Top Pre-Owned Rides for Raleigh Roads

Are you looking to cruise the highways and byways of North Carolina without breaking the bank? Come by our used car dealership near Raleigh and get ready to meet your match. We’re sure you’ll see a trend in the pre-owned models available on the lot. After all, it's no secret North Carolina drivers love their trucks and SUVs. Whether it’s a best-selling Ford to a reliable compact Toyota, it’s clear that Raleigh drivers have great tastes when it comes to vehicles.

From compact crossovers to full-size trucks, Raleigh’s roads are bustling with some outstanding used vehicles. Checking out what’s around you is a great way to get a feeling for what works for your driving style and what doesn’t. If you’re a commuter, we bet if you look side to side, you’ll see plenty of Hondas and Toyotas in both lanes. Need a work truck or a tough family hauler? The biggest truck names—Ford's F-Series and Chevy's Silverado family—dominate the pre-owned truck market in the Raleigh area.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade to a new pre-owned model that matches your daily driving needs or you’re just checking out the trends, we’ve compiled some of the top-selling vehicles for North Carolina and Raleigh drivers from the past few years to give you an idea of what works well for the roads of the Tar Heel state.

A Full-Size Ride With Big Possibilities

We were surprised to check out the numbers and see one of the fastest-selling vehicles in the state in 2023 was the GMC Yukon XL—surprised because the market seems to give the impression of trending toward hybrids or smaller crossovers, so we were happy to see the GMC beast remaining popular among drivers who need plenty of space.

As one of the most recent hottest-selling cars in the state, the Yukon XL carries a lot of value for urban and rural drivers from the Raleigh area. The full-size SUV from GMC offers standard seating for eight passengers plus extended cargo space for gear, luggage, and groceries. Whether you have a growing family or you carpool, the Yukon is capable of keeping up.

The family-friendly appeal of the Yukon XL is balanced by healthy performance abilities when it comes to recreational towing, thanks to its V8 engine choices. So, if you have a small boat you want to haul out to Falls Lake or simply want to load up the bikes for a quick outing to nearby Walnut Creek Trail, the Yukon can do both.

A Practical Affordable Commuter Car

To nobody’s surprise, there is a Toyota on this list, and that’s because Raleigh drivers know a great deal when they see one. In this case, for 2022, the Toyota Camry hit the charts as one of North Carolina’s top cars. Not only that, but the midsize sedan is one of the best-selling sedans worldwide, ranking at number five in 2022, with top slots mostly filled by other Toyota models!

The Camry is a favorite for value-minded drivers because of the five-seater’s reputation as a reliable, efficient vehicle. Its smaller size makes it ideal for urban dwellers and commuters whose day consists of tackling heavy traffic along the Raleigh Beltline or finding parking downtown. The smaller nature of the Camry gives it an edge over the competition. Drivers who expect a lot from their vehicles can depend on a Camry through thick and thin.

When searching for a pre-owned Camry, you should keep an eye out for 2013-2017 models if you’re looking for a real deal. These years have high marks for reliability yet remain extremely affordable for those needing a great car on a budget. The seventh generation of Camry models are often considered some of the best.

Three Trucks at the Top of the List

In 2021, two of the biggest truck brands topped the list of most popular vehicles sold in North Carolina. The top two (in no surprise to truck enthusiasts) were the Ford F-150 and Silverado 1500—full-size trucks that are always vying for top marks among drivers.

While the Ford F-150 is the best-selling truck in the nation, the Silverado 1500 isn’t far behind, and both now have great pre-owned models that'll get drivers a lot for their dollar. The F-150 offers a lot of power potential plus high marks for cabin quality. The Silverado 1500 is often applauded for its reliability and affordability. However, both can straddle the line between a work truck and a family vehicle, thanks to comfortable seating and roomy cabin choices. Checking out a pre-owned model to learn about its specific capabilities is a smart way to shop for a pre-owned truck.

When it comes to the Ford F-150—opting for a model from 2017 or newer—you get great reliability, plus modern tech and advanced trailering features without the heavy price tag newer models carry. As for a pre-owned Silverado 1500, if you simply want the power of a Chevy and aren’t concerned with all the bells and whistles, the 2007 model is highly praised for its reliability and comfortable cabin.

Compact Crossover SUVs for Daily Driving

Compact crossovers are often some of the best-selling vehicles on the road because of the versatility they offer drivers. With more space than a sedan yet a smaller body than a full-size SUV, they hit the sweet spot for a lot of consumers.

In 2021, two rival models that were in the top five best-selling vehicles for North Carolina drivers were the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Both are great bite-size compact cruisers that fit in well downtown and out of town. For solo drivers or families on the go, these models offer a range of possibilities, all at a pre-owned price that works for a diverse number of budgets.

Honda produces some of the most long-lasting vehicles around, all at a great price. It offers drivers a fully loaded cabin with nice styling, making the model look more expensive than it is. A great list of updated tech features makes it user-friendly and easy to connect with your car. The five-seater CR-V can be upgraded with AWD for advanced performance over slippery or uneven terrain. It offers nimble handling and a great fuel economy, making it a favorite of practical-minded drivers.

The fifth generation of Honda CR-Vs (2017-2020) makes for great daily rides and grocery-getters. With a roomy, modern cabin and responsive handling, the CR-V is a handy co-pilot that can get you around town and home again without missing a beat.

The Toyota RAV4, however, really gives the CR-V a run for its money with its slightly lower price point and excellent fuel economy. And with a name like Toyota, drivers know they’re going to get a lot for their dollar. This small SUV also topped the nation's best-seller list in 2022, beating out the Honda CR-V and Chevy Equinox for the hearts of drivers across the country.

For Raleigh residents who have their eye on a Toyota RAV4, scooping up a pre-owned model from 2016-2018 helps you save while unlocking modern styling and a high safety rating. The RAV4 can be had with all-wheel drive for additional tracking and peace of mind when you’re behind the wheel.

Both are fun and rewarding to drive. It’s tough to go wrong with either of the compact models from Honda or Toyota, as both are competent urban drivers who are always up for a last-minute weekend road trip to Nashville.

Take Your Pick!

In a city like Raleigh—with busy streets, lots of tourists, students, and limited space—having the right vehicle can make all the difference. With a diverse range of options to pick from, it can be challenging to get the right ride for your needs. But North Carolina drivers know what it takes to conquer the highways and scenic byways of their beloved state, from the full-size Yukon XL to the compact Toyota Camry; these choices might seem vastly different, but at their core, they make sense.

Raleigh drivers are smart to put their focus on reliability and performance rather than passing trends. They often opt for a vehicle that fits their lifestyle and can fit in on city streets, giving them the flexibility they require to help them meet the challenges of the road with confidence.