Top 5: Most Popular Used Cars on the Market for Millennials

Millennials have made a name for themselves when it comes to economic participation. From hotly contested participation trophies to living through major world events to spending all their money on avocado toast, There are just some facets of life that are synonymous with being a millennial. Nowadays, unfortunately, between living through a recession and drowning eyes deep in student loan debt, owning a used vehicle is just another aspect of what it means to be a millennial.

According to Research done by automotive expert Edmunds.com, millennials made up a significant percentage of consumers in the used-car space. If you’re curious about what millennials are purchasing, question no more. The researchers at Edmunds have compiled a list of the top 10 used vehicles these 23-34-year-olds are turning to.

Edmunds’ list is just as eclectic and unexpected as the individuals who make up this generation. Let’s take a closer look at 5 of the most popular used cars on the market for millennials right now.

1. Dodge Magnum

Yes, that’s right, a used Dodge Magnum. That’s what millennials are turning to when it comes to their transportation needs. Just over 27% of shares of used Magnum sales have been to millennials.

When you take a closer look at this car, it gets easier to understand why. Magnums that were produced and sold between 2005 and 2008 feature a really unique station wagon-style design with a body that’s trying really hard to be modern. Their body styles were a stark difference from the SUV craze that took hold in the early 2000s. Because of the demand for SUVs, the Dodge Magnum didn’t quite catch on with consumers the way the brand had hoped.

And while Dodge sold just under 170,000 Magnums during this time, drivers aged 18 to 34 are starting to take on a good chunk of pre-owned sales. Despite its unique love, it can be understandable why millennials have gravitated towards the Magnum. Under the hood is a 6.1 V8 engine that delivers 420 horsepower. Power, space, and affordability are some of the main features this generation is looking for in their vehicles, and the Magnum does its job checking off these boxes.

2. Chrysler Pacifica

Coming in hot at number two is the Chrysler Pacifica. According to Edmunds’ findings, 27.3% of millennials made up the demographics of consumers purchasing this vehicle. As millennials are settling into their home buying and child-rearing ages, we can understand that they’re also looking for a reliable and practical family car as well. SUVs may be out of the question for some millennials because of their hefty prices or lack of fuel efficiency, that’s where minivans come in as a nice middle ground.

The Pacifica was released in 2004 and was designed under the influence of parent company Daimler Benz. With an upscale interior and affordable price tag, it wasn’t quite hitting the mark when it first debuted. Luckily, this attention to detail and comfort has caught the attention of millennials looking for a spacious and comfortable vehicle.

With a 3.6 L Pentastar V6 engine and somewhat decent fuel economy at 19 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway, it’s understandable why this car ranks second in the eyes of millennials. Millennials can look forward to ample space, performance, and dependability.

3. Subaru WRX

The Subaru WRX claims its spot in third place as the most popular used vehicle for millennials. Subaru is known for putting out dependable, sporty, and rather affordable vehicles that tout safety and comfort. The Subaru WRX is a great combination of all these hot-button amenities.

Over time, the model’s adoption of tech, comfort, and safety features have helped fuel the model’s popularity both in the new and used markets. All the great features offered by the WRX have undoubtedly helped fuel production with an average of 20-30,000 models being sold every year. With this high demand comes a healthy fanbase that has helped prop this model in the eyes of millennials and even Gen-Zers. According to Edmunds, roughly 26.4% of Subaru WRX sales were made by millennials.

4. Chevrolet TrailBlazer

The Chevy Trailblazer is one of the most iconic vehicles on the roads today. Its unique grill and sporty body have helped brand the vehicle as a great subcompact SUV for those who want power, performance, and comfort.

With engine options including a 1.2 L three-cylinder, and a 1.3 l 3 cylinder, it’s also one of the best SUVs if you’re looking for an economic vehicle. Edmunds highlights that roughly 25.9% of used car sales of this model have gone to millennials. With so many models in production even 6 years after the model was discontinued, it’s still one of those vehicles you can get a great bang for your buck on if you know where to look.

There’s no arguing that the trailblazer serves the needs of millennials in that it doesn’t take a toll on your wallet to drive or maintain. It’s also pretty spacious making it perfect for millennials who are looking for a reliable family car.

5. Volkswagen Golf R32

Volkswagen Golfs were a staple of the early 2000s and have become a celebrated and well-loved vehicle for millennials of all ages and vehicle preferences. This compact hatchback offers a versatile look that can be both sporty and sleek. With earlier models featuring a really geometric almost bulky look, the later models have transformed the R32 into a sleeker hatchback. This evolution in design has resonated with millennial consumers. As the earlier models phase out, they’ve also become quite a collectible vehicle as well which has of course only helped fuel interest in this vehicle. Today, millennials make up about 25.7% of all car buyers for used Volkswagen Golf R32s.

See What Else Millennials Are Buying

Curious to see what else is on the list? Edmunds goes on to identify five more of the most popular used car models bought by millennials. The second half of the list is just as interesting and eclectic as the first half. These models include the following:

● Pontiac Aztek at 25.5% shares sold to millennials
● Nissan GT-R at 25.5% shares sold to millennials
● Saturn Outlook at 25.3% shares sold to millennials
● Dodge Durango at 24.8% shares sold to millennials
● Lexus IS-F at 24.7% shares sold to millennials