of factory warranty.
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Best Warranty Provider for Used Cars
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Best Used Midsize Sedans: Quick Overview
Although SUVs and crossovers are “all the rage,” sometimes that’s not what best suits your needs and budget (it’s not always worth paying for that new car smell!). Over the years, we have appreciated the affordability, flexibility, and fuel economy that sedans offer, especially high-quality pre-owned ones.
This buying guide includes five of the best used midsize sedans that still score high in safety, comfort, and practicality, with maintenance costs generally on the lower end of the scale. Here are a few other points to consider when shopping for a used sedan.
Proven Track Record
Some entries on this list, like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, have a long track record of customer satisfaction and continue to be among the best new midsized sedans available today. Whether new or used, the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord have a high level of build quality, on par with their luxury counterparts in Lexus and Acura, respectively.
Asking Price
We came up with an average price range for each sedan here. Mileage and condition, as a general rule of thumb, will have the biggest impact on the asking price of a used vehicle. Further down, we offer insight into extended warranty providers for used cars and a helpful auto loan comparison tool with average interest rates for each lender.
Essential Info
Sometimes, when you look at a used car on a dealer’s lot, there isn’t much information reflected on the window sticker. That said, each sedan below includes a summary of its essential details, like the powertrain, fuel economy, safety features, and other options.
We hope the information below will help you with the car-buying process and help you come up with questions to ask the dealer ahead of time.
2015 Toyota Camry
2015 Toyota Camry Overview
The seventh-gen Toyota Camry is a stellar option and one of the best used midsize sedans overall. As part of the Camry’s seventh generation, it initially debuted in 2012, but Toyota saw fit to overhaul it inside and out for 2015. It had new body panels, a new front grille, reshaped headlights, a more premium-feeling interior, a rebuilt suspension, and solid yet economical powertrain options.
Why We Chose The 2015 Toyota Camry
Apart from its 4.4 out of 5-star consumer rating from Kelley Blue Book, the 2015 Toyota Camry gained a hint of sportiness and precision to its otherwise bland driving behavior. We wouldn’t call it a genuine driver’s car like the Mazda6, but the mid-cycle refresh at the time gave the 2015 Camry more reasons to make it the ultimate all-rounder.
The standard engine was a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder with 178 horsepower and 170 lb-ft. of torque. It was mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and a front-wheel drivetrain.
However, we prefer the 2015 Camry XSE or XLE and its 268 horsepower 3.5-liter V6, enabling it to sprint from zero to 60 mph in under 6.5 seconds, impressive for a roomy and semi-luxurious four-door sedan.
Fuel Economy
The Toyota Camry’s standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder achieves an EPA-rated 25/34 city/highway and 28 combined. On the other hand, the V6 returns 21 in the city, 20 on the highway, and 25 combined.
If you’re a stickler for fuel economy, the Camry Hyrid is worth looking into, with its EPA rating of 42/38 city/highway and 40 combined mpg.
Safety Ratings & Features
The 2015 Toyota Camry was an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ with a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. The standard safety features included front knee airbags, side curtain airbags (front and rear), stability and traction control, and a rearview camera.
Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a technology package that added adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.
2015 Toyota Camry Average Price
Depending on the mileage and trim level, you could get a decent 2015 Toyota Camry for about $13,000 to $21,000.
The entry-level Camry LE had a surprising number of standard features at the time, like keyless entry, automatic headlights, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, a six-speaker audio system with Bluetooth connectivity, and a 6.1-inch touchscreen.
Depending on the trim level, you may find other features, such as larger alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, leather upholstery, and dual-zone climate control, among others.
2010 Ford Fusion
2010 Ford Fusion Overview
Ford discontinued the Fusion (and other sedans like the Taurus, Focus, and Fiesta) in 2019, harking the end of an era for Ford. However, the Fusion remains a sharp-handling midsize family sedan with a roomy trunk and a tech-focused cabin.
The 2010 Fusion is part of the first-gen variant that debuted in 2006, but it was the year Ford gave it more potent engines, a redesigned fascia, and more standard tech features.
“In 2010, the Ford Fusion was the only sedan from the Big Three that was on par with the Toyota Carmy, Honda Accord, and the Nissan Altima, and it was well received by both the automotive press and everyday consumers,” said Carl Anthony, Automoblog’s Managing Editor, recalling his time in sales at Sioux Falls Ford in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. “Back then, the Fusion was one of our best-sellers, which is interesting to note since that part of South Dakota is truck country.”
Why We Chose The 2010 Ford Fusion
The 2010 Ford Fusion is our bang-for-the-buck option. It has a solid 4.5 out of 5-star consumer rating from Kelley Blue Book for its quality, performance, styling, and overall value for the money.
The Fusion S, SE, and SEL were standard with a 2.5-liter 175-horsepower four-cylinder with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Optional for the Fusion SE and SEL was a 3.0-liter V6 with 240 horsepower and 223 lb-ft. of torque.
