Top 10 Best Used Cars to Buy This Summer
What are the best used cars to buy this summer for dependable driving around San Marcos and the surrounding Hill Country? Smart Texas drivers know that summer is the perfect season to find reliable used cars that deliver both value and performance. Whether you’re planning road trips to Canyon Lake, commuting to Austin, or enjoying family outings to Five Mile Dam Park, these top picks offer the reliability, comfort, and affordability you need.
1. Jeep Grand Cherokee (2017-2022)
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is an unbeatable summer SUV for weekend trips to the San Marcos River and scenic Hill Country drives. With smooth V6 power, refined interior space, and strong towing capacity, it’s ideal for hauling kayaks or road-tripping in comfort. It’s known for advanced safety features and great off-road capability, though regular attention to the 4WD system will keep it in top shape.
2. Ram 1500 (2018-2022)
This summer, the Ram 1500 is the perfect truck for backyard projects, weekend lake runs, or towing to Lake Dunlap. It combines excellent towing strength, smooth handling, and a spacious, quiet cabin with surprisingly good fuel economy for its size. The brakes may need extra care if you’re frequently towing heavy loads, but this truck is built for summer adventures.
3. Toyota Camry (2017-2021)
A favorite for summer commutes along I-35 to Austin, the Toyota Camry is one of the most reliable used sedans you can buy. It’s efficient, affordable to maintain, and packed with modern safety technology. The ride is comfortable for long trips, though some may find the suspension a bit firm on older models.
4. Jeep Wrangler (2018-2022)
Nothing says summer like a Jeep Wrangler, especially when you’re heading to off-road spots near Canyon Lake or exploring gravel roads in Wimberley. It’s built for outdoor fun with removable tops, rugged durability, and trail-ready features. Wind noise at highway speeds is a common tradeoff, but its open-air driving makes up for it.
5. Mazda CX-5 (2018-2022)
Perfect for family drives to the San Marcos Premium Outlets or summer nights downtown, the Mazda CX-5 offers a sleek ride with nimble handling and solid fuel economy. It’s one of the most stylish and reliable crossovers, though rear seat space may feel tight for taller passengers on longer trips.
6. Ram 2500 (2018-2022)
For those hauling boats or campers this summer, the Ram 2500 is the heavy-duty workhorse you need. It offers powerful diesel and gas engines, advanced towing technology, and a spacious interior that handles summer road trips with ease. Just be mindful of its size when navigating smaller parking areas in downtown San Marcos.
7. Honda Accord (2017-2021)
The Honda Accord is a top summer choice for commuters traveling between San Marcos and Seguin. It’s fuel-efficient, reliable, and offers a smooth, composed ride with excellent safety ratings. Some road noise is noticeable on long highway drives, but it remains one of the most dependable used sedans available.
8. Jeep Compass (2018-2022)
If you’re spending this summer exploring trails near Purgatory Creek Natural Area or taking quick trips around San Marcos, the Jeep Compass is a compact SUV that’s easy to park yet versatile enough for light off-roading. It’s a budget-friendly SUV with practical features, though some drivers might wish for quicker acceleration.
9. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2018-2022)
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a reliable summer truck for working around San Marcos or towing through Hill Country roads. With its flexible cargo space, strong V8 options, and smooth highway driving, it’s a great companion for summer projects and weekend getaways. Maintenance costs can be higher on certain models, so checking service history is key.
10. Dodge Durango (2018-2022)
The Dodge Durango is the perfect SUV for large families heading to summer festivals at Texas State University or planning long road trips across Central Texas. It offers three-row seating, strong towing power, and a sporty driving experience, though its fuel economy is lower than some midsize competitors.
Your Summer Starts Here: Find the Best Used Car Deals in San Marcos
Each of these best used cars is a smart buy for San Marcos drivers this summer, whether you’re commuting on I-35, cruising through Hill Country, or packing up for lake weekends. Browse the latest used car deals in San Marcos and explore our selection of certified pre-owned Dodge and pre-owned Chrysler vehicles today. Visit San Marcos Jeep Ram and schedule your summer test drive—your next adventure is waiting!
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