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It is a sobering fact that is causing indignation among consumers: the prices of new cars have reached prohibitively high levels, plunging many car buyers into unnecessary debt.
New car prices now average around $50,000, and if you want a new truck, expect to pay between $70,000 and $100,000.
Related article: The best car deals on Labor Day 2024 revealed by Consumer Reports
But why is it unnecessary to pay excessive prices and go into debt? Car buyers have the opportunity to save tens of thousands of dollars when purchasing a used car and still own a safe vehicle with modern safety features and a proven high level of reliability.
Consumer Reports offers a new selection category
For decades, Consumer Reports' new car reviews have highlighted exceptional cars, SUVs and trucks through extensive testing and data from customer surveys.
However, Consumer Reports has just released its first “10 Used Car Picks,” and the automotive analysts are now applying a similarly rigorous selection to used car, SUV and truck models.
“Given the historically high prices for new cars, more and more people are naturally looking at the used car market in search of a better bargain,” says Alex Knizek, manager of automotive testing and insights at Consumer Reports. “But they shouldn't have to sacrifice safety, reliability or fuel economy to stay within their budget. That's why we created these used car top picks and are expanding our used car coverage and insights.”
Here is the breakdown of Consumer Reports' rating in an interview with Mr. Knizek during a recent news report from WMUR-TV (New Hampshire).
And if you don't have time to watch the video but still want to learn the key points of this new used car test, a CR newsletter summary below the video will give you the essentials to learn why these ten models were chosen over other used car models.
Consumer Reports lists the best used car brands and models for the first time
CR Newsletter Summary
- According to Consumer Reports, great new cars aren't necessarily great used cars – especially when you consider depreciation and long-term reliability.
- To make smart decisions, used cars were selected from a generational perspective (the “generation” refers to the years in which a single design was offered) rather than a model year perspective.
- The benefit of a generational perspective is that it consistently shows the models that have become more trouble-free over a multi-year period; the last two years of a generation tend to be the best.
- Another criterion is the safety features of new models, which are also available in used models.
- The car value is important because some models depreciate more than others, making them a bargain as a used car compared to other used car models of the same age.
- Buyers of a used car must remember that each car is unique, has its own history and must be inspected before purchase.
THE TOP 10 TOP PICKS FROM CONSUMER REPORTS
UNDER 10,000 USD
Model No. 1: Chevrolet Cruze generation 2016-2019
Recommended Model: Chevrolet Cruze 2017
Price range: $7,300 – $9,700
Owner reported MPG: 33 mpg
CR notes: “Our data shows that reliability increased in the second year, making the 2017 model year more attractive than the 2016 model year. The newer 2018 and 2019 models are also attractive, but because they are newer, they will likely cost a bit more, pushing their average price above $10,000.”
Under $15,000
Model No. 2: Hyundai Elantra generation 2017-2020
Recommended model: Hyundai Elantra 2019
Price range: $10,750 – $15,175
Owner reported MPG: 34 mpg
CR notes: “Until 2019, all trim levels except the base SE model were equipped with forward collision warning (FCW), automatic emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning (LDW), lane keeping assist (LKA), blind spot warning (BSW) and rear cross traffic alert (RCTW).”
SUV under $15,000
Model No. 3: Honda HR-V 2016-2022
Recommended model: Honda HR-V 2018
Price range: $13,375 – $16,725
Owner reported MPG: 30 mpg
CR notes: “For later model years (2019-2020), we prefer the EX because of the additional standard safety systems such as automatic emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning (LKA), and LaneWatch blind-spot cameras.”
Hybrid under $20,000
Model No. 4: Toyota Corolla Hybrid Generation 2020-2024
Recommended model: Toyota Corolla Hybrid 2021
Price range: $17,150 – $22,000
Owner reported MPG: 53 mpg
CR notes: “…rear side airbags were added, bringing the total number of airbags to ten. Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTW) and Blind Spot Warning (BSW) were standard only on top trims and optional on lower trims.”
Small SUV under $20,000
Model No. 5: Kia Sportage generation 2017-2022
Recommended model: Kia Sportage 2021
Price range: $16,500 – $22,075
Owner reported MPG: 25 mpg
CR notes: “The last three years are the most desirable for this generation due to a significant update for 2020 and increasing reliability.”
Hybrid under $20,000
Model No. 6: Toyota RAV4 Hybrid generation 2016-2018
Recommended model: Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 2018
Price range: $16,250 – $21,275
Owner reported MPG: 33 mpg
CR notes: “The 2017 and 2018 models added new features and trim levels, and reliability increased from above average to significantly above average, according to our member surveys. Any version of this half-generation is a smart choice, but the last two model years should be a priority in your used car search.”
3-row SUV under $20,000
Model No. 7: Mazda CX-9 Generation 2016-2023
Recommended model: Mazda CX-9 2020
Price range: $17,075 – $23,625
Owner reported MPG: 23 mpg
CR notes: “Resist the temptation to buy a 2023 model year because, contrary to trends, its reliability is well below average.”
Luxury SUV under $20,000
Model No. 8: Buick Envision Generation 2016-2020
Recommended model: Buick Envision 2020
Price range: $16,650 – $21,725
Owner reported MPG: 25 mpg
CR Notes: “…CR members rate the Buick brand as having the lowest maintenance and repair costs. A teen driver feature is especially attractive to parents who want to monitor their offspring's activities behind the wheel.”
Pickup truck under $20,000
Model No. 9: Toyota Tacoma generation
Recommended Model: Toyota Tacoma 2015
Price range: $14,825 – $21,875
Owner reported MPG: 20 mpg
CR notes: “The Tacoma was refreshed in 2012, giving buyers several similar model years to choose from without having to resort to the newer and more expensive third generation… the 2015 Tacoma marked the end of the second generation.”
Sports cars under $20,000
Model No. 10: Mazda MX-5 Miata Generation 2016-2024
Recommended Model: Mazda MX-5 Miata 2019
Price range: $15,275 – $21,250
Owner reported MPG: 32 mpg
CR notes: “Every model year of this generation is desirable, but the later models with the increased performance are even more desirable.”
More articles on the topic of buying a used carhere are a few useful ones for you to consider.
Timothy Boyer is a Cincinnati-based automotive reporter. He has experience restoring old cars and regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications to increase performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily news and topics on new and used cars and trucks.
Image source: Deposit Photos
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