The more athletic Fusion Sport came with a 3.5-liter V6 with 263 horsepower and 249 lb-ft. of torque. Front-wheel drive was standard across the Fusion lineup at the time, but all-wheel drive (AWD) was available for the Sport and V6 SEL models.
“In addition to the drivetrains, other features that tended to stand out to our customers were the trunk space, rearview camera, and the optional, home-theater style Sony audio system as part of the ‘Moon & Tune’ package,” Anthony recalled. “While the ‘high-performance’ Fusion Sport looked like a true sport sedan and was a blast to drive, most buyers found themselves better suited to the SE or SEL trim level.”
Fuel Economy
Ford Fusions equipped with the base 2.5-liter engine and six-speed automatic could achieve an EPA-rated 22/31 city/highway and 25 combined.
By contrast, the 3.0-liter V6 returned an EPA-rated 19 in the city, 27 on the highway, and 22 combined. The 3.5-liter V6 of the Fusion Sport carried an EPA-rated 18/27 city/highway and 21 combined.
Safety Ratings & Features
The 2010 Ford Fusion was an IIHS Top Safety Pick. It also earned a five-star overall front crash rating from NHTSA. The standard safety equipment included anti-lock brakes, side curtain airbags, front-seat side airbags, and stability control, while a blind spot and cross-traffic alert detection system was optional.
“The standard SOS Post-Crash Alert System would activate the hazard lights and sound the horn following an airbag deployment when a safety belt pretensioner was triggered,” Anthony added.
2010 Ford Fusion Average Price
You should be able to find a 2010 Ford Fusion anywhere from $4,500 to $13,000, depending on the miles and condition.
The Fusion S and SE had keyless entry, cruise control, alloy wheels, fog lights, and a six-speaker audio system. The SEL had automatic headlights, heated mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, and leather seats. Meanwhile, the Fusion Sport included unique suspension tuning, 18-inch wheels, leather upholstery, dual exhaust tips, and a power driver’s seat.
“One potential drawback I’ve heard in the years since I worked at a Ford dealership is that older Fusions tend to make body and chassis noises,” Anthony said. “There are also documented examples of higher mileage Fusions having transmission issues, so if you are considering a Fusion with high mileage, have a trusted mechanic look it over first.”
2015 Mazda6
2015 Mazda6 Overview
The Mazda6 has been a driver’s car to the core since debuting in 2002. It’s more athletic than a comparable Camry or Accord, with a more stylish body and an arguably more engaging driving experience.
The 2015 Mazda6 offered new features and packaging options following an extensive redesign in 2014 that was praised by the automotive press. It maintains a 4.5 out of 5-star consumer rating from Kelley Blue Book for its performance, styling, comfortable ride, and reliability.
Why We Chose The 2015 Mazda6
If you want a sedan that is higher on the fun-to-drive scale with the convenience of 60/40-split fold-down rear seats, you’ll love the Mazda6. The only downside is the relatively firm suspension that borders on uncomfortably stiff over bad roads. Still, the car’s responsive powertrain, agile handling, and posh interior make up for the suspension on rougher roads.
The 2015 Mazda6 has a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder that behaves like a V6, churning out 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft. of torque to the front wheels.
Furthermore, Sport and Touring models in 2015 offered a choice between a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. It’s not a sports car, but the 2015 Mazda6 could rush from zero to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds, good numbers for a four-cylinder sedan.
Fuel Economy
The 2015 Mazda 6 scores high marks in fuel economy. It returns an EPA-rated 28 in the city, 39 on the highway, and 32 combined, making it a true fuel sipper on this best used midsize sedans list.
Safety Ratings & Features
The 2015 Mazda6 was an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ with a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. It had a nice list of standard safety equipment like anti-lock brakes, active front head restraints, side curtain airbags, and front-seat side airbags.
2015 Mazda6 Average Price
Expect a pre-owned 2015 Mazda6 to range between $13,000 and $19,000, depending on miles and condition.
The base Mazda6 Sport had 17-inch wheels, a 5.8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-speaker audio system. Meanwhile, the Touring and Grand Touring had more niceties like 19-inch wheels, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, a sunroof, and an 11-speaker Bose premium audio system.
2018 Honda Accord
2018 Honda Accord Overview
When the 2018 Honda Accord arrived at dealerships in October 2017, it was the most fuel-efficient and tech-focused Accord up to that point in the car’s history. Combined with a stellar lineup of turbocharged powerplants and silky-smooth steering, the 2018 Honda Accord is one of the best used cars today.
Why We Chose The 2018 Honda Accord
Sedans like the Honda Accord make us cringe at the sight of a large SUV! With refined styling, excellent build quality, and Honda’s long-earned street credibility with buyers in America, the 2018 Accord fulfilled the role of a daily driver without the higher MSRP of an SUV. Versus prior model years, the redesigned interior for 2018 had plenty of room for passengers and their gear.
