Reliable Toyota Models You Can Buy For Less Than $20,000

No other brand has a relationship with reliability like Toyota; they are one of those brands that make models with a reputation for just getting in and driving away. Prices for new Toyotas can still be seen as affordable in the new market, but if you are looking for a model that has proven itself over the years and costs even less, the used Toyota market is the place to look. Some used Toyota cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks can be bought for less than $20,000 and have some of the best owner-rated reliability ratings we have seen.

Below are 10 used Toyota models that cost less than $20,000 to buy, and all have a J.D. Power reliability rating of over 80 out of 100. They are the pinnacle of cheap and trustworthy driving in the modern market.

The models in this list have been extensively researched to ensure the most accurate information possible as of the time of publishing. Models are listed in ascending order from least to most reliable.

2012 Toyota 4Runner

Used Price Range: $14,355–$18,910 | J.D. Power Reliability Rating: 83/100

Long-known for its bulletproof overlanding abilities, the Toyota 4Runner is a somewhat obvious SUV choice if you want a reliable used Toyota. The 2012 Toyota 4Runner is available from $14,355 to $18,910 for the highest trim. Under the hood is a 4.0-liter 1GR-FE V6 good for 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. You can pick them up with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, unless you find a 4Runner Trail, which comes with 4WD only.

Max towing capacities are healthy at 5,000 pounds, regardless of whether you have RWD or 4WD, and with a maximum cargo capacity of 89.7 cubic feet with the seats folded away, you’ve got yourself a rugged and useful used SUV.

2012 Toyota 4Runner Reliability

Considering that the 4Runner is a mid-sized body-on-frame SUV with a lot of off-roading prowess, it does remarkably well for low maintenance costs. Yearly, RepairPal says it will cost just north of $500 for maintenance, and CarEdge says that over 10 years, it will only cost just over $6,300 for maintenance. Over 10 years, that is $1,844 cheaper, on average, than other popular SUVs.

Bear in mind, the 2012 MY is 14 years old, so it is recommended that you check how the model you are looking at has been used. After all, they are great overlanding companions, so there is a good chance that a lot of the used market has been used in the boonies. Check for rust, busted suspension, and leaks around the engine (though the 1GR-FE V6 is a reliable Toyota engine).

• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $514 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $6,322 (CarEdge)
• Total Recalls: 8; 3 for a faulty airbag, one for a faulty accessory hood scoop that may detach, one for an accessory exhaust that may burn people, one for faulty front airbag sensors, and one for a faulty remote starter that may disable anti-lock braking.

2013 Toyota Tacoma

Used Price Range: $10,861–$19,338 | J.D. Power Reliability Rating: 83/100

Available with a regular cab, an access cab, or a double cab, the 2013 Toyota Tacoma was never an expensive mid-size pickup truck to buy, with original starting prices ranging from $13,000 to $19,500. But, as we have seen with many, many Toyota models, they hold their value very well. Toyota Tacoma models are renowned for reliability; they are useful, and we have seen owners put hundreds of thousands of miles on them with simple maintenance.

The 2013 MY comes equipped with two engine options: a 2.7-liter 2TR-FE inline-four good for 159 horsepower, or a 4.0-liter 1GR-FE V6 good for 236 horsepower. The maximum towing capacity comes from the V6, at 6,500 pounds, but you can still get 3,500 pounds from the 2.7-liter inline-four option.

2013 Toyota Tacoma Reliability

As part of the second-generation Tacoma lineup (or the 2.5 generation because it is close to the third-gen model years), the 2013 model is part of one of the most reliable Tacoma generations on the road. Owners routinely put 200,000 to 300,000 miles on their models with general maintenance, while going above 300,000 miles is a realistic option if you are prepared to put the hours in.

According to Kelley Blue Book (KBB) owner reviews, the 2013 Tacoma is rated 4.7 out of 5 overall, and rated 4.8 out of 5 for reliability. 93% of owners would recommend buying one, so there is some evidence around to suggest that this sub-$20k pickup truck will serve you well for a long time.

• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $478 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $6,931 (CarEdge)
• Total Recalls: 6; one for inaccurate load capacity labels, one for faulty spare wheel lugs, one for faulty valve springs that can cause the engine to stall, one for a faulty brake actuator assembly that can disable the ABS, one for incorrect tire placard information, and one for an accessory hood scoop that could detach.

2020 Toyota Corolla

Used Price Range: $13,976–$18,462 | J.D. Power Reliability Rating: 85/100

The 2020 Toyota Corolla is available as a sedan, hatchback, and hybrid. Today, prices are reasonable for a five-to-six-year-old model, with high-end prices only topping out at just under $18,500. There are three engine options for the 2020 Corolla lineup: a 139-horsepower 1.8-liter 2ZR-FAE inline-four, a 2.0-liter Dynamic Force M20A-FKS inline-four good for 169 horsepower, and a 1.8-liter 2ZR-FXE hybrid inline-four good for 121 horsepower.

