Who’s to say what makes a car cool? You are! Whether you think it’s cool to go fast, get great gas mileage, go all-electric, or cruise around in style, there’s a cool car for you on this list. There’s no good reason a cool car can’t also be practical, versatile, and packed with driver-friendly tech — and many of these are.
Whichever kind of car you find coolest, none of them will put too big a dent in your wallet. These are all priced below $20,000, according to Kelley Blue Book’s Fair Purchase Price. Because car prices have risen over the past several years, this list focuses on lightly used and Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles priced below $20,000 rather than new cars.
Here are 10 of the coolest cars you can buy for less than $20,000.
1. 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata
The 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata is among the best-handling cars on the road today, even five years after its launch, despite its sub-$20,000 used price tag. It also sports one of the best manual transmissions around and a spunky 181-horsepower engine, as well as a surprisingly spacious and comfortable 2-person cabin. If you have trouble finding a 2019 model in this price range, you can look for any 2016 or newer Miata that’s part of the current fourth (ND) generation.
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2. 2017 Jeep Wrangler
An off-road icon for good reason, the 2017 Jeep Wrangler is about as cool as it gets if you like to crawl rocks, climb trails, or explore the backcountry. Both the 4-door Unlimited model and the 2-door traditional Wrangler can fall within our budget, but the Unlimited models will typically have higher mileage for the same condition and equipment level.
See used Jeep Wrangler models for sale near you
3. 2019 Chevrolet Camaro
Although the 2019 Chevrolet Camaro wears the name and look of a retro pony car, it’s actually a modern sports car beneath the surface. It has impressive handling, a stout 275-hp base V6 engine, and modern infotainment and safety features. The potent V8-powered SS models are out of our price range, but a nicely configured LT hits the sweet spot in both coupe and convertible body styles.
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4. 2019 Ford Mustang
Ford’s foil to the Camaro, the 2019 Ford Mustang is likewise a much-evolved version of its pony car ancestors, with refined handling and strong braking as well as a comfy ride and ample power (310 hp from a turbocharged 4-cylinder in the non-GT models). Our budget is best spent at the entry point of the Mustang range, with the standard EcoBoost coupe and, if you shop around some, the convertible, both hovering just below the $20,000 mark.
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5. 2019 Dodge Challenger
Rounding out our trio of modern muscle cars, the 2019 Dodge Challenger stays closer to its roots than the Mustang or Camaro, with decidedly muscle-car dynamics to go along with the aesthetic. Larger than the other two, with a roomier cabin and spacious seats, the Challenger is a great choice if you’re over six feet tall or 200 pounds. The base SXT trim that best fits our budget includes a 305-hp V6, standard rear-wheel drive, and available all-wheel drive (AWD).
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6. 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV
All-electric with a 259-mile range, the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV is proof you don’t have to be rich to have a long-range EV. The Bolt also offers great one-pedal driving, lots of interior passenger and cargo space, and, if you look for Premier trim models, you’ll also get DC fast charging capability. The Bolt’s relatively small exterior dimensions and 200-hp electric motor also make it zippy and fun to drive around town.
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7. 2021 Mazda3
Nominally an economy sedan or hatchback, the 2021 Mazda3 is actually a near-luxury sport sedan/hatch in economy car clothes. Excellent handling and steering feel, a peppy 155-hp 4-cylinder engine, and a comfortable 5-seat cabin make the Mazda3 both fun and practical — as does its combined gas mileage of up to 31 mpg.
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8. 2019 Honda Civic
As the winner of KBB’s Compact Car Best Buy Award when it was new, the 2019 Honda Civic is an undeniably good car. But it’s also cool because, in addition to being dependable and comfortable, it’s also sporty and fun to drive, with great fuel economy. The sedan is a great choice, but if you want to maximize the fun-to-drive vibes, consider the 2-door coupe; if practicality is your word of the day, the hatchback is the answer. If you’re really looking for a fun-to-drive car and have the patience to shop around a lot and/or travel to find the right car, you may even find the sport-focused 205-hp Civic Si within reach of our $20,000 budget.
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9. 2021 Subaru Impreza
Although it’s not as fast or sporty as some of the choices on this list, the 2021 Subaru Impreza is the kind of cool that can take you up into snowy mountains for a winter break, down gravel roads for camping, or wherever else adventure may take you — within reason, of course. Why? Because the Impreza comes with standard AWD. In automatic transmission-equipped models, you get standard EyeSight driver assist, too, for safer driving wherever you go.
See used Subaru Impreza models for sale near you
10. 2020 Chevrolet Colorado
If you need a pickup but don’t need the extreme capabilities of a full-size truck, the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado might be a great fit. On our budget, you’ll be looking for the Work Truck or base models, although persistent shoppers may find a slightly higher-mileage LT within reach. Even in base form, the Colorado can tow 3,500 pounds, carry more than 1,400 pounds of payload, and achieve 22 mpg combined.
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10 Coolest Used Cars Under $20,000
- 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata
- 2017 Jeep Wrangler
- 2019 Chevrolet Camaro
- 2019 Ford Mustang
- 2019 Dodge Challenger
- 2022 Chevrolet Bolt
- 2021 Mazda3
- 2019 Honda Civic
- 2021 Subaru Impreza
- 2020 Chevrolet Colorado
