A lot of consumers assume that used cars are reserved for teen drivers or those seeking an alternative, “backup” ride. In reality, used vehicles are perfect targets for any type of drivers, and this includes commuters. If you’re a commuter who’s currently searching around for used cars in Indianapolis, you shouldn’t assume that your list of potential used commuter targets is limited. Rather, it’s the opposite.
Whether you have a 15-minute drive or an hour-long commute, there are still plenty of used cars that will fit your needs. Specifically, you’ll be looking for a reliable and durable used car that delivers optimal comfort and efficiency. Well, we’ve managed to find a number of nameplates that could logically fit that bill.
Take a look at the used nameplates that make for excellent commuters. Then, when it’s time to shop around for used cars in Indianapolis, you’ll already know what vehicle you’re zeroing in on.
Used Commuter #1: Honda Fit
Honda’s vehicles naturally make for excellent targets for those seeking a used ride. The brand is known for its reliability and dependability, and you should expect one of the company’s nameplates to last well over 100,000 miles. The Honda Fit is certainly included in this sentiment, and there are a variety of additional reasons why this subcompact also makes for a great commuter.
For starters, drivers can anticipate excellent fuel economy numbers. The 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that’s been included in recent-year models ultimately promised a 28-mile-per-gallon city fuel efficiency and a 35-mile-per-gallon highway fuel efficiency, meaning you won’t have to take constant pitstops to the gas station throughout the work week. Best of all, the engine also manages to deliver solid power specs at 117 horsepower and 106 pound-feet of torque. Add these specs to the five-speed automatic or manual transmission, and you’re looking at one of the most enjoyable used commuters around.
There are even more reasons why a recent-year Honda Fit makes for an excellent commuter. The vehicle’s second-row seats can easily be folded and hidden, unlocking up to 57-cubic-feet of cargo space. Therefore, if you’re planning a weekend road trip after you clock out on Friday, you won’t have to worry about fitting all of your luggage inside the vehicle ahead of time.
Used Commuter #2: Chevy Volt
An electric vehicle might not be on your radar, but it should be. Sure, these types of cars can be hard to find when you’re shopping around for used rides. However, if you do happen to come across a pre-owned Chevy Volt, you shouldn’t think twice about pulling the trigger.
Most of this has to do with the nameplate’s incredible fuel efficiency. The vehicle already has an impressive 35-mile electric range, but owners can easily turn to the accompanying engine once the lithium battery runs out of juice. The 1.4-liter engine that’s been included in recent-year models ultimately delivers up to a 32-mile-per-gallon fuel efficiency, all leading to an incredible 315-mile range. You’d be hard pressed to find a more efficient vehicle than that.
In recent years, these batteries have only been improved, and few pundits have questioned the Volt’s reliability. In other words, there are few used vehicles that make for better commuters than the Chevy Volt.
Used Commuter #3: Chevy Equinox
We’re sure you weren’t anticipating an electric vehicle to make our list… but you probably would have guessed that segment before you guessed an SUV. Well, the Chevy Equinox has proved to be the perfect choice for those seeking a larger commuter vehicle. Specifically, we’re eyeing those nameplates that were released in the early 2010s.
While the Chevy Equinox isn’t necessarily known for its fuel efficiency (although, when compared to similar vehicles, the 32-mile-per-gallon efficiency still prove to be rather impressive), there are a number of additional amenities and attributes that make this used ride an excellent option for commuters.
Primarily, the interior is plenty comfortable, and there’s more than enough room for the driver and passengers to spread out. Therefore, if you ever find yourself stuck in traffic, you won’t be losing your mind. Furthermore, the SUV is plenty stylish, and it’s incredibly easy to handle. The Equinox is generally lauded for its versatility, and this will undoubtedly be appreciated by commuters.
Used Commuter #4: Chevy Malibu
Chevy has done an admirable job in recent years of boosting the Malibu’s reliability. The nameplate was previously on the ‘do-not-target’ list when it came to used cars, but the vehicle has now earned a spot on the list of the best-used commuters.
The vehicle is generally lauded for its roominess, as the passenger room dimensions tend to lead the class. The vehicle is also an underrated road trip option, as drivers will never have any issues fitting luggage or equipment (or, you know, anything they’d need for work) inside their car. Considering the relatively smaller stature of the car, it’s also a logical choice for those seeking fuel efficiency.
The Chevy Malibu probably isn’t the first vehicle that’d pop into your head when you’re thinking about potentially used commuters. There was previously some reasoning behind this, but considering the nameplate’s improvements, it should now be on your list of targets.
Used Commuter #5: Toyota Prius
This nameplate seems to be accompanied by a negative stigma. At the end of the day, the Toyota Prius still makes for a great target for those seeking a used ride. This is mostly attributed to the vehicle’s incredible fuel efficiency. For instance, recent-year compact hatchback offerings managed to deliver an incredible 48-mile-per-gallon fuel efficiency on the highway. Those are numbers you rarely see, and there’s a good chance that the specs didn’t decline due to age.
Furthermore, the brand has managed to provide all of the amenities a driver would want during their commute. Most recent-year models include an intuitive infotainment system, and engineers filled the interior with comfort amenities. If you’re someone who has struggled to adapt to the stresses of a commute, the Toyota Prius will do its part to keep you a bit more calm.
Regardless of what body structure you end up opting for, the Toyota Prius has proven to be an excellent option for those seeking an inexpensive used commuter.
Used Commuter #6: Hyundai Accent
This option is probably for those with a bit more flexibility in their budget. Really-recent-year models (we’re talking like 2012 to present) are the logical targets, but that’s means you’ll have to dish out some extra money for the purchase.
The subcompact hatchback saw a redesign in recent years, a revision that managed to improve practically every aspect of the nameplate. The interior was filled with comfort and entertainment features, although models produced in the past couple of years predictably have more technology than the 2012 counterpart.
These vehicles also deliver an impressive, efficient engine. Specifically, the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that’s been included in recent-year models manages to crank out around 123 pound-feet of torque and 138 horsepower. Plus, thanks to clever fuel-saving technologies, drivers can realize a 37-mile-per-gallon highway fuel efficiency.
Sure, it may cost a bit more money for the Hyundai Accent, but that’s a big reason why the nameplate is one of the most impressive used commuters on this list.
If you find yourself looking for used cars in Indianapolis any of these are sure to get the job done and can be found for reasonable prices.
