Need new wheels but have a tight budget? Consumer Reports has long advocated buying used as a way to get the biggest bang for your buck. It’s simple math: After one year, a new car has depreciated 27 percent of its sticker price; after three years, it’s worth barely half of its sticker. When someone else takes the depreciation hit on the car, you benefit.
But picking out a good used car has never been easy. You want to buy one that’s reliable, affordable, and equipped with modern safety features. Add in the desire to avoid a car that has been damaged, and the process can feel overwhelming.
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It doesn’t have to be. Consumer Reports created this handy guide to help you find the small cars, sedans, and SUVs most likely to fulfill your needs without breaking down and soaking you in repair bills.
Every vehicle on this list performed well in its tests when it was new and has had above-average reliability for the model years shown, based on Consumer Reports’ latest Annual Auto Survey. Each also came standard with electronic stability control, unless otherwise noted. Here are some of the used cars Consumer Reports would recommend to family and friends.
Less than $10,000
Small cars (with available ESC): Mazda3 s (2008); Pontiac Vibe (2005-2008)
Sedans: Acura TL (2005); Hyundai Sonata 4-cyl. (2006-2008)
SUVs: Honda CR-V (2005); Mitsubishi Outlander (2007)
$10,000 to $15,000
Small cars: Subaru Impreza (2010); Kia Soul (2010-2012)
Sedans: Infiniti G35 (2006-2007); Acura RL (2005-2006)
SUVs: Acura MDX (2005-2006); Toyota Highlander V6 (2005-2007)
$15,000 to $20,000
Small cars: Toyota Prius (2010-2013); Hyundai Elantra (2013-2014)
Sedans: Honda Accord (2008-2012); Toyota Camry (2010-2012)
SUVs: Lexus RX (2006-2008); Toyota RAV4 (2009-2011)
$20,000 to $25,000
Sedans: Toyota Camry Hybrid (2012-2013); Infiniti M (2009)
SUVs: Lexus GX (2006-2007); Nissan Murano (2011-2012)
Used car disasters
It’s every used-car buyer’s nightmare: getting a rebuilt wreck despite doing research. That’s because they’re difficult to spot. Even buying a model known for reliability is no guarantee that it won’t have problems.
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About 20 percent of cars on the road have some sort of accident damage, according to Carfax, a service that provides vehicle history reports. But a 2009 Consumer Reports investigation showed that reports from Carfax can’t catch everything. Differing state laws governing salvage titles allow for loopholes big enough to drive a rebuilt wreck through.
Though there is no substitute for hiring your own mechanic to inspect any car you’re serious about buying, look for these telltale signs first to thin the herd:
The close-up. Inspect each body panel for scratches, dents, or rust. Masking-tape marks under windowsills or fender edges indicate paintwork.
Straight and narrow. Uneven panel gaps around the fenders, doors, hood, and trunk can indicate shoddy repair.
Blend well. Be sure the paint color and finish are uniform, and check inside doorjambs for dull-looking overspray.
Attractive personality. Run a magnet along doors and fenders. If it doesn’t pull toward the car, there might be body filler under the paint, indicating body repairs.
Crystal clear. Check for moisture fogging in the lights.
Tread lightly. Make sure the tires have even tread wear. New tires might hide problems.
Rust bucket. A coating of rust on bolts or hinges inside the doorjamb is a clue that the car might have been submerged.
Sniff test. A musty, moldy smell in the interior or trunk could indicate water damage.
Check the tailpipe. Black, greasy residue inside means the engine is burning oil.
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