The entry-level engine was a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 192 horsepower and 192 lb-ft. of torque. It connects to a continuously variable automatic (CVT) gearbox and a front-wheel drivetrain.
Meanwhile, the Accord Sport, EX-L, and Touring had an optional 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft. of torque. The bigger engine had a 10-speed automatic, while the Sport was available with a six-speed manual.
Fuel Economy
The 2018 Honda Accord with a 1.5-liter turbo engine delivers an EPA-rated 30/38 city/highway and 33 combined. Conversely, the 2.0-liter turbo returns an EPA-rated 23 in the city, 34 on the highway, and 27 combined.
If you like hybrids, the Accord Hybrid returns 47 mpg across the board (city, highway, and combined), making it one of the most fuel-efficient hybrid sedans available at the time.
Safety Ratings & Features
The 2018 Honda Accord was an IIHS Top Safety Pick with a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure, known as ACE for short, contributes to the Accord’s high safety marks. ACE uses high-tensile strength steel to disperse crash energy away from occupants and reduces misalignment (under/override) with vehicles of other sizes during a frontal collision.
A proven track record of safety is one of the reasons why Honda vehicles tend to land on our best-of lists, be it sedans like the Accord or crossovers like the CR-V. ACE is also one of the reasons why the 2018 Honda Accord is on this list of the best used midsize sedans.
2018 Honda Accord Average Price
You can probably find a decent pre-owned 2018 Honda Accord between $18,000 and $27,000.
Depending on the model, the standard equipment list includes LED headlights and taillights, automatic high beams, dual-zone automatic climate control, a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and Bluetooth connectivity. Other trim levels will have larger alloy wheels, LED fog lights, bigger touchscreens, smartphone connectivity, cowhide upholstery, and wireless charging.
2017 Kia Optima
2017 Kia Optima Overview
Kia had relentlessly improved upon its Optima sedan since debuting in 2001. Before officially becoming known as the Kia K5 for the 2021 model year, the Optima was the automaker’s torchbearer in the midsize sedan category.
At the time, the Optima gave the usual contenders (Camry, Accord, Altima) some fair competition at a lower price point. Fast forward, and the Kia Optima remains one of the best used midsize sedans available today.
Why We Chose The 2017 Kia Optima
The 2017 Kia Optima matches perfectly with the Accord or Camry in size, comfort, technology, and safety. However, the Optima had a lower MSRP when new and should be more affordable than the Honda or Toyota on the used car market (assuming apples to apples).
The base engine was a naturally-aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 185 horsepower and 178 lb-ft. of torque. Meanwhile, the Optima LX 1.6T has a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 178 horsepower and 195 lb-ft. of torque. The former has a six-speed automatic, but the latter has a slick seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
The sportiest Optima, the SX trim, had a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 245 horsepower.
Fuel Economy
Unsurprisingly, the 1.6-liter turbo delivers the best fuel economy at an EPA-rated 28/37 city/highway and 31 combined. The base 2.4-liter engine returns 24 in the city, 34 on the highway, and 28 combined.
The most potent Optima and its turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder could achieve an EPA-rated 22/31 city/highway and 25 combined.
Safety Ratings & Features
The 2017 Kia Optima was an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ with a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. At the time, advanced driving aids like blind spot monitoring, parking sensors, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and forward collision warning were optional for the Optima.
2017 Kia Optima Average Price
The 2017 Kia Optima retails for about $9,000 to $23,000 on the pre-owned market, depending on miles, condition, and trim level.
The standard equipment list includes automatic headlights, cruise control, a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, and satellite radio. Expect larger screens, smartphone connectivity, dual-zone climate control, navigation, and leather seats in the higher trim levels.
Best Warranty Options For Pre-Owned Sedans
Best Extended Warranty Options
Get a free quote for any pre-owned sedan that has run out of factory warranty.
Best Overall Warranty Provider
Endurance
Affordable Monthly Payment
CarShield
Best Warranty Provider for Used Cars
Carchex
The likelihood is high that even the best used cars, on this list or otherwise, will have run out of their factory warranty. While dealers may provide a brief in-house warranty following the sale, it’s not the same as having factory-level coverage.
An extended warranty can protect you from expensive, unforeseen repair bills, especially those that may be associated with higher-mileage luxury sedans (Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Cadillac, and Porsche, for example). Top extended warranty providers offer customizable coverage plans, from full bumper-to-bumper to powertrain only. Likewise, reputable providers will offer additional benefits like roadside assistance.
After conducting thorough market research and competitive comparisons, our team picked the providers listed above, along with a handful of others, as the top warranty companies for pre-owned vehicles today.
If you are considering an extended warranty, ask for sample contracts upfront and look for the area where the claims process is explained in detail. Avoid contracts that are not transferable or cannot be canceled easily. To help get the most out of any extended warranty, see these insider tips from a repair shop owner.
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