Finding the Best Used Car To Buy can be overwhelming. While new car reviews highlight top performers, the equation changes dramatically when considering pre-owned vehicles. Depreciation and long-term reliability become key factors in determining the true value and ownership experience of a used car. Consumer Reports’ testing data and reliability insights can guide you to models that offer the most promising ownership experience in the used car market.
Instead of focusing on specific model years, it’s more strategic to evaluate cars from a “generation” perspective. A car generation refers to the period a particular design is offered in the market. By analyzing car generations, we can pinpoint smart used car choices across different price ranges. Our selections prioritize the newest model year within each generation that fits specific criteria, factoring in median used-car prices to ensure you get the most up-to-date vehicle for your budget.
We emphasize the latest models within a generation because car quality and features typically improve over time. Reliability trends consistently show that vehicles become more dependable as automakers refine their production processes and address issues identified through owner feedback and warranty claims. This learning and improvement cycle usually culminates in the later years of a generation’s production. Therefore, the last couple of years of a car generation are often the most reliable and feature-rich. Manufacturers also tend to add more features, enhancing convenience, safety, and sometimes even fuel efficiency, as a generation progresses. Importantly, electronic stability control, a crucial safety feature, comes standard in all these recommended cars.
Our approach to selecting the best used cars prioritizes value. This means that the highlighted models might not have topped the charts when they were new. Instead, they are often good cars that have depreciated more significantly than others, making them exceptionally attractive in the used market. The Buick Envision, Chevrolet Cruze, and Mazda CX-9 are prime examples. These were all solid vehicles when new, but now represent excellent bargains as used cars. For the same price point, comparable rivals are often older, potentially even from previous generations. Choosing one of these models allows you to acquire a newer car with similar mileage for potentially thousands less than a same-year rival.
Recommending used cars based on the most recent qualifying year within a given price range maximizes the potential lifespan you can enjoy. Newer cars generally have fewer miles and offer more years of reliable service. Furthermore, considering the entire generation gives you broader options. If the exact highlighted model year isn’t available, exploring other years within the same generation can still lead you to a great vehicle, often at an even lower price. You might even discover an exceptional deal on a newer model within that generation.
For in-depth information about potential trouble spots, which can vary by year, and to access detailed road tests, owner satisfaction ratings, and pricing details, we encourage you to visit the specific car model pages on Consumer Reports.
Remember, every used car is unique, with its own history. The best way to safeguard your purchase is to focus your search on Consumer Reports Recommended used cars and always have any used car you are seriously considering thoroughly inspected by a qualified mechanic before finalizing the purchase.
