Best Used Cars: 10 Top Picks for September 2025

Navigating the used car market can be a daunting task, but for savvy buyers, September 2025 presents a fantastic opportunity. The market is seeing a healthy influx of off-lease vehicles from the popular 2022 model year, and depreciation has created excellent value on some of the most reliable cars and SUVs from the last five years. For you, the buyer, this means that a well-maintained, feature-rich vehicle is more attainable than ever. To help you cut through the noise, we've analyzed the market based on reliability, value retention, safety, and owner satisfaction to bring you our 10 top picks for the best used cars to buy this month.

How Should I Approach Buying a Used Car This Month?

Before you even start looking at specific models, your first step is to get your finances in order. The used car market in late 2025 is competitive, and being prepared is key. I strongly recommend getting a pre-approval for a car loan from your bank or a local credit union *before* you visit any dealerships. A pre-approval gives you a firm budget to work with and turns you into a "cash buyer" in the eyes of the dealer, which gives you significant negotiating power. You won't be reliant on their in-house financing, which may not have the best interest rates.

Your second, equally important step, is to budget for a pre-purchase inspection (PPI). For any car you are seriously considering, you must have it inspected by an independent, trusted mechanic. This will cost between $150 and $250, and it is the best money you will ever spend when buying a used car. A PPI can uncover hidden issues like past accident damage, pending mechanical failures, or rust that you would never be able to spot on your own. A seller's refusal to allow a PPI is the biggest red flag imaginable, and you should walk away from that deal immediately. Being financially prepared and committed to a professional inspection will protect you from costly surprises down the road.

Our Top 10 Used Car Picks for September 2025

This list represents a blend of reliability, value, and practicality across the most popular vehicle segments.

1. Best Compact Sedan: 2021-2023 Honda Civic
Why it's a top pick: The 11th-generation Civic is a masterpiece of practicality and refinement. It boasts excellent fuel economy, a comfortable and high-quality interior, and Honda's legendary reputation for reliability. A three-year-old 2022 model offers modern tech like Apple CarPlay and advanced safety features at a significant discount compared to new.

2. Best Midsize Sedan: 2020-2022 Toyota Camry
Why it's a top pick: The Camry is the undisputed champion of dependability. It offers a smooth, quiet ride, spacious seating, and an available fuel-sipping hybrid powertrain. It's the definition of a safe, sensible, and long-lasting family vehicle.

3. Best Compact SUV: 2021-2023 Toyota RAV4
Why it's a top pick: The RAV4 is the best-selling SUV in America for a reason. It's practical, incredibly reliable, and holds its value well. The availability of a highly efficient hybrid model makes it a standout choice for fuel-conscious families. Ample cargo space and standard safety features seal the deal.

4. Best Midsize SUV: 2020-2022 Kia Telluride
Why it's a top pick: The Telluride disrupted the three-row SUV market with its combination of bold styling, a near-luxury interior, and a vast amount of passenger and cargo space. It offers incredible value for the money, giving you features and a level of refinement that feel like they belong in a much more expensive vehicle.

5. Best Luxury Car: 2019-2021 Lexus ES
Why it's a top pick: If you're looking for premium comfort without the premium maintenance costs, the Lexus ES is the answer. It's exceptionally quiet, built with meticulous attention to detail, and shares its reputation for bulletproof reliability with its Toyota Camry sibling.

6. Best Hybrid Car: 2022-2024 Toyota Prius
Why it's a top pick: The latest generation Prius shed its quirky image for a stunning, futuristic design while doubling down on what it does best: incredible fuel efficiency. A lightly used 2023 model still looks brand new and can easily achieve over 50 MPG, making it a smart buy as gas prices remain volatile.

7. Best Sports Car: 2018-2020 Ford Mustang GT
Why it's a top pick: For affordable V8 performance, it's hard to beat a used Mustang GT. The 5.0-liter "Coyote" engine is potent and reliable, and the car offers a blend of classic American muscle with modern handling and technology. It provides more thrills for the dollar than almost anything else on the road.

