Not everyone is looking for the latest luxury sports car. Sometimes, the safest, most practical option makes the most sense for everyday driving. For conscious consumers, used cars
are the way to go. But how do you know which vehicles retain the most value in the long run? Check out our top used car choice for getting the most bang for your buck.
The reliable used 2013 Kia Soul
The iSeeCars
best-used list analyzes over 12 million used cars, and we recently reviewed it to see this year’s top contenders. According to iSeeCars, “The winners are cars that are the longest-lasting, hold their value the best, and have the highest average safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).” For those on a tight budget, the 2013 Kia Soul was voted the best used car under $10,000. The used 2019 and 2021 Kia Soul were also recommended if you’re able to spend over $20,000.
The Kia Soul is tall, boxy, and fun. It’s marketed to a younger crowd and offers plenty of useful space. The ride is a little stiff, but the handling is secure with a smooth and responsive six-speed automatic transmission. Braking distances are long and it averages 26 mpg in tests executed by Consumer Reports
. The 2013 Kia Soul’s 2-liter engine can crank out 164 hp and its 37-foot turning circle makes it easy to maneuver.
Yes, you will feel sharp bumps and road imperfections on rough terrain. However, the Soul absorbs impact much better on the highway. But there’s no using your inside voice with the loud engine hum and wind noise.
As you’d expect, the drivers will sit high in this wagon. The cabin is open and airy, giving passengers plenty of room. While the rear seats can fit three people, two is best for maximum comfort. The seats are too flat and firm for lumbar support on summer road trips
, but are fine for everyday errands around the city. The controls and gauges are simple and easy to use. Reviewers liked “the large, high-mounted buttons and knobs controlling the base model's audio and climate functions.” Bluetooth comes standard, and the car has two 12-volt ports and auxiliary audio input.
The audio system on the up-level Infinity is a little more complicated, and a touch screen replaces some of the controls. Buyers will be happy to know that this Soul has a deep two-level glove compartment, a deep center console, and a center dashboard cubby for smaller knick-knacks.
Safety features and driver-assist systems
Three-point safety belts can be found on all five seats. “Front passengers have adjustable upper anchors, pretensioners, and force-limiters,” notes Consumer Reports. The first row is protected by side airbags, and curtain airbags also protect front and back seat passengers.
While all the seats have adjustable head restraints, the one in the center rear isn’t able to reach a tall enough height to safely protect its occupant. Reviewers reported that the “Front-seat head restraints are active, moving toward the occupant's head in a rear crash to further mitigate whiplash injury.”
As far as crash-avoidance systems, the 2013 Kia Soul comes with antilock brakes and electronic stability control. If possible, find a Soul with a rear-view camera.
If you’re driving with kids, the center seat may be the most convenient option. “It might prove difficult to secure a rear-facing child safety seat in the outboard rear positions using safety belts…lower LATCH anchors in the outboard positions are a better bet for front- and rear-facing seats,” according to Consumer Reports.
Used car prices may be dropping, but will it last?
MORE: Popular Mechanics Says This is the Best Website For Buying a Used Car
In January 2022, the average used car sold for $27,633 in the U.S. That’s almost $600 less than where it stood a month before. Fortunately, vehicle supply is improving which means we could see an increase in slashed prices. However, the trend may not be here to stay.
Typically, buyers are more likely to purchase a vehicle around tax season. Who wouldn’t want to switch up their ride with a substantial government refund? And since the volume in 2022 is higher than the previous, the used car spring season looks promising.
If you’re looking for the cheapest car you can find, it may take longer than you think. Cars under $15,000 have the lowest inventory and lowest “‘days of inventory”—how long it would take them to sell out of cars at the current sales pace if they didn’t acquire any new ones, according to Kelley Blue Book
. If you want to know more about insuring a used vehicle or how to buy a used car from a dealership
, check out Jerry
! The Jerry app gathers affordable quotes, helps you switch plans, and will even help you cancel your old policy. 
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