It’s smart to buy used right now. With dealers scrambling to stock new inventory, looking into reliable used vehicles might be your best bet to lock down a long-lasting car at a reasonable price. If you’re not sure where to start, it never hurts to put a recent-model-year used Toyota at the top of your list.
When shopping for a used Toyota, you’ll find lower prices than buying new (even though used-car prices are fickle right now) and likely find a wider selection of cars. The brand has a larger variety of sedans, hatchbacks, and hybrids than some other brands, so finding a fuel-efficient used car may be easier than you think.
Check out these five reliable 2019 Toyota cars.
Which used Toyota cars are the most reliable?
Of the nine total cars (specifically sedans and hatchbacks) featured as the most reliable three-year-old used cars, a whopping five were Toyota-branded:
You’re worth an upgrade, and a used 2019 Avalon might fit the bill. It’s the largest and most premium Toyota sedan, and its interior is comparable to entry-level Lexus models. You can opt for a V6 engine or go green with a used Avalon hybrid—which can see around 42 mpg combined.
The used Toyota Camry is a staple of any used-car lot. You can find these on most any lot or sales site, because they’re everywhere. The 2019 Camry has high ratings in reliability and road tests, but average owner satisfaction.
Want something a little more electric? A used 2019 Prius Prime can see around 23 miles on pure electric power. This plug-in hybrid can charge fully in two to five hours depending on the type of charger you use. For the times you don’t have a plug, the Prius Prime can see around 50 mpg combined.
Wincing at those gas prices? Consider a used 2019 Toyota Prius. This tidy little hatchback gets around 52 mpg combined and can carry a lot more cargo than you might think. It still feels a little cheap, but hey—it is cheap.
Like the Camry, used Toyota Corolla sedans are a staple. They’re a convenient size, they’re usually pretty cheap, and they last forever. Seriously. Like, 300,000 miles last forever. The 2019 Corolla gets about 32 mpg combined and comes standard with a handful of safety features.
RELATED: Consumer Reports’ Most Reliable Used Luxury Cars Won’t Surprise You
Why buy a used 2019 car?
While you’re likely to find solid reliability from most cared-for used Toyota cars, choosing a 2019 model should be a particularly safe bet. Consumer Reports recommends buying a 2019 model right now because these vehicles are likely to be relatively low-mileage, have many of the same safety and comfort features you’d find in a 2022 model, and be in good condition.
An additional perk is that these 2019 models are likely fresh off their lease term. Leased cars typically have fewer than 40,000 miles on the odometer. They’re also usually maintained by dealership service departments, which means they’re likely to be in better condition than other cars.
Other reliable Toyotas named by Consumer Reports
Among all vehicle categories in Consumer Reports’ list of most reliable 2019 cars, there were actually seven total Toyota models featured. Alongside sedans and hatchbacks, CR named the 2019 4Runner and 2019 Tundra the most reliable three-year-old large SUV and pickup truck, respectively.
RELATED: Consumer Reports Only Recommends This 1 Reliable Used 2019 Sports Car
Is Toyota a reliable brand?
Are Toyotas really that reliable?
Recent problems with engines, transmissions, even frames have called its reputation as the most reliable car brand into question. But, consider that 5/9 cars and 7/21 total vehicle categories on the list wear Toyota badging, and it’s hard to say that a used Toyota is a bad idea.
Be sure to do your research and find which models and years to avoid (like these for the RAV4, Camry, and Sequoia) and which to buy (like the ones above) and you can get exactly what you’re looking for.
Hear from The Car Care Nut on whether new cars are still as reliable as the Toyotas from the ’90s that get our nostalgia going.
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