Choosing the right used car for your lifestyle can be difficult. Used car marketplaces like CarMax and Carvana can simplify the used car search since their sites allow you to view inventory, vehicle specs and features online.
If you know which used car, truck and SUV models are worth looking into, you can quickly narrow down your choices. We'll compare two used Toyota models to explain why they're good deals and their appeal to different types of drivers.
The 2020 Toyota Corolla is affordable, reliable used car
Toyota produces the vehicles most likely to last for 250,000 miles and beyond, according to research from iSeeCars.com. The Japanese automaker is a great brand to start your used car search journey with. The Corolla is the company's affordable sedan model.
Toyota's 2020 Corolla has depreciated
over time, but the model year isn't so old that it has become antiquated. A used 2020 Corolla will be more affordable than a brand-new model but still offers modern features and a level of quality car buyers are comfortable with.
You can find a 2020 Toyota Corolla listed on CarMax for under $16,000. Mileage and shipping cost varies depending on the specific listing, but a 2020 model year with under 80,000 miles is ideal based on its age.
The Corolla is a popular affordable sedan that's known for its longevity and low maintenance costs over time. If you need a daily driver for commuting and don't require as much space as drivers with large families or groups of passengers, the 2020 Toyota Corolla can be an excellent used car.
2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is dependable, efficient family hauler
Toyota's Highlander Hybrid is a midsize hybrid SUV that's ideal for families. It's efficient for its size thanks to a hybrid powertrain and it's known for its dependability over time.
Drivers can find a sued 2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid on Carvana for under $30,000. Prices, mileage and shipping costs vary by listing. The midsize hybrid SUV is a solid choice for drivers who regularly travel with passengers and value stellar gas mileage from their SUV. It's big enough to be practical for families and has plenty of cargo space (42.3 cubic feet behind second row).
The 2018 Highlander Hybrid is a three-row SUV that can fit up to eight occupants.
Which used Toyota is the better buy?
If you're a driver who wants a commuter and doesn't travel with passengers regularly, the 2020 Toyota Corolla sedan is a much better option. It's much cheaper, though its quality feels cheaper as well. The Corolla is also more efficient than the Highlander because of its weight.
The 2020 Toyota Corolla uses a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine to produce 139 horsepower. It achieves 30 mpg in the city and 38 miles per gallon on the highway.
Toyota's Highlander is the best option by far for drivers with two or more children. It offers significantly more cabin and cargo space and is the more practical daily driver.
The 2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid uses a 3.5-liter V6 and electric motors to produce 306 horsepower. It earns 30 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
If you're searching for a used vehicle, there are plenty of great options available that offer excellent value for the money and are built to last.
Charles Singh is an Autos Connect Reporter for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network. Contact him at CSingh@Gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Used car battle: 2020 Toyota Corolla vs. 2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
