The Smartest Used Toyota Models to Buy—According To Mechanics & Market Data

The Ultimate Used Toyota Ranking: Which Models Offer the Best Long-Term Value?

Based on expert reviews, reliability rankings, and resale value data, here are the five best Toyota cars to buy used, ranked for their dependability, affordability, and long-term value: 

• Toyota Camry | Legendary reliability, low maintenance costs, and strong resale value
• Toyota Corolla | Compact, fuel-efficient, and consistently ranks high in reliability
• Toyota Prius | Excellent fuel economy, hybrid tech, and low repair costs
• Toyota RAV4 | Versatile SUV with great reliability and off-road capability
• Toyota Avalon | Spacious, luxurious, and built to last—often overlooked but highly durable.

These rankings are drawn from independent and data-driven sources, including RepairPal (known for reliability ratings and average annual repair costs), J.D Power (their Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and Initial Quality Study (IQS) are industry benchmarks), Kelley Blue Book (tracks resale value and cost-to-own metrics), and Consumer Reports (offers owner satisfaction surveys and reliability scores). 

For example, the Camry and Corolla consistently rank among the most dependable vehicles with low maintenance costs on RepairPal. Toyota models like the Prius and RAV4 often score above average in JDP’s long-term quality studies. Toyota frequently dominates the KBB’s “Best Resale Value” awards, and the Avalon and Camry are often praised for comfort and longevity on CR.

Why Buy A Used Toyota?

Based on what we know, choosing Toyota as a used car purchase is a 4.5 out of 5 on the smartness scale, backed by strong evidence in reliability, cost-effectiveness, and long-term value. Its near-legendary reliability is backed by Consumer Reports and J.D. Power, with models like the Corolla and Camry consistently named top picks. 

Many Toyotas easily pass 200,000 miles with routine care, and cost-wise, they hold resale value impressively—thanks to Kelley Blue Book-proven depreciation strength—and offer wallet-friendly fuel efficiency, especially in hybrids like the Prius. 

Annual repair costs average well below premium brands (e.g., YourMechanic 2023 data shows Toyotas average $441/year in repairs vs. BMW’s $1,000+), keeping ownership affordable. Safety is another win: even older models often earn high crash-test ratings and come equipped with solid baseline protections. 

The only knock? 

Used Toyotas tend to cost more up front compared to rivals, and older ones may skip modern tech features. Still, if you're looking for a long-term, stress-free ride, few brands pack more trust into every mile than Toyota. 

It is one of the smartest used car choices for people searching for low risk, low costs, and longevity in the best used Toyota. We didn't give it a perfect-5 score due to premium pricing in the used market, but the investment pays off in reduced headaches.

The 5 Best Used Toyota Cars

1. Toyota Camry

Best used years: 2012–2014, 2017, 2022

Why they rank high: 

2012–2014: 

These years are part of the 7th generation, known for bulletproof reliability and minimal complaints. The 2013 model, in particular, has high owner satisfaction and low maintenance costs. 

2017: 

Final year of the 7th gen, with all bugs worked out. Excellent safety ratings and resale value. 

2022: 

Early 8th-gen refresh with modern tech and strong reliability scores. No major recalls or systemic issues reported. 

Avoid: 2007–2009 (oil consumption), 2012 (some early transmission complaints).

The Bottom Line

^{2021 Camry.}

The 2012–2014 Toyota Camry represents the sweet spot of the 7th generation—reliable, no-frills sedans with efficient engines, roomy interiors, and virtually bulletproof powertrains. These years avoided major recalls and scored well in crash safety, making them ideal for value-driven buyers. 

The 2017 model refined the formula: same mechanical reliability, but with improved sound insulation, sleeker exterior styling, and a more tech-savvy infotainment system. It marked the final year of the generation, meaning Toyota had worked out most kinks. 

Fast forward to 2022, and the Camry evolved into a sharper, more dynamic machine. Built on Toyota’s TNGA platform, it delivers a noticeably better ride and handling, offers a standard suite of driver-assist features, and boasts hybrid variants that top 50 mpg. 

It’s also loaded with wireless smartphone integration and upgraded cabin materials. Across these years, the Camry's formula stayed consistent: comfort, efficiency, and decades-deep reliability.

2. Toyota RAV4

Best used years: 2016–2018, 2021–2022

Why they rank high:

2016–2018: 

Late 4th-gen models with excellent reliability, strong resale, and few complaints. 2018 especially has high J.D. Power scores and low recall volume. 

2021–2022: 

5th-gen models with updated infotainment and safety tech. 2022 has only one complaint on record and no major recalls. 

Avoid: 2006–2008 (oil consumption), 2013 (sudden acceleration), 2019 (transmission hesitation).

The Bottom Line

^{2018 RAV4.}

The 2016–2018 Toyota RAV4 models marked the peak of the fourth generation, offering a refined balance of practicality and reliability. 

