Consumer Reports Most Satisfying 10-Year-Old Sedans with Reliability and Fuel Efficiency

When Proven Reliability and Fuel Efficiency Makes Drivers Happy

Using data from surveys that asked consumers if the older model sedan they currently owned was satisfying enough to motivate them to buy the same model again, Consumer Reports analysts found that when it comes to owner satisfaction over all else, happiness apparently does count.

However, the added benefit of buying one of these older models is that models in the 6- to 10-year-old range tend to have more competitive pricing that makes these vehicles not just good, but great buys for car-shopping consumers looking for a bargain.

Related article: Best Used Cars at the Right Price Lists Consumer Reports

With satisfaction as a metric, CR analysts ranked the customer responses and created a new ordered list starting with a range of 10-year-old sedan models that owners found be the most satisfying in their owner experience.

According to Consumer Reports, “We picked models known for strong reliability and fuel economy—models that are the most likely to provide years of relatively trouble-free service.” However, they also point out the caveat with buying an older model sedan is that “It’s important to note that most older models didn’t offer active safety features like forward collision warning (FCW) and automatic emergency braking (AEB) like newer models do.”

Related article: Consumer Reports Reveals How to Find Hidden Problems in a Used Car Before Buying It

That said, here is a summary of the vehicles recommended provided with additional information on what safety equipment features each model provides as well as safety features you can find in younger models as a comparison.

MOST SATISFYING 10-YEAR-OLD COMPACT SEDANS

1. 2012 Acura TSX
Price Range: $11,900 - $13,975
Owner Reported MPG: 26 mpg
Safety Features: ABS and ESC standard. Side and head protection air bags standard.

2. 2012 Toyota Corolla
Price Range: $10,200 - $11,075
Owner Reported MPG: 29 mpg
Safety Features: ABS, side and head protection air bags standard from 2009. ESC standard from 2010. FCW and AEB standard from 2017.

3. 2012 Infiniti G
Price Range: $9,725 - $10,675
Owner Reported MPG: 21 mpg
Safety Features: ABS and ESC standard. Side and head protection air bags.

MOST SATISFYING 10-YEAR-OLD MIDSIZED AND LARGE SEDANS

1. 2012 Toyota Avalon
Price Range: $12,625 - $13,525
Owner Reported MPG: 25 mpg
Safety Features: ABS and side air bags standard. ESC standard from 2009. Head protection air bags standard from 2005. FCW and AEB standard from 2017. BSW standard from 2019.

2. 2012 Lexus ES
Price Range: $14,050
Owner Reported MPG: 23 mpg
Safety Features: ABS and side air bags standard. Head protection air bags standard from 2002. ESC standard from 2007. FCW and AEB standard from 2017.

3. 2012 Toyota Camry
Price Range: $10,825 - $13,075
Owner Reported MPG: 27 mpg
Safety Features: ABS standard from 2005. Side and head protection air bags standard from 2007. ESC standard from 2010. FCW and AEB standard from 2018.

4. 2012 Mazda 6
Price Range: $7,525 - $11,275
Owner Reported MPG: 25 mpg
Safety Features: ABS, ESC, side and head protection air bags standard. FCW, AEB, and BSW standard from 2018.

5. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
Price Range: $11,300 - $12,725
Owner Reported MPG: 23 mpg
Safety Features: ABS standard. Front side air bags standard from 2010. Head protection air bags standard from 2007. ESC standard from 2010.

6. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Price Range: $12,725 - $27,575
Owner Reported MPG: 24 mpg
Safety Features: ABS standard. Rear side and head protection air bags standard from 2000. ESC standard from 2000. FCW and AEB standard from 2017. BSW standard from 2020.

7. 2012 Acura TL
Price Range: $11,650 - $14,150
Owner Reported MPG: 23 mpg
Safety Features: ABS standard. Side air bags standard from 2000. ESC standard from 2004. Head protection air bags standard from 2004.

8. 2012 Honda Accord
Price Range: $10,925 - $12,475
Owner Reported MPG: 26 mpg
Safety Features: ABS standard from 2003. Side air bags and head protection air bags standard from 2005. ESC standard from 2008. FCW and AEB standard from 2018.

9. 2012 Subaru Legacy
Price Range: $8,950 - $15,000
Owner Reported MPG: 27 mpg
Safety Features: ABS standard. Side and head protection air bags standard from 2005. ESC standard from 2009. FCW and AEB standard from 2019.

And finally…

For a more detailed breakdown of the data, please visit the CR website. Note that while access to some information requires a CR membership, the potential savings make it negligible in comparison when looking for the latest information to aid your car buying research.

For additional articles about buying a used car, here are some selected articles for your consideration:

• Consumer Reports on How to Assess a Used Vehicle’s True Value

• Consumer Reports Best Used Older Cars for Under $10,000 That You Can Buy Right Now

• Consumer Reports Analysts Reveal the Used Cars Most Likely to Need an Engine Rebuild and What to Buy Instead

COMING UP NEXT: Mechanic Voices His Disappointments with the New Toyota Tundra

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.

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