Looking for a reliable and stylish mid-range car without breaking the bank? Whether you’re in the market for a sleek sedan, a versatile crossover, or a sporty coupe, you’ll find the perfect option with diligent research! The car market is teeming with mid-range vehicles with affordable rates below $35,000. So, there is no way for you to run out of options!
But as with any undertaking, you must tread lightly when shopping for a car. Negligence can cost you a lot of money in the long run. To maximize your chances of getting the best cars, run a VIN check and get a car history report to learn every vital piece of information about your prospective cars.
We’ve compiled a list of the best mid-range cars below $35k that are sure to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.
2020 – 2023 Honda Civic
$26,155 – $31,250
The Honda Civic offers a range of active safety features with the standard Honda Sensing package and a user-friendly multimedia system with smartphone connectivity on the Sport trim. Available as a sedan or hatchback, the Civic offers a choice of two engine options. Honda also includes numerous standard driver-assistance features, making the Civic a smart choice for budget-minded buyers. Overall, the Honda Civic offers a lot of value for its cost, with a range of safety and convenience features, as well as the option for more power with the turbocharged engine. If you’re looking for a compact car that is both practical and fun to drive, the Honda Civic is a solid choice.
2020 – 2023 Chevrolet Camaro
$25,800 – $34,900
The Chevy Camaro offers a range of powerful engine options including a V-8, and a performance package that transforms it into a versatile track machine. The interior may feel cramped and has some quirks, but the front seats are comfortable and the infotainment system is user-friendly. The modern chassis technology makes the Camaro an exciting and sporty option for those who love to drive. Despite some cabin drawbacks, the Camaro’s powerful engine options and performance capabilities make it a compelling choice for muscle car enthusiasts.
2020 – 2023 Honda Accord
$27,785 – $28,390
The Honda Accord is a mid-size family sedan that offers an efficient hybrid option and competes with the Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, and Chevrolet Malibu. It has a spacious trunk and back seat, making it ideal for grocery runs and road trips, as well as accommodating multiple child seats. Additionally, the Accord comes with standard driver-assistance features and an intuitive infotainment system, and the 2023 model includes updated tech such as a new digital gauge display and available 12.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Honda Accord is a versatile and practical option for families, offering good fuel efficiency with the hybrid model, spacious interior, and updated technology features. It competes well with other mid-size sedans in its class and is a strong choice for those looking for a reliable and comfortable vehicle.
2020 – 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata
$27,525 – $28,050
For car enthusiasts looking for a pure and enjoyable driving experience, the Miata offers a thrilling and analog driving experience in a world dominated by computer-controlled cars and SUVs. Its spunky four-cylinder engine and delightfully balanced chassis make it perfect for zipping through curvy roads. The option of a soft-top convertible or a power-folding hard-top adds versatility to this fun, affordable car. While not the most practical choice, the Miata is a fantastic option for those seeking a thrilling driving experience. Suffice to say, the Miata offers an exhilarating and analog driving experience in a world dominated by technology and practicality, making it a fantastic option for car enthusiasts.
2020 Ford Mustang EcoBoost
$33,505
The 2020 Ford Mustang offers a range of options, from the affordable and enjoyable EcoBoost model with a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine to the powerful V-8 GT model. The Mustang has evolved to be both athletic and livable, although it does have some subpar interior materials and a tight back seat. Overall, the Mustang continues to live up to its legendary muscle car title, with a good balance of performance and affordability. The 2020 Ford Mustang offers a diverse range of options, from a standard turbocharged four-cylinder to a powerful V-8, making it an enjoyable and affordable choice for both muscle car enthusiasts and everyday drivers. Despite some interior and space limitations, the Mustang continues to impress with its performance and livability.
2020 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
$33,795 – $33,950
The Mercedes A-Class sedan provides spacious accommodations, impressive tech features, and a comfortable ride. It offers plenty of luxury and a modern interior, making it a competitive choice in the compact luxury sedan market. However, the uncharismatic engine, lackluster cornering, and limited back-seat room detract from its overall appeal. Ultimately, while it has its strengths, there are notable shortcomings that may make it less desirable compared to its competitors.
