Which Used Sedans Do Savvy Drivers Choose?

If you’ve been shopping for a used car in Albany, NY, then you know there’s no shortage of options to choose from. How do you decide which of these options is a wise investment, and which may be lacking? Of course, you know to look at mileage and the condition of the car, but what about the things that matter for the day-to-day operation of the car?

As a trusted used car dealer in Albany, we’re happy to answer all of the questions our customers have, including “Which is the best used sedan for me?” While the answer to that depends on several factors, including your budget and driving needs, there are a few options that stand out for their reliable safety record, impressive technology, and overall comfort for the weary driver struggling through I-87 rush hour traffic. Let’s take a look at three different options that we feel tick plenty of boxes for drivers looking for the most in a used sedan: the Honda Civic, the Toyota Camry, and the Kia K5.

The Best Safety Features

The safety engineering we’re familiar with today is still somewhat of a new innovation, which means you won’t find a ton of these features on older cars. In fact, experts tend to point to cars that were manufactured after 2018 as some of the safest models currently on the road.

The 2022 and newer Honda Civic, for example, is listed by IIHS and Consumer Reports as one of the best used car choices for teen drivers in terms of safety. That’s due to the model’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure, along with airbags in the front, the sides, and at the driver and front passenger’s knees, along with side curtain airbags and outboard rear-passenger side airbags.

The Kia K5 has a little something extra for New York drivers who plan to brave the winter cold instead of snowbirding south for the entire month of February. Kia’s all-wheel drive has been an option since late in the 2020 model year, featuring a Snow drive mode that should help drivers in Albany navigate the winter season.

If you don’t mind a sedan that’s a little older than these options, consider the 2019 Toyota Camry. The Toyota Star Safety System, standard on every Camry from 2019 and newer, includes ten airbags, Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Brake Assist combined with anti-lock braking, and a body design with greater torsional rigidity for greater stability in a crash. Toyota also introduced all-wheel drive to the lineup in 2020, providing drivers in Albany with a year-round advantage.

The Most Driver Assistance Technology

Much like innovative safety engineering, driver assistance technology has been creeping into the automotive market. Today’s sedans are equipped with standard technology that makes driving somewhat less intimidating.

The 2022 Honda Civic has one of the most comprehensive packages of such technology. The Honda Sensing Suite of driver assistance tools is standard on all trims and models. It includes features like Forward Collision Warning with Collision Mitigation Braking System, as well as road and lane departure sensing. Honda also offers advanced safety technologies, including adaptive cruise control with Low-Speed Follow technology, blind spot monitoring, a Cross Traffic Monitor, and Low-Speed Braking Control. These features may appear as options on some trims, depending on the year you select, but can be found on the top Touring trim from the early part of the current generation.

The current generation of the Toyota Camry, introduced in 2018, immediately became an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, meaning it exceeds expectations for keeping drivers and passengers safe on the road. The Toyota Safety Sense P collection of driving aids is also standard on all models, utilizing a suite of sensors, radars, and cameras installed throughout the vehicle. As a result, features like Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection are standard. Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Intelligent Clearance Sonar are offered on higher trims.

The Kia Drive Wise suite of features is also standard on K5 models. In addition to forward-collision braking and warning when other vehicles are detected, Kia also extends this technology to include pedestrians and cyclists. Lane centering is also standard, while blind spot assistance, rear cross-traffic assistance, and a navigation-based cruise control that automatically steadies the car for curves and adheres to the posted speed limit are available.

Used Sedans For Driving Enthusiasts

The Honda Civic, Toyota Camry, and Kia K5 also have the distinction of being some of the most well-appointed sedans to grace the used car dealership lots. Those who are interested in what the Honda Civic has to offer can find plenty of goods in models from the 2022 model year or newer, including a seven or nine-inch color touchscreen operating the infotainment system, depending on which model you choose. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard, with wireless connectivity available on certain models. Upscale features such as a Bose premium sound system, wireless phone charging, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and power-adjustable leather-trimmed seats

The Toyota Camry also makes driving enjoyable. The models with “S” in the trim name tend to be sportier, featuring paddle shifters, larger wheels, and a sport-tuned suspension, while “L” models are driven by lifestyle and luxury. The 2019 Camry XLE, for example, features premium options such as a JBL audio system, a panoramic glass roof with a power moonroof, and a handy Head-Up Display. The Camry TRD models debuted in 2020 as a collaboration with Toyota Racing Development, featuring a 301-hp V6 engine, sport seats with SofTex upholstery, signature red seat belts, and aluminum sport pedals.

Kia, however, has become known as the powerhouse of cool features. The K5 from 2021 and newer offers top-notch features, including an available 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with two-phone wireless Bluetooth connectivity, adjustable user profiles with seat and mirror positioning memory, and a 12-speaker Bose sound system featuring Centerpoint technology. The Kia K5 even offers the exclusive “Sound of Nature” system, which features six ambient sound themes designed to evoke a peaceful and calming cabin atmosphere.

Since there are many differences between models and model years, make a note of the safety features you need to have, along with the luxury you can’t live without. You may think that buying a used car means compromising on these features, but some manufacturers have been pleasing drivers for many years, resulting in savings for you on a used model.

Choose Your Used Sedan

Drivers in Albany, New York, have lots of choices to make. Do you head into the city on the weekends, or run west to the Catskills? Should you take the freeway or the backroads? And how much time do you have to stop at the gas station before you need to get to work?

Of these choices, selecting a used sedan shouldn’t be the most confusing. While the Honda Civic, Toyota Camry, and Kia K5 are among some of the safest, most reliable, and enjoyable sedans to appear at a used car dealer, they aren’t the only ones. They are among the most well-known and reliable sedans on the market today, which means there are plenty of options available for used car buyers like you.