The prices for used cars are currently on the decline, but they’re still higher than usual. And while you can wait for that slightly used car that you’ve had your eye on to depreciate to a “normal” level, you may be better off buying an older car right now. One good car that we can recommend is a 2012 Honda Accord. Here are a few reasons why.

1. The 2012 Honda Accord is pretty cheap in the current market

The first and main reason anyone would want to shop for a 2012 Honda Accord is the price. Fortunately, you can currently find an Accord of this vintage for cheap. How cheap? Try $5,000 to $8,000. However, it’s worth noting that the 2012 Accord examples at this price point have around 200,000 miles on the odometer.

If you want something with far fewer than 100,000 miles, then you’re looking to spend around $17,000 to $18,000. In a nationwide search on CarGurus, we found a 2012 Accord with only 23,000 miles on the odometer for $17,050. That’s quite the bargain.

2. The 2012 Accord is reliable

Although buying a Honda Accord of this vintage doesn’t mean that it’s going to be completely trouble-free, the good news is that they do last. A search on Car Complaints, a site where owners list their real-world issues, shows that the 2012 model year Accord has among the least amount of complaints of any year.

In fact, most of the complaints are due to “uncomfortable seats,” as many owners complained about the seats being too stiff. This could be a preference issue, but regardless, it’s better than having massive engine problems as other cars have. Additionally, U.S. News reports that the 2012 Accord has above-average reliability ratings and stellar crash test ratings.

3. The 2012 Honda Accord has two fuel-efficient, powerful engines to choose from

While the all-new 2023 Honda Accord only offers a four-cylinder engine and a hybrid powertrain, the 2012 model offers two gas-powered engine options. The first was a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 190 hp, and the second option was a 3.5-liter V6 that pushed out 271 hp.

Both engines were offered with a five-speed automatic transmission, but a manual transmission was standard. The four-cylinder engine came with a five-speed manual, while the six-cylinder came with a six-speed unit. The latter is currently highly sought after due to its rarity and surprising performance.

According to Car and Driver, the Accord, equipped with the V6 engine and six-speed manual transmission, was able to reach 60 mph from a standstill in around 5.5 seconds. That’s quick for a commuter car, especially a 10-year-old Accord.

The 2012 Honda Accord is worth a look if you need a cheap and reliable used car

Ultimately, if you’re looking for a good used car and don’t want to spend a lot of money on a slightly used one, a 2012 Honda Accord could be the better way to go. It’s reliable, and there are coupe and sedan body styles available depending on your preference. Just remember to get a pre-purchase inspection done; it is a 10-year-old car, after all.