2022 – 2023 Toyota Tacoma
$30,225 – $34,980
The Toyota Tacoma is a reliable and capable off-road truck that excels in tough terrain. However, it comes with a standard engine that is less powerful than competitors and has some outdated standard equipment. It also has a less comfortable seating position and lower fuel economy compared to its rivals. However, it still stands out as a more affordable choice in its segment and has a strong towing capacity. Overall, the Tacoma is a solid choice for off-road enthusiasts who prioritize capability over comfort and interior quality.
2023 Ford Bronco
$33,400 – $34,890
The Ford Bronco offers a range of powerful engine options, including a 300-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four and a 330-hp twin-turbo 2.7-liter V-6. For those seeking even more power, there is the 418-hp Bronco Raptor. The Bronco is highly customizable, making it suitable for a wide range of needs. While it may have some drawbacks such as fuel economy and wind noise, its off-road capabilities and enjoyable driving experience make it a strong contender in its class. To put it simply, the Ford Bronco is a top choice for those in the market for a capable and versatile off-road vehicle.
2020 Jeep Wrangler
$29,790 – $31,195
The Jeep Wrangler is a modern version of the iconic military vehicle, offering luxury and technology alongside its off-road capabilities. While the base model lacks some typical SUV creature comforts, it is still priced at around $30,000. The Wrangler Unlimited, a four-door version, is even pricier. That said, the Wrangler is a rugged and fun-to-drive 4×4 with an iconic look and impressive off-road capabilities, making it worth the investment for those who prioritize adventure and outdoor activities.
2020 Nissan 370Z
$31,015
The Nissan 370Z offers a responsive V-6 engine and nimble handling, but its aging design and lack of modern features make it less competitive in its class. However, for those seeking an affordable, sporty ride, the 370Z is worth considering. Keep in mind that this two-seat sports coupe has limited cargo space, can be noisy inside, and features a dated interior. If you’re willing to overlook these drawbacks, the 370Z could be a fun and stylish option for your next car.
2023 Toyota Camry
$25,945 – $36,370
The Toyota Camry offers plenty of standard safety tech, fuel-efficient hybrid models, and still has a V-6 option in the TRD. The driving experience is not particularly thrilling, but the car does have plenty of safety features and a roomy cabin. All-wheel drive is also available, making it a practical choice for many drivers. While the Camry may not offer the most thrilling driving experience, it makes up for it with plenty of standard safety features and a roomy cabin. However, those looking for a more performance-oriented sedan may want to consider other options.
2023 Subaru Legacy
$24,395 – $37,695
The Subaru Legacy offers a roomy interior, all-wheel drive on all models, and plenty of standard driver-assistance tech, making it a practical and safe choice for drivers. The all-wheel drive and active safety features come standard, and the interior space is impressive. The styling has been revised, and safety systems have been updated. That said, the touchscreen layout is awkward, the handling is described as snooze-worthy, there is no manual transmission option, and the base engine is underwhelming. Furthermore, the expensive turbo-4 engine has mediocre mileage and the car falls short of being sporty. The verdict? The Subaru Legacy is a reliable and practical choice, but may not be the most exciting or fuel-efficient option on the market.
2023 Hyundai Sonata
$24,950
The Hyundai Sonata impresses with its value, technology, and stylish design. Although it may not be perfect, it offers a lot for the money and is a strong contender in the midsize sedan segment. The driving dynamics are engaging and the exterior design is striking, but the ride quality may be too firm for some and the grille design is questionable. Setting aside the downsides, buyers are more than compensated by the Sonata‘s generous tech features and long warranty coverage, which makes it a good bang for the buck.
2023 Dodge Challenger
$32,465
The Dodge Challenger offers bold, retro styling and powerful V-8 engines, making it a great choice for those who prioritize muscle-car road manners. It is a solid choice for those who value power and comfort over modern features and sporty driving dynamics. Despite its old-school handling and déclassé cabin materials, the Challenger‘s vintage appearance may appeal to drivers who prioritize comfort and utility. However, it falls short in terms of modern safety features and athleticism compared to its competitors.