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Is paying artificially inflated prices and going into debt necessary to own a suitable vehicle?
Will you have to settle for used models with fewer safety features and questionable reliability?
Not at all. A new update on used car shopping demonstrates that Consumer Reports automotive experts are helping shoppers find used-car options that can save them up to tens of thousands of dollars while still allowing shoppers to own a safe vehicle with modern safety features and a proven track record of reliability―all by applying a similar level of rigor and selectively as they do in their new vehicle reviews.
Tariffs are Inflation on the Horizon
CR analysts note that because today’s current shoppers are concerned about looming inflation and the uncertainty of tariffs and their impact on consumers, buying a used vehicle can make good economic sense for most households.
“With the historically high price of new autos these days, more and more people are naturally looking to the pre-owned market in search of a better bargain,” says Alex Knizek, associate director of auto test development at Consumer Reports. “But they shouldn’t have to sacrifice safety, reliability, or fuel economy to stay within their budget. That’s why we now present Used Car Top Picks and have expanded our used-car coverage and insights.”
Consumer Reports is well known for its informative new car reviews, in which it has highlighted exceptional cars, SUVs, and trucks gleaned through extensive testing and customer survey data.
In their analysis of used vehicles CR automotive experts consider the following factors:
“The strategy we employ for selecting used cars emphasizes value within a price range, and it means that the highlighted models may not have been the highest-scoring models when tested new. Instead, they’re often good cars that depreciated more than others, making them more attractive as used cars than they were when new,” states the update.
THE BEST CAR TOP PICKS BY CONSUMER REPORTS
SEDAN UNDER $10,000
2016 Mazda 6 (Generation 2014-2011)
Price Range: $8,550 – $11,325
Owner Reported MPG: 29 mpg
SEDAN UNDER $15,000
2019 Toyota Corolla (Generation 2014-2019)
Price Range: $12,925 – $16,230
Owner Reported MPG: 32 mpg
SUV UNDER $15,000
2018 Mazda CX-5 (Generation 2017-2025)
Price Range: $12,025 – $16,450
Owner Reported MPG: 26 mpg
HYBRID UNDER $20,000
2019 Toyota Camry Hybrid (Generation 2018-2024)
Price Range: $16,875 – $21,450
Owner Reported MPG: 45 mpg
SMALL SUV UNDER $20,000
2021 Kia Sportage (Generation 2017-2022)
Price Range: $14,925 – $19,475
Owner Reported MPG: 25 mpg
HYBRID SUV UNDER $20,000
2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (Generation 2016-2018)
Price Range: $15,800 – $20,650
Owner Reported MPG: 32 mpg
3-ROW SUV UNDER $20,000
2018 Mazda CX-9 (Generation 2016-2023)
Price Range: $12,175 – $17,300
Owner Reported MPG: 23 mpg
LUXURY SUV UNDER $20,000
2017 Lexus NX (Generation 2015-2021)
Price Range: $17,500 – $20,300
Owner Reported MPG: 25 mpg
PICKUP TRUCK UNDER $20,000
2015 Toyota Tacoma (Generation 2005-2015)
Price Range: $13,675 – $20,025
Owner Reported MPG: 19 mpg
SPORTS CAR UNDER $20,000
2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata (Generation 2016-2024)
Price Range: $15,350 – $21,475
Owner Reported MPG: 32 mpg
There’s More to Buying a Used Car Than Its Price… It’s What Happens After
Although you may have the recommended pre-purchase inspection before buying that used model and the seller’s assurance that everything is on the up and up, there are important things that need to be taken care of afterward in this order:
For additional recent Consumer Reports recommendations, here are a few for your consideration:
COMING UP NEXT: I Have Owned a Repair Shop for 45 Years, Out of All My Customers I Can’t Think of One Confirmed Example of Somebody Coming Out Ahead for Buying a Warranty
Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati who currently researches and works on restoring older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. He also reports on modern cars (including EVs) with a focus on DIY mechanics, buying and using tools, and other related topical automotive repair news. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites as well as on Facebook and his automotive blog “Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair” for useful daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.
Image Source: Deposit Photos
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