Engine output may be low, but alongside a maximum cargo capacity of between 13.1 cubic feet and 23.3 cubic feet across the lineup, the Toyota Corolla is a handy car to own fuel-wise. According to FuelEconomy.gov, the least fuel-efficient 2020 Corolla can muster 32 combined mpg, costing you $1,400 a year for gas. The most fuel-efficient 2020 Corolla (the hybrid) can achieve 52 combined mpg, costing you only $850 a year for gas. So, it is cheap to buy and cheap to run; FuelEconomy.gov also says that driving the hybrid Corolla could help you save around $3,750 on gas compared to other modern vehicles.

2020 Toyota Corolla Reliability

Owners of the 2020 Corolla rate it 4.3 out of 5 for reliability on KBB; owners who left a rating on J.D. Power have favored it slightly more, with a reliability rating of 85 out of 100, while iSeeCars rates it very highly, with a reliability score of 7.8 out of 10.

None of the engines that power this MY are powerful, but that does work in favor of dependability. That, combined with Toyota’s lean engineering practices and constant improvements, means that the 2020 Corolla benefits from a lot of expertise and a finely crafted engine. Ideal for longevity. The 2020 MY is not that old, but one owner has already claimed to have put 481,000 miles on their hybrid Corolla with simple maintenance.

• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $362 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $4,434 (CarEdge)
• Total Recalls: 5; one for non-permanent writing on the load capacity label, one for a rear seat belt assembly that may not lock, one for failing reversing lights, one for a failing fuel pump, and one for a short-circuiting OCS sensor that may cause the airbags to fail inflate in a crash.

2017 Toyota Camry

Used Price Range: $12,393–$17,613 | J.D. Power Reliability Rating: 85/100

The Toyota Camry is one of Toyota’s most reliable models; we have seen 300,000 miles put on them with little sweat. Owners rave about how they just keep going, and they are useful to own. The 2017 Toyota Camry is available today with a very appealing average price range of $12,300 to $17,600 and oodles of versatility.

The 2017 Camry boasts a 15.4-cubic-foot maximum cargo capacity; 60/40 split rear seats make it easy to load up; there are three engine choices (one inline-four, one V6, and one hybrid), and it is new enough that it doesn’t feel too out of date. There are four trims to choose from: the LE, the SE, the XSE, and the XLE. As standard, you get a 6.1-inch touchscreen and an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, while higher trims benefit from leather upholstery, a 7-inch touchscreen, and wireless charging. For its age and price, it is still well-equipped.

2017 Toyota Camry Reliability

J.D. Power reliability ratings are at a lofty 85 out of 100; iSeeCars rates the Toyota Camry 8 out of 10 for dependability, and owners give it 4.7 out of 5 for reliability, with 83% of owners recommending it. Again, the engines under the hood are exceptionally revered for trustworthiness, and even the 268-horsepower 2GR-FE V6 available for the 2017 MY is well-received for longevity.

There are some little niggles you should be aware of, though. Some owners have complained that the heat shield rattles; some have said that the brakes have worn out prematurely, and others have complained about thin paint that chips easily.

• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $388 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $4,581 (CarEdge)
• Total Recalls: 3; one for faulty airbag fasteners that may detach when deployed, one for the spare tire being ineffective when under-inflated, and one for incorrect load capacity labels.

2018 Toyota Prius

Used Price Range: $14,364–$20,062 | J.D. Power Reliability Rating: 86/100

As one of the first mass-market hybrid cars that are still sold, even when the first-gen Toyota Prius was released, it was renowned for its reliability. They keep getting better in our eyes. The 2018 Toyota Prius is part of the fourth generation, and despite only being around eight years old it is still full of modern gear. You can pick one up for between $14,000 and a touch over $20,000.

The engine under the 2018 Prius’s hood is a 1.8-liter 2ZR-FXE inline-four mated to two electric motors. Combined horsepower output is only 121, but the point of a Prius is to enjoy fuel-efficient driving. The 2018 Prius delivers it in spades. According to FuelEconomy.gov, the 2018 Prius can achieve 52 combined mpg (54 mpg in the city and 50 mpg on the highway). To fill up each year, it is estimated to cost you approximately $850, or just $1.41 to drive 25 miles.

2018 Toyota Prius Reliability

According to RepairPal, the Toyota Prius is very reliable. They give it a 4 out of 5 reliability rating, while owners on KBB give it a 4.7 out of 5 reliability rating. This is echoed by iSeeCars, which gives the 2018 Toyota Prius an overall rating of 9 out of 10. This includes a rating of 8.1 out of 10 for reliability, 8.8 out of 10 for retained value, and 10 out of 10 for safety.

