Have you ever noticed how searching for a used car can turn into an emotional marathon? When looking for a used car, it is common to find options that seem like a good deal but hide high maintenance costs or excessive fuel consumption. The good news is that there are well-established models in the Brazilian market that balance price, economy, durability, and resale without causing headaches. Today, we will talk about five of them that remain favorites for those who do not compromise on economy and practicality.
Looking for a Used Car: The Models That Are Worth It
If you are looking for a used car to have peace of mind in your daily life, several names always appear on the best-seller lists. This happens because they stand out not only for their initial price but also for the combination of factors such as low consumption, simple maintenance, and less depreciation over time. In this selection, we included five options that cater to different driver profiles: from the student who needs economy to the professional who depends on the car for work.
Volkswagen Gol: Tradition That Still Captivates
The Gol was for decades the best-selling car in Brazil. Even after losing ground to more modern hatchbacks, it remains a rational purchase for those seeking robustness and low-cost maintenance.
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Better than Corolla? Used Arrizo 6 delivers luxury and turbo engine for the price of a compact
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The BYD Tai S Ti7 bets on a boxy design and could become the top-of-the-line model in Brazil with 488 hp, over 70 kgfm of torque, 0 to 100 in 4.9 seconds, 5.1 meters in length, and a range exceeding 900 km.
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‘All in one’: revolutionary engine comes to life with a 1.5-liter [engine] of up to 163 hp, two electric motors, and a compact hybrid system that promises to transform any electric car into a long-range hybrid
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With a single-cylinder engine, the new Yamaha gets 80 km with 2 liters, delivers 12 hp at 8,000 rpm, features traction control, a 19% stiffer chassis, 267 mm brakes, and a 4.6-inch digital panel for around R$ 12,000.
- Strength: abundant and cheap parts, available in any workshop across the country.
- Consumption: around 12 km/l in the city and up to 15 km/l on the highway, depending on the version.
- Resale: even with the end of production, it continues to be in good demand, especially in the 1.0 versions.
The Gol is a car that may not impress with technology, but it rarely disappoints in the workshop. Those who need practicality find a reliable solution in it.
Chevrolet Onix: Leader in Sales and Efficiency
The Onix has taken the position of favorite among Brazilians in recent years. Besides being modern, it has good energy efficiency.
- Strength: low consumption combined with connectivity features like MyLink.
- Consumption: averages of 13 km/l in the city and up to 16 km/l on highways with a 1.0 aspirated engine.
- Resale: high liquidity, valued in the used car market.
For those looking for a car that combines fuel economy with a more updated look, the Onix stands out as a balanced choice.
Hyundai HB20: Reliability with a Touch of Sophistication
The HB20 gained popularity for its comfort and distinctive design. The 1.0 aspirated versions are highly sought after by those who value economy.
- Strength: reliable engine and a more sophisticated interior within the category.
- Consumption: between 12 and 15 km/l, depending on the version.
- Resale: stable market value, especially after the restyling.
In addition to economy, the HB20 offers good ergonomics and drivability, making it an option for those who want to escape the ordinary without losing efficiency.
Toyota Corolla: Confidence in Every Kilometer
If the idea is to have a mid-size car without worrying about workshops, the Corolla is unbeatable. Globally recognized for its durability, it is highly sought after in any mileage range.
- Strength: extremely reliable mechanics and predictable maintenance.
- Consumption: 1.8 and 2.0 versions can reach 11 km/l in the city and 13 km/l on the highway, while hybrids deliver even better numbers.
- Resale: minimal depreciation, with a consistently hot market.
Even with a price above hatchbacks, the Corolla is a safe investment. For those who do not compromise on comfort combined with low depreciation, it remains the preferred choice.

Fiat Strada: The Champion of Versatility
The Strada is the best-selling pickup truck in Brazil and has its space consolidated among used cars as well. It is highly sought after by self-employed professionals and small entrepreneurs.
- Strength: resistance and versatility for work and urban use.
- Consumption: in the 1.4 Fire or 1.3 Firefly versions, averages between 11 and 14 km/l.
- Resale: extremely high demand, especially in the utility segment.
Those looking for a compact pickup that combines economy and practicality will find in the Strada one of the best deals possible in the used car market.
What to Consider Before Closing the Deal
Regardless of the chosen model, some basic precautions are essential: verify maintenance history, check documentation, and always conduct a detailed inspection. These steps avoid unpleasant surprises and ensure that the investment is truly advantageous.
And here’s the truth: the ideal car is not just the cheapest or the one that consumes the least but rather the one that balances your usage needs with controlled costs in the long run.

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