• Used car prices reached a record high for the second quarter of 2026, with the average three-year-old vehicle costing over $32,000.
• The supply of used cars remains below previous years, creating significant challenges for shoppers seeking vehicles under $15,000.
• Buyers looking for used cars under $20,000 face trade-offs between newer, higher-mileage models and older, lower-mileage ones.

Used car prices topped $32,000 in the second quarter of 2026 at a time when car buyers are grappling with record high new vehicle and gas prices, according to new data released by Edmunds.

The average list price of a three-year-old used car in spring 2026 was $32,461, which was a new record for the second quarter of a year, according to the group.

The number of used cars also remains below 2023 and 2024 levels, according to a separate report from Cox Automotive. The nation’s auto dealers had 2.15 million used cars on their lots in July, which is 0.2% higher than June, but still below previous years’ levels, according to the report.

Both Edmunds and Cox said the current market presents major challenges for shoppers who are trying to find vehicles that cost less than $15,000.

“Analyzing the top 15 most frequently purchased brands in the $15,000-$20,000 price range, shoppers can choose between a 3-year-old Kia with under 50,000 miles and a 7-year-old Toyota with more than 85,000 miles,” Edmunds said in its report. “Neither choice is inherently better, but the trade-offs are significant.”

“Affordability remains a challenge for budget-conscious shoppers,” Cox added. “Vehicles priced below $15,000 carried just 32.2 days’ supply in July, well below the overall market average of 46 days, underscoring the limited availability of lower-priced options.”

With that in mind, the USA TODAY Cars team took at look at Edmunds’ list of the brands you could buy used and the average age and mileage of the vehicles.

1. Kia

Average used car age that costs less than $20,000: 3.3 yearsAverage mileage: 48,147 Top-selling US model: Kia Sportage

2. Nissan

Average used car age that costs less than $20,000: 3.7 yearsAverage mileage: 51,852 Top-selling US model: Nissan Rogue

3. Hyundai

Average used car age that costs less than $20,000: 3.9 years

Average mileage: 50,097

Top-selling US model: Hyundai Tucson

4. Volkswagen

Average used car age that costs less than $20,000: 4.3 years

Average mileage: 52,056

Top-selling US model: Volkswagen Tiguan

5. Buick

Average used car age that costs less than $20,000: 4.7 years

Average mileage: 50,056

Top-selling US model: Buick Envista

6. Chevrolet

Average used car age that costs less than $20,000: 5.7 years

Average mileage: 75,224

Top-selling US model: Chevrolet Silverado

7. Mazda

Average used car age that costs less than $20,000: 6 years

Average mileage: 62,995

Top-selling US model: Mazda CX-5

8. Subaru

Average used car age that costs less than $20,000: 6.8 years

Average mileage: 76,353

Top-selling US model: Subaru Crosstrek

9. Jeep

Average used car age that costs less than $20,000: 6.8 years

Average mileage: 74,922

Top-selling US model: Jeep Grand Cherokee

10. Ford

Average used car age that costs less than $20,000: 6.9 years

Average mileage: 84,452

Top-selling US model: Ford F-150

Keith Laing is an automotive reporter on the National Trending Desk at USA TODAY. Contact Keith at klaing@usatodayco.com.