Savvy car buyers know the advantages of buying used instead of new. They know they can find the convertible, SUV, or truck they really want at a used car dealership. But does the same hold true for drivers who need the most practical car for commuting? Absolutely. You can save plenty of money and find the right fit for your lifestyle when you shop locally for the best used commuter car.
And just because you’re saving money doesn’t mean you have to skimp on safety features and performance. Many used commuter cars offer ADAS, infotainment, and ride comfort that rival their new (and much more expensive!) counterparts. Here are five of the best used cars for commuting that are affordable, reliable, and desirable—and don’t break the bank!
Best Cars for Commuters
The best cars for commuters should be fuel-efficient and dependable, but they should also be comfortable and enjoyable. Instead of settling for what you need, you can get a car you’ll love while still being practical. Here are five of the best used cars for your commute, and you’ll find most of them right here in Tucson at Car Time Supercenter.
1. Toyota Prius
It should be no surprise to find the Toyota Prius on a list of the best used commuter cars—or any car list. The Prius was one of the first hybrids and is still one of the most popular. The hybrid is well-known for its incredible fuel efficiency and can average up to 50 mpg. A highly-efficient 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and a pair of advanced electric motors combine to create up to 134 horsepower. The Prius is also a used commuter car top choice because of its smooth continuously-variable automatic transmission, surprising ride comfort, and ample room.
2. Toyota Corolla
Like the Prius, the Toyota Corolla is one of the most popular used cars available, and not just for its practicality. The Corolla gets an impressive combined 35 mpg and is renowned for its longevity and low cost of ownership. But the 1.8-liter gas engine can deliver up to 140 horsepower without guzzling gas. The exterior looks pretty sporty, and the interior is simple but high-quality and stylish. Throw in LED headlights, responsive handling, and a powerful infotainment system, and you’ve got yourself an affordable and fun commuter car.
3. Volkswagen Jetta
Not all commutes are the same. While some drivers spend much of their time in town, others rack up some serious mileage daily. For high-mileage commutes, drivers need more than fuel economy—they need performance for the highway and comfort for hours behind the wheel. The Volkswagen Jetta checks all the boxes and more for one of the best used commuter cars. You get a respectable 40+ mpg on the highway, 140 horsepower and plenty of torque for quick maneuvers and a roomy and stylish cabin. The Jetta has been a commuter car sleeper since 1979, but now that you know, take a test drive and see for yourself.
4. Chrysler 300
Okay. We know that the Chrysler 300 is categorized as a full-size sedan, but for long commutes and easy handling around town, the 300 is impressive. The Chrysler 300 features modern fuel-economy with around 31 mpg on the highway, and the 3.6-liter engine boasts 292 horsepower. Not bad. But where the 300 shines for commuters is its super-comfortable ride, sure handling, and roomy, stylish cabin. If you’re spending hours on the road each week, a sedan like the 300 might offer the perfect balance between practicality and performance.
5. Ford Escape
Some commuters not only need low-cost ownership and reliability—they need more room for cargo and passengers. For these drivers, the best used commuter car is actually an SUV, and the Ford Escape fits the bill. A 2.5 four-cylinder engine generates 168 horsepower while still maintaining almost 30 mpg on the highway. You get respectable fuel efficiency for an SUV, plenty of room for five, and extra cargo. You also get a dependable commuter that is fun to drive thanks to responsive front-wheel drive and awesome entertainment system.
You can find the ideal used commuter car that’s good on gas and dependable when you shop for quality used cars at Car Time Supercenter. We make car buying more affordable with competitive prices, flexible financing, and special deals backed by hometown service. Our family-owned car dealership has helped Tucson drivers get behind the wheel of used cars and trucks they love since 1984.
When you buy a used commuter car from us, you simply get more for your money during and after the sale. Make commuting more enjoyable, affordable, and dependable when you check out Car Time Supercenter. Call (888) 557-4326 or check our extensive online inventory today. Don’t spend another day with a miserable commute—find the best used commuter car for your style.
There are good reasons people will buy their next used car in Tucson from Car Time Supercenter. But I think we are one of the most trusted used car dealerships mainly because we treat everyone like family. My family has provided quality, dependable local used cars to Tucson customers since 1984, and I’m proud to be a part of our continued success.
Like many family-owned businesses, I grew up going to work with my dad. Falling in love with cars was natural because of my father’s passion, and eventually, I came to love the car business just like him. I officially joined the Car Time Supercenter team in 2012, starting in the finance department. Over the past decade, I’ve learned the used car business and how to treat customers from my family and industry resources.
Today, I oversee marketing, social media, inventory, and reconditioning, so I play an essential role in delivering local Tucson used car buyers the best experience possible. I also help our family business keep up with the times while providing old-fashioned customer service. From attending NADA classes to becoming Allstate certified for back-end products, I continue to learn and add skills to serve our customers better.
