9 Best Used Compact Cars in Canada

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9 Best Used Compact Cars in Canada

Posted on September 21, 2024

Purchasing a used compact car is a smart, cost-effective choice for drivers seeking fuel efficiency, dependability, and a more affordable initial investment. Compact cars are ideal for city driving, offering easy maneuverability, excellent fuel economy, and lower emissions. Additionally, they are usually cheaper to maintain and insure than larger vehicles. Whether you’re navigating tight urban streets or cruising down highways, a used compact car offers versatility at an affordable price point.

 

Below, we’ll explore the best used compact cars to help you make an informed choice.

 

 

9 Best Used Small Cars in Canada

 

1. Honda Civic

 

 

Why It Stands Out: The Honda Civic has earned its place as one of the most reliable and popular best used compact cars in the world. Known for its longevity, this model is a go-to for buyers seeking a dependable used car. Even with higher mileage, a well-maintained Civic can last for several more years without major issues, making it one of the best used small cars available today.

 

Key Features:

 

• Fuel Efficiency: 7.1 L/100 km (city), 5.6 L/100 km (highway)
• Technology: Newer used models (2016 and onwards) come equipped with advanced safety features like lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic braking, which enhance its appeal among the best used small cars.
• Maintenance: Routine maintenance is affordable, and the Civic holds one of the best resale values in the used car market, making it a top choice for those searching for the best used compact cars.

 

Why It's the Best Used Compact Car?

 

The Civic’s fuel economy and compact size make it ideal for both city driving and long-distance commuting. With its excellent safety features, it's also a great option for families and younger drivers. For those considering upgrading to a slightly larger vehicle, the Civic rivals some of the best used small SUVs in terms of fuel efficiency and affordability.

 

2. Toyota Corolla

 

 

Why It Stands Out: Known as the gold standard for reliability, the Toyota Corolla is a tried-and-true model for drivers who prioritize longevity and low ownership costs. As one of the best used compact cars, a used Corolla is an investment that pays off in the long run.

 

Key Features:

 

• Fuel Efficiency: 8.0 L/100 km for city driving, 6.0 L/100 km on the highway
• Durability: With proper care, Corollas are known to last well beyond 300,000 kilometers, making it one of the best used small cars on the market.
• Safety: Newer used models feature the Toyota Safety Sense package, which includes pre-collision braking, lane departure alerts, and automatic high beams. This makes it a strong contender among the best used compact SUVs in terms of safety.

 

Why It's the Best Used Small Car?

 

The Corolla’s low fuel consumption and sturdy build make it perfect for drivers looking for a stress-free car ownership experience, whether navigating the city or traveling across Ontario. It’s one of the best used small cars for everyday driving, while also offering the durability and reliability seen in some of the best used small SUVs.

 

3. Mazda3

 

 

Why It Stands Out: With its sporty feel and superior handling, the Mazda3 sets itself apart from other best used compact cars in terms of performance. It offers a more engaging driving experience compared to the typically more practical options in this segment, making it one of the best used small cars for those who enjoy driving.

 

Key Features:

 

• Fuel Efficiency: 8.7 L/100 km (city), 6.6 L/100 km (highway)
• Driving Experience: The Mazda3’s precise steering and smooth cornering make it one of the most fun-to-drive best used compact cars, ideal for drivers who enjoy a more spirited ride.
• Interior Design: Known for its premium interior materials and infotainment system, the Mazda3 punches above its weight class in terms of quality, rivaling some of the best used compact SUVs in terms of comfort and style.

 

Why It's the Best Used Compact Car?

 

Whether you’re zipping through downtown streets or navigating the more rural areas, the Mazda3’s agility makes it a joy to drive. Its refined interior also adds a touch of luxury for its price, making it one of the best used small cars for drivers who value both performance and comfort. It’s also compact enough for city driving but offers enough versatility to compete with some of the best used small SUVs in terms of practicality.

 

Also Read: 11 Best Used SUVs in Canada

 

4. Hyundai Elantra

 

 

Why It Stands Out: The Hyundai Elantra is one of the most value-packed options among the best used compact cars on the market. It offers a comfortable ride, good fuel economy, and an impressive warranty, which is often transferable to second-hand buyers, making it a top pick for those seeking the best used small cars.

 

Key Features:

 

• Fuel Efficiency: 8.6 L/100 km (city), 6.4 L/100 km (highway)
• Technology: Many recent used models (2017 onwards) come equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a user-friendly infotainment system, placing it among the best used compact cars for tech-savvy drivers.
• Comfort: The Elantra has a spacious interior with plenty of legroom, making it a great choice for longer drives or passengers in the back seat. This also makes it a contender for families looking for the best used small cars with more comfort.

 

Why It's the Best Used Small SUV?

 

With its excellent fuel economy and comfortable interior, the Elantra is a great choice for commuters and families alike. It’s also one of the more affordable best used compact cars with modern tech and safety features, making it an attractive alternative to some of the best used compact SUVs if you're looking for affordability without sacrificing space or comfort.

 

5. Ford Focus

 

 

Why It Stands Out: The Ford Focus offers great value for buyers looking for a compact car with a fun-to-drive personality. It’s available in both sedan and hatchback models, providing versatility for different lifestyles.

