The 10 easiest used cars to sell for top dollar

When you buy a new car, resale value is rarely top of mind. But thinking ahead can pay off—getting more back when you sell your car means more money to put toward your next ride.

A vehicle’s reliability, looks, and overall demand all play a role in how well it holds its value. Brands like Toyota and Honda are known for strong resale, while others like Volkswagen and Audi can lose value fast due to pricey repairs and weaker reliability.

To help you come out ahead, we’ve rounded up 10 of the most popular used cars on the market as of 2024. These picks make it easier to know which cars will keep their value and sell quickly when the time comes.

The tables below show each model’s base powertrain specs, and all images feature 2024 model-year vehicles.

Honda Civic

Percent of total 1–5-year-old used car sales: 1.5%

First up is a car that probably won’t surprise you. The Honda Civic has been one of America’s favorite compact cars for decades.

It’s easy to see why it’s so popular. The Civic has a long-standing reputation for reliability, especially compared to many domestically produced compact cars.

Toyota RAV4

Percent of total 1–5-year-old used car sales: 1.6%

Next is the Toyota RAV4, a vehicle that’s earned its popularity thanks to rock-solid reliability. It even knocked the Ford F-150 off its spot as America’s bestselling vehicle after an incredible 42-year run.

As a midsize SUV, the RAV4 offers a perfect mix of space, practicality, and everyday usability. It’s easy to see why it’s so loved—and why it’s one of our favorites.

Ford Explorer

Percent of total 1–5-year-old used car sales: 1.6%

Next up is a model that’s been an American SUV staple since 1991. The Explorer helped shift the industry away from big sedans and minivans toward SUVs that were both comfortable and capable.

Today, the Explorer is still hugely popular, and its strong presence in the used market proves it.

Nissan Rogue

Percent of total 1–5-year-old used car sales; 1.6%

The Nissan Rogue is currently the brand’s most popular model. As a midsize SUV, it competes directly with vehicles like the Toyota RAV4.

Unlike the RAV4, the Rogue doesn’t have the same reputation for reliability, thanks in part to CVT transmission issues in the 2010s. Still, its spacious interior, affordable price, and smart design keep it a favorite with buyers.

Toyota Tacoma

Percent of total 1–5-year-old used car sales: 1.6%

The first pickup on our list is the Toyota Tacoma, the brand’s well-known midsize truck. It arrived in the U.S. in the mid-1990s and has built a loyal following thanks to its reliability and versatility.

Modern Tacomas also sport a bold, aggressive look, which is a big draw for most truck buyers.

Toyota Camry

Percent of total 1–5-year old used car sales: 1.7%

It’s no surprise the Toyota Camry makes this list, as it’s consistently one of the most popular sedans in the U.S.

The Camry still delivers the perfect mix of practicality, reliability, and style. Its five-year resale value sits around sixty-four point five of its original price, which is impressive for a sedan in today’s market.

Chevrolet Equinox

Percent of total 1–5-year old used car sales: 1.8%

One of the more surprising entries on our list is the Chevrolet Equinox, a midsize SUV that doesn’t have the same history as the RAV4 or Explorer.

Still, it’s popular in the used market thanks to its reputation for reliability, affordable pricing, and a dependable base engine. On top of that, Chevrolet has over 2,800 service centers across the U.S., so help is never far away.

Ram 1500

Percent of total 1–5-year old used car sales: 2.1%

Being in the U.S., it’s no surprise that full-size pickups like the Ram 1500 are among the most popular used vehicles.

Part of the appeal comes from their toughness, usability, and the confidence of driving high off the ground. Beyond that, trucks are woven into American life, and plenty of people just love that connection.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Percent of total 1–5-year-old used car sales: 2.4%

Another full-size truck on our list is the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, a longtime favorite that’s been even more popular than the Ram 1500 for decades.

People can debate endlessly about which full-size truck is the best, but the Silverado’s durability is hard to beat. JD Power gives it an 84 out of 100, a solid score for a modern pickup.

Ford F-150

Percent of total 1–5-year-old used car sales: 3.0%

No surprises here—the Ford F-150 tops the list as the most popular used vehicle in the U.S. It’s been America’s bestselling truck for 47 years and held the title as the overall bestselling vehicle for 42 years.

Its popularity has dipped slightly in recent years, but the F-150 is still among the best of the best. When it comes to used sales, it’s king, and it looks set to stay that way for years to come.

Sources: Honda, Toyota, Chevrolet, Ram, Ford, Nissan, J.D. Power, KXAN.com, iSeeCars.com, CarBuzz