What each budget buys
The median used car we checked was listed at $26,427. Below $25,000, each $5,000 step down bought a car about three years older: the median model year went from 2023 to 2020 to 2017, and the median mileage rose by about 24,000 and then 29,000.
| Price range | Cars (share) | Median model year | Median miles | Most common types |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,000–$14,999 | 872 (7%) | 2017 | 107,077 | SUV 51%, sedan 25%, pickup 10% |
| $15,000–$19,999 | 1,661 (14%) | 2020 | 78,090 | SUV 50%, sedan 29%, pickup 11% |
| $20,000–$24,999 | 2,123 (18%) | 2023 | 54,294 | SUV 58%, sedan 24%, pickup 11% |
| $25,000–$29,999 | 1,896 (16%) | 2023 | 49,213 | SUV 57%, pickup 20%, sedan 16% |
Open a used SUV listed at $25,000 or less
Current US listings matching this guide. Open the photos or ask the selling dealer about a specific car. The selection updates as inventory changes.
2023 Nissan Rogue SV
VIN: JN8BT3BA4PW002742
125,188 mi · FWD · Gasoline
Ask for the out-the-door price in writing and a copy of the Buyers Guide before you travel.
The advertised price was $25,000 or less when this page loaded. Taxes, fees, service records and condition have not been verified for this VIN.
2021 Chevrolet Equinox LS
VIN: 2GNAXHEV5M6132596
89,796 mi · FWD · Gasoline
Ask for the out-the-door price in writing and a copy of the Buyers Guide before you travel.
The advertised price was $25,000 or less when this page loaded. Taxes, fees, service records and condition have not been verified for this VIN.
2021 Hyundai Tucson Value
VIN: KM8J33A40MU384256
58,656 mi · FWD · Gasoline
Ask for the out-the-door price in writing and a copy of the Buyers Guide before you travel.
The advertised price was $25,000 or less when this page loaded. Taxes, fees, service records and condition have not been verified for this VIN.
The same budget buys different years in different models
Some models keep more of their value as they age, so the same money buys an older one. Up to $20,000, the median Nissan Rogue was a 2022 with 72,620 miles. At the same price the median Toyota RAV4 was a 2017 with 138,559 miles, and the median Honda CR-V a 2016 with 128,010.
That does not make one model better than another. It tells you what to expect when you set a budget around a specific model, and which similar models give a newer car for the same money.
| Model | Up to $15,000 | Up to $20,000 | Up to $25,000 | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Corolla | 2014, 119,996 mi (31) | 2019, 101,402 mi (57) | 2023, 53,300 mi (127) | 138 |
| Toyota Camry | 2014, 145,075 mi (19) | 2015, 126,742 mi (37) | 2019, 96,398 mi (65) | 172 |
| Toyota RAV4 | 2015, 156,381 mi (15) | 2017, 138,559 mi (27) | 2019, 115,667 mi (47) | 139 |
| Honda CR-V | 2014, 146,724 mi (22) | 2016, 128,010 mi (44) | 2018, 109,019 mi (73) | 159 |
| Honda Accord | 2014, 155,033 mi (24) | 2015, 131,356 mi (37) | 2018, 96,271 mi (57) | 69 |
| Nissan Rogue | 2016, 103,708 mi (35) | 2022, 72,620 mi (92) | 2023, 61,295 mi (168) | 228 |
| Chevrolet Equinox | 2018, 115,194 mi (32) | 2021, 81,477 mi (78) | 2023, 64,214 mi (116) | 158 |
| Hyundai Tucson | 2017, 108,958 mi (13) | 2021, 76,229 mi (36) | 2023, 52,802 mi (77) | 100 |
| Ford Escape | 2017, 108,638 mi (46) | 2019, 87,313 mi (75) | 2022, 54,275 mi (120) | 133 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2016, 136,501 mi (26) | 2018, 113,380 mi (48) | 2019, 96,734 mi (73) | 139 |
| Ford F-150 | 2013, 165,859 mi (29) | 2015, 148,375 mi (66) | 2017, 128,640 mi (111) | 458 |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 2015, 163,331 mi (14) | 2016, 136,084 mi (32) | 2017, 125,157 mi (65) | 315 |
The most common models in each range
Between $10,000 and $15,000, the most common listings were the Nissan Rogue, Chevrolet Equinox and Ford Escape. Between $15,000 and $20,000 they were the Nissan Sentra, Rogue and Altima. Between $20,000 and $25,000 the Rogue, Toyota Corolla and Nissan Altima led, and between $25,000 and $30,000 the Toyota Camry, Ford F-150 and Ram 1500.
Set the budget on the out-the-door price
An advertised price usually leaves out sales tax, registration and the documentation fee. If $20,000 is your limit for the total, ask for the out-the-door price in writing before you visit and compare that figure between stores.
Dealers have to display a Buyers Guide on every used car they offer for sale, showing whether it comes with a warranty or is sold “as is.” Ask for a copy along with the service records and a vehicle history report.
How we counted
On 14 November 2026 we read every used-vehicle listing published on Car Handshake and counted each VIN once. We kept cars, SUVs, pickups and minivans with a price over $3,000 and an odometer reading: 11,702 vehicles from 202 dealerships in 29 states. Certified pre-owned cars are not part of these tables.
The mix of models reflects the dealerships that list with us, so a model that is rare here can be common in your area.
Get the full price in writing first
Choose a car below and tap “Ask for the out-the-door price.” The form opens for that listing with a message you can edit. It asks for the full price with every fee listed, a copy of the Buyers Guide, the service records and a vehicle history report.
The examples are used SUVs listed at $25,000 or less when the page loaded. Use the searches below to see more listings.
Get help finding your next car
Tell the AI assistant your ZIP code, travel distance and must-have features. Here is a starting point you can adapt:
Help me find a used car within my budget near my ZIP code. Compare model year, mileage and price, and help me ask the dealer for a written out-the-door price with every fee listed.
You can also browse current listings or shop with Car Handshake in ChatGPT. Confirm unresolved equipment and availability with the selling dealer.
Publication notes
Published 14 Nov 2026. Prices, model years and odometer readings read from 11,702 used car, SUV, pickup and minivan listings at 202 US dealerships on 14 Nov 2026. Listing examples update separately.
Report a correction to support@dealerhandshake.com.