Used vehicles can be an excellent choice, especially for military families with PCS moves, long-distance drives, around-town commuting, and other military obligations. However, considering the average price of a used car is currently hovering around the $27,000 mark, according to KBB.com, you might think that shopping on a tighter budget means you have to settle for a beat-up vehicle that’s barely running.
Fortunately, there are so many different vehicles in the used market that you don’t have to squeeze your family into a questionable car, SUV, or minivan, not knowing if you’ll be able to make it to the store and back.
However, choosing the right vehicle can still be daunting, even when you’re narrowing down your choices to a $15,000 budget. In this guide, we have done some of the hard work by choosing some of the best used vehicles you can buy while on a tighter budget.
1. 2015-2017 Honda Odyssey
If you have a growing family, the Honda Odyssey is easily a tried-and-true front-runner on this list. We recommend looking out for a newer model, somewhere between the 2015 and 2017 model years, which should give you a good balance of features and value.
For example, the 2016 model offers up to 38.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind its third row and a maximum of 148.5 cubic feet when the seats are folded. That gives you enough space for your family and all their everyday gear.
Furthermore, you’ll have 248 horsepower on tap from its 3.5-liter V6 engine, while its 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway EPA ratings provide reasonable fuel economy for a vehicle of its size. Used Honda Odyssey models can fit comfortably within a $15,000 budget.
Kelley Blue Book currently lists fair purchase prices for 2016 models ranging from about $11,800 for an LX to $16,300 for a Touring Elite, depending on trim, condition, mileage, and other factors. That means you may be able to find a well-equipped EX, SE, or EX-L without spending your entire budget.
2. 2016-2017 Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is an excellent all-around choice for military families because it combines a spacious cabin, comfortable ride, strong fuel economy, and a reputation for reliability. It’s also widely available, which can be helpful if you’re shopping near a military installation or need to find replacement parts and service after a PCS.
iSeeCars currently ranks the 2016 Accord as one of its highest-rated midsize cars, with an average used price of around $14,877, which puts it a little under your budget.
Its fuel efficiency is also another advantage for service members who spend a lot of time commuting or traveling between bases. The four-cylinder Accord can return up to 27 mpg city and 37 mpg highway with the CVT, according to Honda’s specifications. It also provides 15.5 cubic feet of trunk space, which is enough for luggage, groceries, and everyday gear.
3. 2016-2019 Toyota Camry
If reliability is your highest priority, the Toyota Camry deserves a spot near the top of your list. It’s a particularly good fit for military families who want a straightforward midsize sedan that can handle daily commuting, long road trips, and the occasional cross-country PCS without demanding much attention beyond routine maintenance.
The 2016 Camry stands out in particular, as iSeeCars ranks it as the most reliable used midsize car available for under $15,000, giving it a 7.6 out of 10 reliability score and an average used price of about $13,989. Consumer Reports also rates the 2016 Camry’s reliability as better than other vehicles from the same model year.
4. 2015-2017 Toyota Sienna
For military families that need maximum passenger and cargo space, the Toyota Sienna is difficult to overlook. This three-row minivan can seat up to eight passengers while providing considerably more interior space than most SUVs you can find for under $15,000. Its sliding rear doors also make it easier to load children, groceries, luggage, and other gear in crowded parking lots.
The 2015 Sienna specifically offers up to 150 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, or 39 cubic feet with all three rows in use. It also has an available all-wheel-drive system, giving families another reason to consider it if they’re stationed somewhere with frequent snow or challenging winter weather.
Current used-car research also identifies 2015–2017 Siennas as some of the better options for buyers with a $15,000 budget, although mileage can be relatively high at this price point. That makes the Sienna particularly appealing for military families preparing for a PCS. There’s enough room for several passengers and plenty of luggage, while the available AWD system can be useful if your next duty station has harsh winters.
5. 2017-2019 Mazda CX-5
If you don’t need three rows of seating, the Mazda CX-5 is an appealing alternative to a larger family SUV. The CX-5 combines a comfortable cabin, good fuel economy, available all-wheel drive, and engaging handling in a relatively compact package.
That makes it a good fit for military families who want something that’s easy to maneuver around town but still capable of handling longer road trips and a PCS.
The 2017 model is particularly attractive because it marked the beginning of the CX-5’s second generation. Mazda redesigned the SUV with a quieter ride, a more upscale interior, and additional technology while retaining its naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.
The CX-5 can also offer more equipment for your money than some of its better-known competitors. As for price, Kelley Blue Book’s current values put a 2017 CX-5’s fair purchase price around $13,500 for the base Sport and about $14,100 for a Touring, with higher trims potentially reaching $15,500.
Find the Right Car For Your Military Family
Finding a dependable used car for $15,000 doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort, practicality, or peace of mind. From the fuel-efficient Honda Accord and Toyota Camry to the family-friendly Toyota Sienna and versatile Mazda CX-5, there are plenty of options that can handle daily commuting, long road trips, and the demands of military life.
Just because you’re shopping on a tight budget, it doesn’t mean you can’t find a vehicle that’s right for you and your family.
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