8. Best Pickup Truck: 2019-2021 Ford F-150
Why it's a top pick: There's a reason the F-150 has been the best-selling vehicle in America for decades. It's versatile, capable, and comes in a massive array of configurations to suit any need. A model from this generation offers a modern aluminum body and a wide range of reliable engine choices, including the efficient EcoBoost V6.

9. Best Minivan: 2021-2023 Toyota Sienna
Why it's a top pick: The latest generation Sienna comes standard with a hybrid powertrain, offering class-leading fuel economy in the minivan segment. It also boasts available all-wheel drive, a huge, flexible interior, and Toyota's reputation for long-term durability, making it the ultimate family hauler.

10. Best Budget Car (Under $15,000): 2018-2020 Toyota Yaris Sedan
Why it's a top pick: A little-known secret is that this version of the Yaris was actually a rebadged Mazda 2. This means it combines Toyota's reputation with Mazda's fun-to-drive character and surprisingly high-quality interior for its class. It's a reliable and efficient budget-friendly gem.

2025 Update: The Off-Lease Sweet Spot

The big story for the used market in September 2025 is the flood of three-year-old vehicles coming off lease from the 2022 model year. This was a year when supply chains were still catching up, but vehicle technology took a big leap forward. This means you can find a three-year-old car, like a 2022 Honda Civic or Toyota RAV4, that has already taken the biggest hit of depreciation but still comes with modern infotainment and the latest advanced driver-assistance safety systems (ADAS), offering the perfect balance of modern features and used-car value.



Real-Life Scenarios: Making the Right Pick

Let's see how different buyers might use this list to find their perfect car.

Scenario 1: The New Parents

You and your spouse just had your first child and need to upgrade from a small sedan to a safe, practical SUV. Your budget is around $28,000. You need reliability and space for a car seat and stroller. You look at our list and decide the 2021 Toyota RAV4 is the perfect choice. You find a certified pre-owned model at a local dealership that comes with an extended warranty, giving you extra peace of mind for your new family.

Scenario 2: The Commuter on a Budget

You have a long commute to work and your primary goal is to save money on gas. You have a budget of $22,000. You consider the Toyota Camry Hybrid but then see the 2022 Toyota Prius on our list. You find a one-year-old model with low miles for just over $20,000. Its striking looks and incredible 50+ MPG fuel economy make it an easy decision. You'll save thousands on fuel over the next few years.

Scenario 3: The Growing Family Needing a Third Row

You have three young children and frequently carpool with their friends. A standard two-row SUV is no longer big enough. You need a reliable three-row vehicle but can't afford a brand new one. You see the 2020 Kia Telluride on our list and are intrigued by its reputation for style and value. You find a well-maintained EX model for under $30,000. It has the space of a luxury SUV at a fraction of the price, solving your family's space crunch without breaking the bank.

FAQ

What is a "certified pre-owned" (CPO) car?

A CPO car is a low-mileage, late-model used vehicle sold by a franchised dealer for that brand (e.g., a Ford dealer selling a CPO Ford). These cars have passed a detailed multi-point inspection and come with a manufacturer-backed limited warranty, offering more peace of mind than a standard used car.

Is it better to buy from a dealer or a private seller?

Both have pros and cons. A private seller often offers the lowest price, but the sale is "as-is" with no warranty. A dealer's price will be higher, but they handle all the paperwork, may offer a limited warranty, and you have more recourse if something goes wrong immediately after the sale.

How many miles is "too many" for a used car?

This has changed with modern cars. A well-maintained vehicle can easily last for 200,000 miles or more. Instead of focusing on the absolute mileage, it's more important to look at the car's condition and its service history. A 100,000-mile car with a perfect maintenance record is often a better buy than a 50,000-mile car that has been neglected.

Should I buy a used electric vehicle (EV)?

Buying a used EV can be a great way to save money, but it requires extra diligence. You must have the battery's health professionally checked as part of your pre-purchase inspection. A degraded battery can be extremely expensive to replace and is not typically covered by a standard used car warranty.

Key Takeaways