 

Key Features:

 

• Fuel Efficiency: 8.5 L/100 km (city), 6.2 L/100 km (highway)
• Driving Dynamics: The Focus is known for its responsive steering and nimble handling, making it an ideal choice for city driving.
• Tech Features: Depending on the trim level, newer used Focus models (2015 and up) may include features like Sync 3 infotainment, a rearview camera, and active park assist.

 

Why It's the Best Used Compact Car?

 

Whether you choose the sedan or the hatchback, the Focus is a versatile car that’s easy to drive and park, with enough power to make highway commutes enjoyable.

 

6. Volkswagen Golf

 

 

Why It Stands Out: The Volkswagen Golf is a premium compact car with European refinement. It offers a comfortable and upscale cabin, responsive handling, and a variety of powertrains to suit different driving styles.

 

Key Features:

 

• Fuel Efficiency: 9.3 L/100 km (city), 6.8 L/100 km (highway)
• Interior Quality: The Golf’s interior materials and build quality are among the best in the compact car segment.
• Performance: The Golf delivers a solid and composed ride with great handling, thanks to its well-tuned suspension and precise steering.

 

Why It's the Best Used Compact Car?

 

The Golf combines practicality with a premium feel, making it a great choice for anyone seeking a little extra luxury in their compact car. Its hatchback design also provides extra cargo space, ideal for weekend getaways.

 

7. Kia Forte

 

 

Why It Stands Out: The Kia Forte is an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers who want a well-rounded compact car. It offers advanced technology, a smooth ride, and a long warranty for peace of mind, making it one of the best used small cars in its category.

 

Key Features:

 

• Fuel Efficiency: 8.5 L/100 km (city), 6.4 L/100 km (highway)
• Warranty: Kia’s 5-year/100,000 km warranty is often transferable to the second owner, making it a great option for used car buyers.
• Technology: The Forte includes features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a standard touchscreen on newer models (2017 and beyond).

 

Why It's the Best Used Compact Car?

 

Affordable and reliable, the Kia Forte offers great value for money. It’s perfect for daily commuting and has enough tech features to keep you connected on the go.

 

8. Nissan Sentra

 

 

Why It Stands Out: The Nissan Sentra is a compact car focused on practicality and comfort. It offers a smooth ride, plenty of space for passengers, and a straightforward infotainment system, making it a popular choice for used car buyers.

 

Key Features:

 

• • Fuel Efficiency: 6.6 L/100 km on highway, 8.8 L/100 km in city,
  • Comfort: The Sentra’s cabin is roomy and quiet, with a comfortable ride that makes it ideal for long-distance driving.
  • Affordability: Used Sentras tend to be among the more affordable options in the compact car market, making them a great choice for budget buyers.

 

Why It's the Best Used Compact Car?

 

The Sentra’s reliability and spaciousness make it perfect for families or anyone who needs a comfortable, no-frills car for everyday use.

 

9. Chevrolet Cruze

 

 

Why It Stands Out: The Chevrolet Cruze offers a balance of comfort, fuel efficiency, and technology. It’s available in both sedan and hatchback versions, providing flexibility based on your cargo needs.

 

Key Features:

 

• Fuel Efficiency: 8.3 L/100 km (city), 5.6 L/100 km (highway)
• Tech Features: The Cruze comes with a variety of tech options, including a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi in some models.
• Safety: Newer used models include advanced safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist.

 

Why It's the Best Used Compact Car?

 

The Cruze provides a comfortable, fuel-efficient ride that’s perfect for all roads. Its hatchback variant is also great for those who need extra cargo space without upgrading to a larger vehicle.

 

Summary

 

When looking for the best used compact cars, it’s important to consider factors like reliability, fuel efficiency, technology, and overall cost of ownership. Each of the cars on this list has been selected for their ability to provide great value for drivers seeking an affordable, practical, and reliable vehicle.

 

The Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla remain top picks due to their long-standing reputation for durability, while the Mazda3 and Volkswagen Golf add a sporty flair to the compact car segment. Budget-conscious buyers will find great options in the Hyundai Elantra and Kia Forte, while those seeking more premium features can look to the Volkswagen Golf and Chevrolet Cruze.

 

Whether you’re commuting within your location or embarking on longer trips, these cars are some of the best used cars on the market today. For those seeking a little extra space and versatility, many compact cars also come in best used compact SUVs or hatchback variants, offering the perfect balance between comfort and practicality.

 

FAQs

 

1. Which is the most reliable small used car to buy?

The Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla are widely regarded as the most reliable small used cars due to their outstanding longevity, low maintenance costs, and strong resale value.

 

2. Which small used car is best for daily use?

The Mazda3 and Hyundai Elantra are great choices for daily use, offering a combination of comfort, fuel efficiency, and advanced technology.

 

3. Which small used car gives the highest mileage?

The Chevrolet Cruze and Honda Civic are among the top choices for fuel efficiency, with the Cruze offering up to 5.6 L/100 km on the highway.

 

4. Which used small SUV is fuel efficient?

The Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V are two of the most fuel-efficient used small SUVs, offering excellent gas mileage while providing the extra space and comfort that SUVs bring.