The Best Used Vehicles Under $15K in 2018

We recently brought you the 5 Most Fuel Efficient Cars In Canada Under $15,000, Best 5 Used Cars In Canada Under $15,000 - Small & Sedan Edition and Best 5 Used SUV’s Under $15,000.

Check Before You Shop

Here’s a quick review of the top things to consider before researching and purchasing a vehicle. We suggest giving each of these categories a number rating from 1 to 5 from most to least important:

• Safety: Some vehicles do have better safety ratings and depending on your vehicle type, the safety concerns will vary (SUV’s and rollover caging strength, for example)
• Comfort: Are you very tall? Maybe a sub-compact won’t be the best choice for you. Comfort isn’t always about the “extras”. Heated seats may seem like a silly choice to some people, but when it comes to our winters, it’s almost about survival!
• Fuel efficiency: If you’re commuting a lot every day, this is probably highest on your shopping list. But, if you’re using your car only casually, then maybe it matters less
• Fun: Is your car going to be equally as much of a toy as well as a tool for you?
• Hybrid: If the idea of being greener on the road appeals to you, perhaps a hybrid is up your alley.

Compact - 2018 Kia Rio LX Model

It’s almost 2019, so a current-year car can qualify as used and still fall under our $15k price-point! Kia redesigned its hatchback with even more modern features and performance, while keeping its sticker price nice and low. As a company, it seems Kia is really pushing to make a difference for Canadians in car purchasing, and the bargain really can’t be beat.

Features include computer-controlled heated seats, UVO telematics system, key-less entry and push button start & heated steering...all on the LX base model! The 2018 Rio’s manual model started at $14.9k brand new. They’ve also made the handling on this model easy with manual drivers in mind - turn with ease with one hand and handle the gear stick with the other. Genius. The spacing has also improved, with more head & shoulder-room than almost any other vehicle it’s size. In terms of fuel, it runs 7.1 L/100 km for the automatic and a wonderful 6.4 for the manual. There are a few reported downsides, such as "rough plastic" on the interior but that was about it.

Truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra

If you need towing power, look no further than the large-and-in-charge Tundra. It may be 10 years old, but it’s one of the few trucks with 4.5/5 stars on Edmunds consumer review site. With the reliability of the Toyota name, this full-size pickup is both powerful and handsomely rugged. Everything is enormous, from the massive yet sleek grille on the front to the oversized knobs & handles on the inside. There are three cab offers (double cab, regular and CrewMax). The 5.7L V8 engine offers 381 horsepower and properly equipped, can tow up to 10,800 lbs! The handling is good. The safety features are also great, with blind-spot monitoring, solid stopping power and equally solid steering. Pricing for the ‘09 ranges from $14k to $15k.

Sport - 2009 BMW 128i

Get yourself from 0 to highway speed in 6 seconds with this Series 1 BMW. The coupe has a 3.0 litre 6 cylinder, roaring with 230 horsepower and 200 lbs. of torque. Enjoy leather interior, push button start, relatively modern media system (includes reverse parking sensors) and decent fuel economy at 11.3L per 100km for city and 7.0L per 100km for highway. With the high-end name also comes the high-end repair costs, so that is something to take into consideration. 2009 prices range between $12k to $14k.

Van - 2009 Toyota Sienna

Another Toyota makes the cut! Despite its age, you’ll enjoy cheaper (and less) repairs and the reliability you would get from the Tundra. Running at 13.3L per 100km for city and 9.5L per 100km for highway, the Sienna is a decent contender for fuel consumption for its age and size. Features include heated mirrors, roof rack (on some), third row seating and all-wheel drive. Consumers enjoy its quiet interior and tight turning steering for its size. A note; there is a rear-view camera available with some models, but only if it came with the navigation system. These models are slightly more expensive but still fall well within the under $15k budget we’ve set. Prices range from $7k to $11k

SUV - 2012 Honda CR-V

This SUV made our Best SUV’s Under $15k list, so it should make this one. The CR-V is incredibly reliable, has ample cargo space and rear seat room. It combined 8L/100km (9.2L for city & 6.6L for highway). Features include rear view camera, dual climate controls, fog lights, electronic compass & key-less entry, to name a few. Owners report it’s a "fun" drive, as it has a bit more of a compact frame and very responsive handling. In terms of value, it boasts 4.5 out of 5 stars from consumers and a modest 4 stars from various industry expert publications. Prices for the CR-V range from $14 to $15k.

Where are all the best used car deals?

With Canada Drives, the nation's largest 100% online retailer, you can shop, finance, purchase, and even trade in your current vehicle completely online. Get instant access to hundreds of great deals on certified used cars, enjoy full price transparency, and book as-soon-as-same-day delivery! Love it or return it with our 7-day money-back guarantee!

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