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A recent Consumer Reports analysis of older used cars was recently released by CR analysts who say that their current picks are ones they approve that have performed well in CR’s road tests when they were new and had consistent above-average reliability for multiple years according to data gleaned from CR member Annual Auto Surveys.
“We’ve created this guide to help you find the small cars, sedans, and SUVs that are most likely to fulfill your needs without breaking down and soaking you with repair bills,” states the newsletter.
Related article: Consumer Reports Best Used Cars, SUVs and Trucks for Less Than $5,000
However, strictly following their list of used models blindly is a mistake CR automotive experts point out:
“Even among the used cars we recommend, there can be stinkers because of a bad day at the factory or a neglectful owner who didn’t keep up with the required maintenance. Make sure to have the car you’re considering thoroughly inspected by a certified mechanic before you sign on the dotted line.”
Related article: Mechanic Talks Candidly About the Best Used Car You Should Not Buy
Why Not All Used Cars on the List Are Right for You
Be forewarned, however, as older vehicles require some personal concessions when it comes to road noise and comfort. Especially for trips that are longer than a few hours, let alone a road trip that can become more arduous than fun in these old cars.
For a more detailed breakdown of each vehicle, 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.
BEST USED CARS UNDER $10,000
Small Cars
- Mazda3 2014
BEST USED CARS FROM $10,000-$15,000
Small Cars
- Ford C-Max 2015-2016
- Toyota Prius C 2014-2015
- Honda Fit 2020
- Mazda3 2021
- Toyota Corolla 2018-2020
- Toyota Corolla Hybrid 2020-2021
- Toyota Prius 2016-2018
Midsized and Large Cars
- Honda Accord 2017
- Honda Accord Hybrid 2017
- Toyota Avalon 2016-2017
- Toyota Avalon Hybrid 2014-2016
- Toyota Camry 2017-2018
- Toyota Camry Hybrid 2016-2017
Luxury Cars
- Acura TLX 2016
- Lexus ES 2015-2016
- Lexus ES Hybrid 2014-2015
- Lexus GS 2015
Sports Cars/Convertibles
- Mazda MX-5 Miata 2016-2017
Wagons and Minivans
- Toyota Sienna 2016
Small SUVs
- Honda HR-V 2017-2019=
- Acura RDX 2016
- Buick Envision 2017
- Honda CR-V 2016
- Kia Sportage 2020
- Lexus NX 2015
- Toyota RAV4 2016-2018
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 2016-2017
Midsized and Large SUVs
- Toyota Highlander 2014-2016
- Lexus RX 2014-2015
- Mazda CX-9 2018
Pickup Trucks
- Toyota Tacoma 2014-2016
- Toyota Tundra 2014
BEST USED CARS FROM $20,000-$25,000
Small Cars
- Mazda3 2022
- Toyota Corolla Hybrid 2022-2023
- Toyota Corolla 2021-2022
- Toyota Prius 2020-2021
- Toyota Prius Prime 2018-2020
Midsized and Large Cars
- Toyota Avalon Hybrid 2018
- Honda Accord 2020
- Toyota Avalon 2018
- Toyota Camry 2019-2021
- Toyota Camry Hybrid 2018-2019
Luxury Cars
- Acura TLX 2018-2019
- Lexus ES 2017-2018
- Lexus ES Hybrid 2016
- Lexus GS 2016
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2017
Sports Cars/Convertibles
- Mazda MX-5 Miata 2019-2021
Wagons and Minivans
- Toyota Sienna 2018
Small SUVs
- Subaru Crosstrek 2019-2021
- BMW X3 2018
- Buick Envision 2019-2020
- Cadillac XT5 2019
- Honda CR-V 2019-2020
- Honda HR-V 2021-2022
- Kia Sportage 2021-2022
- Lexus NX 2016-2017
- Lexus UX 2019
- Mazda CX-30 2022-2023
- Mazda CX-5 2021-2022
- Toyota RAV4 2020
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 2018
- Volvo XC40 2019-2020
Midsized and Large SUVs
- Lexus RX Hybrid 2015-2016
- Toyota 4Runner 2014-2015
- Lexus RX 2016
- Mazda CX-9 2020
- Toyota Highlander 2017-2019
Pickup Trucks
- Toyota Tacoma 2017
- Toyota Tundra 2016-2017
BEST USED CARS FROM $25,000-$30,000
Small Cars
- Toyota Prius 2022
- Toyota Prius Prime 2021-2022
Midsized and Large Cars
- Toyota Camry 2022-2023
- Honda Accord Hybrid 2022
- Toyota Avalon 2019-2020
- Toyota Avalon Hybrid 2019-2020
- Toyota Camry Hybrid 2021-2023
Luxury Cars
- Lexus ES 2019
Sports Cars/Convertibles
- Audi A5 2019
Wagons and Minivans
- Toyota Sienna 2020
Small SUVs
- Acura RDX 2020
- Honda CR-V 2021-2022
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 2019
- Buick Envision 2022
- Honda CR-V 2021-2022
- Honda HR-V 2023
- Lexus NX 2019-2020
- Lexus NX Hybrid 2019
- Lexus UX 2020-2021
- Mazda CX-5 2023
- Subaru Crosstrek 2022-2023
- Toyota RAV4 2021-2022
- Volvo XC40 2021
Midsized and Large SUVs
- Lexus GX 2016
- Lexus RX 2017-2018
- Lexus RX Hybrid 2017
- Mazda CX-9 2022
- Toyota 4Runner 2016-2018
- Toyota Highlander 2020
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2018
Pickup Trucks
- Toyota Tundra 2018-2019
- Toyota Tacoma 2020-2022
BEST USED CARS FROM $30,000-$40,000
Small Cars
- Toyota Prius 2023
Midsized and Large Cars
- Toyota Avalon 2021-2022
- Honda Accord Hybrid 2023
- Toyota Avalon Hybrid 2021-2022
Luxury Cars
- Acura TLX 2021
- Lexus ES 2022
- Lexus ES Hybrid 2019-2021
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2019
Sports Cars/Convertibles
- Audi A5 2022-2023
Wagons and Minivans
- Toyota Sienna 2022
- Toyota Venza 2021-2023
Small SUVs
- Cadillac XT5 2023
- Acura RDX 2021-2023
- BMW X3 2021-2022
- Honda CR-V 2023
- Lexus NX 2021
- Lexus NX Hybrid 2020
- Toyota RAV4 2023
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 2021-2023
- Toyota RAV4 Prime 2021-2023
Midsized and Large SUVs
- Hyundai Palisade 2022-2023
- Toyota Highlander 2021-2022
- Lexus GX 2019-2020
- Lexus RX 2019-2021
- Toyota 4Runner 2019, 2021-2023
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2019-2021
Pickup Trucks
- Toyota Tundra 2020-2021
For additional articles related to used cars, here are three for your consideration:
- Cars Proven to Get to 200,000 Miles and Beyond
- The Used Car Dealership Lot You Should Never Buy a Classic Car From Warning
- Best High-Mileage Used Cars Recommended by Consumer Reports
Timothy Boyer is an 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 and Facebook for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.
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Image source: Deposit Photos
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