There have also been reports of fourth-gen Toyota Prius models routinely hitting over 200,000 miles, and even a 600,000-mile model still roaming the roads.

• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $408 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $4,360 (CarEdge)
• Total Recalls: 2; one for a faulty DC-DC converter that may fail, and one for a missing airbag label.

2016 Toyota RAV4

Used Price Range: $12,720–$17,586 | J.D. Power Reliability Rating: 86/100

The Toyota RAV4 has succeeded where most other compact crossovers have failed. They are renownedly reliable, they are useful, they are well-priced, and they are cheap to maintain. The 2016 Toyota RAV4 is available on the used market from $12,700 to $17,600 in six trims. The available 2016 Toyota RAV4 trims are as follows:

• 2016 Toyota RAV4 LE.
• 2016 Toyota RAV4 XLE.
• 2016 Toyota RAV4 XLE Hybrid.
• 2016 Toyota RAV4 SE.
• 2016 Toyota RAV4 Limited.
• 2016 Toyota RAV4 Limited Hybrid.

As the name badges suggest, there is a hybrid engine option and a gas engine option. The hybrid Toyota RAV4 boasts a 2.5-liter hybrid inline-four mated to an electric motor good for 194 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. The gas-engined 2016 RAV4 boasts a 176-horsepower/172-pound-foot 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four. The gas engine RAV4 can tow up to 1,500 pounds, while the hybrid RAV4 can muster 34 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, so they are both handy, just for slightly different reasons.

2016 Toyota RAV4 Reliability

iSeeCars rates the 2016 Toyota RAV4 8.2 out of 10 for reliability, and RepairPal says that the RAV4 is only 10% likely to experience a severe problem, compared to the market likelihood of 12%. From owner reviews on J.D. Power, the 2016 MY garners an 86 out of 100 reliability rating. All of that, for under $20,000, is not bad going.

While very reliable, there are a couple of things you should take note of. Common owner complaints include creaking suspension components, rough transmission shifting, and premature brake wear.

• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $429 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $6,005 (CarEdge)
• Total Recalls: 3; one for a damaged O-ring in the brake actuator, one for an incorrect load-carrying label, and one for an unsecured battery that could short-circuit.

2012 Toyota Yaris

Used Price Range: $6,129–$7,645 | J.D. Power Reliability Rating: 87/100

Even though it is 14 years old, the 2012 Toyota Yaris is still a fantastic used Toyota model to buy. Average used prices only top out at just over $7,600; the small engine is great for city jaunts, and it is rock-solid for a small car. The 2012 Toyota Yaris is solely available as a hatchback, but you can opt for either three doors or five doors. The available trims are the Yaris L, the Yaris LE, and the Yaris SE.

There is just the one engine option for the 2012 Toyota Yaris: a 1.5-liter VVT-i inline-four that trickles out 106 horsepower and 103 pound-feet of torque. 0–60 mph times have been clocked in the 9 to 10-second ballpark, and top speeds are 100 mph. It is not the most powerful hatchback ever, but it is small, light, and bulletproof.

2012 Toyota Yaris Reliability

RepairPal says that it will cost just north of $300 to keep it maintained and roadworthy; fuel consumption is high from both the manual and automatic-equipped models (33 combined mpg and 31 combined mpg, respectively), and iSeeCars rates the 2012 Yaris 8.1 out of 10 for dependability.

The 2012 Yaris is one of the most reliable Toyota models on the used market, but there are a couple of foibles to look out for. Some owners have complained that their models have used more oil than they should have, and ABS sensor failures can make the system stop working.

• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $333 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $4,027 (CarEdge)
• Total Recalls: 5; three for an airbag that may explode, one for a power steering assistance failure, and one for an improperly fitted headliner that doesn’t meet impact requirements.

2016 Toyota Corolla

Used Price Range: $10,035–$13,205 | J.D. Power Reliability Rating: 88/100

Boasting an overall J.D. Power rating of 86 out of 100, a KBB overall rating of 4.3 out of 5, and an iSeeCars overall rating of 8.3 out of 10, the 2016 Toyota Corolla is an all-around useful four-door compact sedan. Average used prices are just north of $13,200, and there are two engine options: a 132-horsepower inline-four under the hood of the L, the LE, and the S models, and a 1.8-liter Valvematic inline-four good for 140 horsepower under the hood of the LE Eco.

The 2016 Corolla may only measure in at 183.1 inches by 69.9 inches, but it still boasts 13 cubic feet and impressive front and rear legroom of 42.3 inches and 41.4 inches, respectively. On top of that, the most fuel-efficient model of the 2016 Corolla (the Corolla LE Eco boasting a CVT) can muster 34 combined mpg, costing you just $1,300 a year for gas.