These years benefited from a mid-cycle refresh in 2016, which introduced sharper styling, improved cabin materials, and the debut of Toyota Safety Sense as standard—bringing adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and pre-collision braking to the mainstream. The 2018 model, in particular, stood out for its low complaint volume and strong resale value.

The 2021–2022 RAV4s belong to the fifth generation, built on Toyota’s TNGA platform. These models delivered a more composed ride, better handling, and a more upscale interior. The 2022 RAV4 offered a wide range of trims, from the fuel-efficient Hybrid to the rugged TRD Off-Road and the powerful plug-in hybrid RAV4 Prime. 

With standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, these years combined tech, safety, and efficiency in a compact SUV package.

3. Toyota Corolla

Best used years: 2011–2013, 2016–2019

Why they rank high:

2011–2013: 

Late 10th-gen models with top-tier reliability and low cost of ownership. 2011 has a perfect 5/5 reliability rating from Consumer Reports. 

2016–2019: 

11th-gen refresh with improved safety features and modern styling. 2019 is especially strong with a J.D. Power reliability score of 92/100. 

Avoid: 2003–2004 (transmission issues), 2009 (oil consumption), 2014 (interior rattles).

The Bottom Line

^{2019 Corolla Hybrid.}

The 2011–2013 Toyota Corolla models represent the tail end of the 10th generation, known for their no-nonsense reliability and low cost of ownership. Powered by a 1.8L inline-4 engine with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, these models prioritized simplicity and durability over flash. 

They had standard safety tech like stability control and multiple airbags, and while the interior was basic, it was functional and spacious. These years are praised for minimal mechanical issues and excellent fuel economy, making them ideal commuter cars.

The 2016–2019 models belong to the 11th generation and brought a noticeable upgrade in design, cabin quality, and safety. Toyota introduced a sleeker exterior, improved infotainment, and standard Toyota Safety Sense features like lane departure alert and adaptive cruise control. 

The 2019 model, in particular, stood out for its high reliability ratings and low complaint volume. While still powered by a 1.8L engine, these years offered better ride comfort and more tech.

4. Toyota Prius

Best used years: 2013–2015, 2018–2021

Why they rank high:

2013–2015: 

Late 3rd-gen models with improved battery life and fewer complaints. 2013 has minimal issues and high fuel economy (50+ mpg). 

2018–2021: 

4th-gen models with updated styling and tech. 2021 has top reliability scores and very few complaints. 

Avoid: 2010–2012 (oil consumption, engine stalling), 2016 (windshield cracking).

The Bottom Line

^{2021 Prius Prime.}

The 2013–2015 Toyota Prius models represent the mature phase of the third generation (XW30), known for their exceptional fuel economy, spacious hatchback practicality, and proven hybrid reliability. 

Powered by a 1.8L four-cylinder engine paired with Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive, these models deliver a combined 50 mpg and are widely praised for low running costs and minimal mechanical issues. 

The 2013 model, in particular, stands out for its strong safety scores and intuitive tech, though interior materials were a bit underwhelming. By 2015, Toyota had refined the ride quality and added more standard features.

The 2018–2021 models belong to the fourth generation (XW50), built on the TNGA platform. These Priuses brought sharper styling, improved handling, and a more premium cabin. Fuel economy remained stellar—up to 56 mpg in Eco trims—and Toyota introduced optional all-wheel drive in select variants. 

The 2021 model is especially notable for its upgraded infotainment, standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, and near-zero complaint volume, making it one of the most refined and reliable hybrids in its class.

5. Toyota Avalon

Best used years: 2011–2012, 2015–2018

Why they rank high:

2011–2012: 

Late 3rd-gen models with strong V6 engines and luxury features. Very few complaints and high owner satisfaction. 

2015–2018: 

4th-gen refresh with modern styling, excellent ride comfort, and top-tier reliability. 2017 in particular has only two complaints and an 87/100 J.D. Power reliability score. 

Avoid: 2005–2008 (engine oil leaks, dashboard cracks), 2013–2014 (sudden acceleration, A/C odor).

The Bottom Line

^{2018 Avalon XLE.}

The 2011–2012 Toyota Avalon models closed out the third generation with a focus on comfort, space, and V6 power. Both years featured a 3.5L V6 engine producing 268 hp, paired with a smooth 6-speed automatic transmission. These models were praised for their Lexus-like ride quality, reclining rear seats, and upscale interior materials—especially in the Limited trim. 

The 2012 model, in particular, earned high marks for reliability and safety, with strong crash test scores and minimal complaints. Though styling was conservative, the Avalon’s spacious cabin and quiet ride made it a top-tier full-size sedan.

The 2015–2018 Avalons belong to the fourth generation, which brought sharper styling, improved handling, and a more premium interior. The 2015 refresh added LED lighting, a wider grille, and upgraded infotainment. Under the hood, the same 3.5L V6 remained, but hybrid variants offered 40+ mpg. 

These years also introduced advanced safety tech like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control, especially in Touring and Limited trims. The 2017 model offered a fine balance of luxury, reliability, and value.