Follow us today...
Used Car Shopping
In an earlier article from last year when used car prices were reaching unheard of before high prices, Automotive News made a prediction that partly because of the pandemic and the resulting shortage in raw materials and automotive parts, that we may very see the used car market get even worse for the next couple of years. And they were right!
“…there is substantial evidence that customer demand for a shrinking new and used car inventory is also climbing. This increased demand and limited supply only guarantees increased used car prices for shoppers that may last well into 2022…and possibly further.” Automotive News Oct. 2021.
In fact, last May, Jason Collins writing for Autolist.com reported from multiple recognized sources that:
“The average price of a used car in 2022 is $34,429, according to iSeeCars. That's up considerably from 2021; the average retail selling price of a used car in 2021 was $26,709, according to the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA). The average price of a used car in 2019 was $22,027.”
New car prices are also up with Consumer Reports stating earlier this year that “…the average price of a new car has edged past $47,000” according to recent data from both Kelley Blue Book and TrueCar---a Consumer Reports partner that provides market analysis and an online marketplace for cars.
As such, we’ve provided continual articles on CR recommended new and used car shopping to help consumers find the car they need at an affordable price.
Related article: Consumer Reports Best Used Cars and SUVs for Every Budget
Is It All Doom and Gloom?
While the used car market does appear to be doom and gloom, there is still hope for finding a good used car that is reliable…if you know which models to look for that might be passed over by other uninformed used car shoppers.
To help used car shoppers identify which used vehicles are those to especially be on the lookout for, in a recent Car Wizard YouTube channel episode the host gives his learned opinion on 6 models of sedans, SUVs and trucks that are reliable and can be found under $10,000 today!
What Makes Them So Recommendable?
In a nutshell all of the vehicles recommended share the common characteristics of:
• Being easy to work on
• Parts are cheap
• Parts are easily available both new and salvaged
• Known to last well over 300,000 miles
• Affordable today
Vehicle Summary
If you do not want to watch the video or just want to find out what 6 vehicles the Car Wizard recommends, here is the short list:
1. 2000-2005 Buick LeSabre: 3.8L V6, 30+ mpg and “extremely reliable” expect to pay $2,000-$5,000 for one.
2. 1999-2006 Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra: Vortex 4.8 or 5.3L LS-based V8, up to 30 mpg, for $5K-$10K range
3. 2004-2009 Lexus RX350: 3.3 or 3.5L V6, 30+ mpg for $5K-$10K range
4. 1998-2012 Ford Crown Victoria: 4.6L V8, 25 MPG. for $5K-$10K range
5. 1996-2000 Lexus LS400: 4L V8, 25-27 MPG, for $5K-$10K range (but closer to $10K)
6. 2001-2007 Toyota Highlander: 2.4 or 3.0 4-cylinder or 3.3L V6, for $5K-$10K range
The CAR WIZARD shares 6 Super Reliable vehicles under $10K!
And finally…
For additional articles about shopping for used vehicles, here are a few for your consideration:
• The Best Used Car (Almost) No One Knows About
• Worst Recalls on Used Cars You Will Want to Avoid
• Used Cars That Cost the Most to Maintain Say Consumer Reports
COMING UP NEXT: WORST SUVs of 2023 You Should Never Buy
Timothy Boyer is a Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.
Image Source: Unsplash
Follow us today...
