Compact cars serve as affordable, fuel-efficient daily drivers. They’re great choices for work commutes, road trips, and running errands. Whether you’re looking for something practical, fun, or upscale, there is a car here for you. These models boast comfortable interiors, practical cargo areas, and some even offer all-wheel drive and modern tech features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Here are the 10 best used compact cars under $15,000.
1. 2015 Toyota Corolla
Known for value and reliability, the 2015 Toyota Corolla is a solid pick for commuters looking for dependable transportation. It may not grab headlines, but it’s an excellent all-around vehicle with plenty of legroom in both rows.
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2. 2015 Honda Civic
Also known for reliability but with a sportier attitude, the 2015 Honda Civic was available in hybrid, natural gas, or sporty Si variants in addition to the attractive standard model. The Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Best Compact Car for 2015 could be had as a sedan or coupe.
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3. 2015 Mazda3
Great looks, fun manners, impressive fuel economy, and a solid roster of features — it’s easy to love the 2015 Mazda3. This compact car, available as a sedan or hatchback, nets up to 41 mpg on the highway, yet it’s still fun on twisty roads and comfortable on the commute. The Mazda3 is a great choice for those who want a dash of spice in their daily drive.
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4. 2015 Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius was one of the first hybrids and the one that established hybrid power as a viable alternative to gas. It’s still one of the best-selling hybrids on the market today. The 2015 Prius nets 48 mpg combined, offers seating for five, and, because it’s a hatchback, has a lot of cargo space. One particularly cool feature (no pun intended) is the solar roof, an available option on the Three and Four trim levels that’s standard on the Five. This feature powers a fan that helps keep the vehicle cool when it’s parked.
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5. 2017 Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai’s Elantra is a stylish, value-packed sedan. In 2017, you could stick with the great fuel-efficient, feature-heavy standard models, or Hyundai offered tempting choices like a fun-to-drive 201-hp sport model or a more premium Limited trim available with features like a hands-free smart trunk opener. As one of the newest cars on this list, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are not only available, but standard.
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6. 2017 Kia Soul
When it comes to passenger cars, the hatchback body style is arguably the most functional. The 2017 Kia Soul adds style and panache to an otherwise highly practical vehicle. It has a spacious interior, comfortable seating, and lots of cargo space thanks to its squared-off exterior design.
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7. 2015 Subaru Impreza
Subaru’s 2015 Impreza is a terrific all-season choice, as it comes with standard all-wheel drive. Perhaps more impressive, it still manages up to 36 mpg on the highway. This combination makes it a very appealing choice, especially for shoppers in harsh winter weather regions.
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8. 2017 Chevrolet Cruze
Comfortable, quiet, and subtly attractive, the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze is a likeable ride for daily drives and road trips. Another option on our list available as a sedan or hatchback, the 2017 Cruze comes standard with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 7-inch center screen, and a punchy 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder good for up to 40 mpg on the highway. You might even be able to find the diesel engine, which got 52 mpg on the highway when equipped with a manual transmission.
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9. 2017 Volkswagen Jetta
The 2017 Volkswagen Jetta was available in a wide range of trims and a choice of three turbo gas engines. The frugal commuter may be drawn to the Jetta S, while the sport-seeking enthusiast’s head will be turned by the 210-hp Jetta GLI. As a newer option, the 2017 Jetta offers optional Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
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10. 2015 Volvo S60
With an upscale interior, gorgeous styling, and sporty handling and acceleration, the 2015 Volvo S60 is at a different level than the rest of the cars on this list. It was available with 4-, 5-, and 6-cylinder engines and optional all-wheel drive, but the best (and lowest-mileage) examples in the sub-$15,000 range will probably be well-equipped models with 4-cylinder engines and front-wheel drive.
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10 Best Used Compact Cars Under $15,000
- 2015 Toyota Corolla
- 2015 Honda Civic
- 2015 Mazda3
- 2015 Toyota Prius
- 2017 Hyundai Elantra
- 2017 Kia Soul
- 2015 Subaru Impreza
- 2017 Chevrolet Cruze
- 2017 Volkswagen Jetta
- 2015 Volvo S60
