Nothing says summer freedom like hitting the road. If a shopper who’s holding back because you don’t want to spend endless hours online to find the perfect used car, or a dealer trying to get a finger on the pulse, well, you’re in luck. Autotrader has done the work for you. The auto site crunched the numbers and compiled a top 10 list of cars based on the most popular searches this season. “All of these vehicles are hot in their own way, but one thing that won’t burn you this summer is their price,” said Brian Moody, executive editor for Autotrader in a press release. “These used cars represent significant savings over their brand-new counterparts and offer great value while maintaining a modern feel. All are smart choices that will save shoppers some extra cash to plan their next weekend getaway.” Here’s a rundown of the top ten in alphabetical order.
Chevrolet Corvette (2014-2019)
Price: Starting around $40,000
Why It’s Hot: Powerful, agile, comfortable with a high-tech interior, the C7 Chevrolet Corvette is aging well. The last of the front engine models, it’s still holding its own among mid engines.
Chevrolet Silverado (2014-2018)
Price: Starting around $20,000 Why It’s Hot: Truck? Check. Modern? Check. Affordable? Check and check. The previous-generation Chevrolet Silverado is the strong silent hero of trucks, maintaining the classic styling many drivers love while staying within the price range they can afford.
Chevrolet Tahoe (2015-2019)
Price: Starting around $35,000 Why It’s Hot: One of the most searched vehicles on Autotrader, everyone seems to want to get their hands on one of these SUVs. They’re family and road-trip friendly; and when combined with a depreciation discount and a manufacturer-backed warranty, they’re also a lot easier on the wallet than a new model.
Ford F-Series (2015-2019) 
Price: Starting around $20,000 Why It’s Hot: 2015 saw the redesign of the F-150 and 2017 brought the Ford Super Duty. These powerful trucks bring strong towing and hauling to the table, backed by an impressive array of motors. Yet for all their strength, the Ford F-Series handles smoothly. There’s no question why they’re American’s favored truck.
Ford Mustang (2015-2019)
Price: Starting around $15,000
Why It’s Hot: The Mustang was redesigned in 2015 and the new look is already a classic like its predecessors. What’s more, its been on the market long enough that good deals are inevitable with many of these models, including the V6, EcoBoost Mustang, or Mustang GT. Apple pie, Fourth of July, and the Ford Mustang; can’t get more American than that?
GMC Sierra (2014-2019)
Price: Starting around $20,000 Why It’s Hot: It might look a little different, but mechanically a GMC Sierra is a clone of the Silverado. The 2019 model may have a few more frills, but the earlier generation is a solid truck, with great trims like the Denali. Given its popularity, you shouldn’t have trouble finding a used GMC Sierra at a bargain price.
Honda Accord (2018-2019)
Price: Starting around $20,000 Why It’s Hot: Trucks, SUVs, and Hybrids might be taking over the market, but this midsized sedan can more than hold its own. The 2018 model is reliable and roomy full of awesome safety tech features. Throw in a manufacturer’s warranty when you go for a certified preowned Accord and you’ve hit the sweet spot of this summer’s used car deals.
Jeep Wrangler (2012-2017)
Price: Starting around $20,000 Why It’s Hot: Off-roading with the family? This is the truck you need. Even better, after 2012 4×4 was made standard and the vehicle got an update with new automatic transmission and a powerful V6 engine. For family friendly fun check out a used Wrangler’s for some great deals this summer.
Ram 1500 (2014-2018)
Price: Starting around $15,000 Why It’s Hot: This full-sized truck isn’t shy about what it’s for. In 2014 the Ram 1500 took on an efficient EcoDiesel V6 engine and started getting more use from it’s 8-speed automatic transmission. Sure, it got an update in 2019, but this is the kind of truck that’s aged well. Smooth ride, serious exterior, starting around $15,000… there’s a reason people are looking this one up.
Toyota Tacoma (2016-2019)
Price: Starting around $20,000 Why It’s Hot: On road, off road – is there anywhere the Toyota Tacoma doesn’t impress? The midsized pickup was redesigned in 2016 and came out more popular than ever. That redesign improved safety, reliability, and off-road performance. Well-built with a powerful optional V6 engine, and affordable when used, these are a great round off for this summer’s top 10.
