THE MOST RELIABLE USED VEHICLES UNDER $15,000

Buying a reliable used car, truck or SUV on a $15,000 budget is easy if you know what to look for.

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Experts have done that homework for you so you can start your search with the five recommended models listed below. RepairPal, a network of automotive repair shops, gives each one a high score for overall reliability. The vehicles also have favorable consumer reviews.

As with any used vehicle purchase, the car’s history is important. Watch out for reported accidents and other problems, and avoid models showing signs of neglect or abuse. Also, have patience if you can. It’s better to wait for the right vehicle than to buy something you might not like and regret your purchase later on.

SMALL CAR: 2014-2018 MAZDA 3

Fun to drive and stylish, the 2014-2018 Mazda 3 is available as a four-door sedan and a fivedoor hatchback. Several versions of the car are available, ranging from econocar basic to unexpectedly upscale. The Mazda 3 offers a choice between two four-cylinder engines and a manual or an automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is not available, but you can find it in the next-generation Mazda 3 that debuted in 2019. High-mileage examples of that version of the car sometimes squeak in under the $15,000 mark.

Look for: The available 2.5-liter engine is more powerful and worth getting. Look for a Mazda 3 with the 2.5 designation, which is usually a Touring or Grand Touring trim level. Mazda improved the car’s handling and refreshed its interior for the 2017 model year.