It’s no secret that Houston has more than its share of interesting driving conditions. Whether it’s battling inclement weather, dealing with bumper-to-bumper traffic or excruciating heat—it can be a nightmare. One thing that gives drivers a little relief is the right vehicle to handle all that Houston’s roads throw at you. If you’re in the market for a "new" used car, truck or SUV, here are some excellent vehicles for the Houston area.
Subcompact and Compact
Kia Soul: Kia Soul made waves with commercials featuring strange, dancing hamsters. In retrospect, the commercials were memorable, do you’ll always remember Kia Soul because of them. And as a used car buyer, it’s good not to forget the Soul either. Used Kia Souls are affordable, often full of fun technology features and get good mileage to protect you against Houston’s gridlock-driven gas costs.
Toyota Yaris: Toyota suffered a few years of negative reviews, but they are back and stronger than ever. The Yaris is their answer to small cars with excellent mileage. Although nondescript and a little simplistic, the Yaris is ideal for commuters with its 30 City/37 Hwy MPG. It also offers better cargo space than many of its competitors.
Chevrolet Spark: Chevrolet is another company that has made a comeback in recent years. The Spark is cute, stylish, uber-affordable and packs a mighty punch with its outstanding MPG. It withstands the wear and tear of tooling around town, but probably isn’t your optimal pick for road-tripping.
Midsize and Full-Size Sedans
Hyundai Sonata: You can go back all the way to 2006 and still get a reliable Sonata. Hyundai offers drivers top-notch warranties, and although plainer in its packaging, your Sonata is more likely to be full of options and features at a better price than the competitors.
Mazda 6: As Mazda drivers like to say: “Zoom, Zoom!” The 6 is a sleek midsize sedan that is comfortable, sporty and has some power under the hood.
Acura: Acura’s don’t lose their value as quickly as other cars, which is why they are consistently on best used car lists. If you want some luxury at a good price, look for deals on the Acura TL or TSX. Both have a lot to offer drivers, and are a solid pick for those who cart clients around town.
Wagons and Crossovers
Subaru: Whenever there’s a best resale value list, Subaru typically has at least a couple cars on it. The Outback, Forester and Crosstrek straddle the lines of SUVS, crossovers and wagons, but they’re also a top pick for active people and those who want a used car that will retain its value. They also happen to be comfortable and roomy, and handle the roads like a pro no matter what the weather.
Trucks and SUV
Honda CR-V: As far as compact SUVs go the Honda CR-V is the top. The CR-V is not exactly inspiring when it comes to exterior, but it possesses all the features you want: good mileage, comfort, reliability, value. If you find it visually boring, go for a wrap or custom paint job. It’s perfect for both hauling friends and family, and getting to and from work. Plus, it can handle Houston weather as well.
Ford Escape: The Ford Escape made it on the list for used cars because of its value. Unlike many Ford models, the Escape tends to resale a bit lower than average, which is good news for used car buyers looking for a solid SUV with good ratings.
Ford F150:The F150 is the number one pick for trucks, both used and new. The F150 will sell again and again, and still keep its value. It’s also a workhorse. The newer models have improved upon fuel efficiency and performance. Ford's legendary truck is your best bet if you tow or need to get big jobs done.
Chevrolet Tahoe: Large families or people who love living large will like the Chevrolet Tahoe. It’s stylish, loaded, fun to drive and extremely comfortable on rough Houston roads. When you need a roomier ride that can handle all the city throws at you, the Tahoe is a perfect large used SUV pick.
Choosing a Used Car
When choosing the right vehicle for your next purchase look at a few important factors:
- Budget
- What you need it for
- Reviews
- Mileage
- Vehicle history
There are many used cars that are excellent for Houston. The ones mentioned above will help you get your search started.