2016 Toyota Corolla Reliability

Like most Corolla models, the 2016 MY is renownedly dependable. iSeeCars has rated it 7.8 out of 10 for reliability; owners on KBB have rated it 4.6 out of 5 for reliability, and RepairPal has rated it 4.5 out of 5. There has only been one NHTSA recall as well, and some owners have claimed to have put up to 600,000 miles on the odometers.

Some of the most common problems reported by owners include a check engine warning light flashing up, HVAC failure, squeaking and clunking from suspension, and rough shifting from the CVT. The 2016 Corolla is a very dependable used Toyota, but you should properly inspect the model you are looking at.

• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $362 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $4,199 (CarEdge)
• Total Recalls: 1, for the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners not working.

2016 Toyota Camry

Used Price Range: $11,815–$17,261 | J.D. Power Reliability Rating: 89/100

The 2016 Toyota Camry is part of the seventh generation of the Camry. It has been given an overall KBB rating of 4.5 out of 5, and an overall J.D. Power rating of 84 out of 100. Prices today are very low for its trustworthy caliber, with average used prices ranging from $11,800 to $17,200, and there are eight trims available: the LE, the SE, the SE Special Edition, the XSE, the Hybrid LE, the XLE, the Hybrid SE, and the Hybrid XLE.

There are three engine options for the ’16 Camry: a 2.5-liter NA 2AR-FE inline-four that is good for 178 horsepower, a 268-horsepower 3.5-liter 2GR-FE V6 if you want some reliable sleeper sedan moves, and a 2.5-liter hybrid 2AR-FXE inline-four, if you want to get 39 combined mpg from a cheap sedan.

2016 Toyota Camry Reliability

Like most Toyota Camry models, the 2016 MY is nearly bulletproof. All three engine options are hardy; the 2016 model is part of the ‘sweet spot’ years of the Camry that boasts a stiffer chassis and tougher suspension, and owners have routinely been putting over 200,000 miles on them with simple maintenance and keeping on top of things like oil changes and replacing consumables when needed.

iSeeCars gives the 2016 Camry a reliability rating of 8 out of 10, while the J.D. Power reliability rating of 89 out of 100 is only complemented by the owner-rated 4.7 out of 5 reliability rating. Owners have reported a couple of problems, though, with some saying that their Camry has used excessive oil and the brakes have worn out prematurely.

• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $388 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $4,581 (CarEdge)
• Total Recalls: 3; one because the drive shaft may separate, one for an incorrect load carrying label, and one for airbags that don’t deploy.

2019 Toyota Corolla

Used Price Range: $12,548–$17,016 | J.D. Power Reliability Rating: 92/100

The 2019 Toyota Corolla is the most reliable used Toyota for under $20,000. The average used price range only tops out at just over $17,000; it has garnered an overall J.D. Power rating of 87 out of 100, and iSeeCars gives it an overall rating of 8.3 out of 10. You can buy the 19-plate Corolla as a sedan or a hatchback with a choice of three engines: a 1.8-liter inline-four, a 1.8-liter Valvematic inline-four, or a 2.0-liter inline-four for the hatchback.

The 2019 Toyota Corolla was never the plushest Toyota model on the market, but because it is not that old, the interior is still relatively up-to-date considering its economy car status. You get a 6.1-inch touchscreen as standard; a backup camera was originally optional; a 3.5-inch display is fitted, and Toyota Safety Sense P comes equipped from the off. Plus, if you opt for the LE Eco trim, not only do you get combined mpg ratings in the 34 mpg ballpark, but you also get automatic climate control.

2019 Toyota Corolla Reliability

The 2019 Corolla receives a J.D. Power reliability rating of 92 out of 100, which is one of the highest we have seen, Toyota or not. Owners on KBB have rated it 4.6 out of 5 for dependability, and iSeeCars backs up its high overall rating with a reliability rating of 7.8 out of 10.

RepairPal also gives the Toyota Corolla a reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5, and they say that the Corolla is only 7% likely to need a repair for a major problem. The average compact car is 11% likely to need a major repair, so the Corolla is somewhat better than others in this respect. We have also seen owner claims of driving over 200,000 miles in their 2019 Corolla already, so there is a lot of evidence to suggest that this used Toyota will serve you well for a long time.

• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $362 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $4,199 (CarEdge)
• Total Recalls: 6; 2 for failing fuel pump, one for non-permanent text on load-carrying label, one for CVT pump blade may detach, one for incorrect load-carrying label, and one for airbags and pretensioners not deploying.

Sources: J.D. Power, CarEdge, RepairPal, FuelEconomy.gov, and iSeeCars.