The best used cars allow you to save thousands on a new car purchase, never be upside down on your loan and enjoy all the benefits of a new car – without the new car price tag. While a variety of factors impact whether or not a used car will be reliable or a lemon, you can increase your chances of finding a reliable used car for your family by knowing what to look for and asking the right questions.
Some Car Models are More Reliable Than Others
While any well-cared for vehicle can last you 200,000 miles or more, some car manufacturers simply market more durable, longer-lasting vehicles. According to Consumer Reports, Asian cars dominate their counterparts in terms of reliability. Consider buying brands such as:
- Toyota
- Honda
- Mazda
- Nissan
Toyota’s Lexus brand and Nissan’s Inifinti also received top marks from Consumer Reports for reliability.
The Best American-made Used Cars
American-made used cars tend to boast a lower sticker price than their Asian counterparts. Unfortunately, not all American-made cars are as reliable. Some makes and models, however, outshine the rest. In a nationwide consumer survey, the following vehicles received the highest scores for American manufacturers:
- Chevrolet Traverse
- Chevrolet Malibu
- Ford Fusion
- Mercury Milan
- Lincoln MKZ
- Chevrolet Silverado
- GMC Sierra
Both the Ford Fusion and the Mercury Milan received the highest scores possible – beating out all foreign models for reliability.
Small Used Cars, Sedans and Hybrids Are the Best Buy
Overall, compact cars and family sedans carry higher reliability ratings than SUVs, minivans and pickup trucks. Thus, you’re likely to save the most money in repairs by purchasing a smaller vehicle. Used compact hybrids offer the highest possible savings.
Hybrid cars, due to the savings they promise in gasoline, are often much more expensive than the non-hybrid variety. As a whole, however, hybrids break down less often than non-hybrid cars and buying them used allows you to bypass the retail price and take advantage of both short-term and long-term savings.
Request An Inspection to Avoid Buying a Lemon
Even if you select a top-of-the-line Japanese hybrid, there’s no guarantee that you’re getting a car that won’t sputter and die on the way home from the lot. You can reduce your chances of unknowingly purchasing a lemon by requesting a private car inspection before you purchase the vehicle.
A car dealer may claim that their cars undergo a full inspection, but unless you receive a used car warranty with your purchase, requesting a private inspection can save you thousands of dollars in repair costs. Most mechanics charge from $100 – $200 to conduct an inspection, but if your mechanic finds problems, you can request that the dealership remedy the issues before you sign the bill of sale. This saves you the trouble of buying a used car only to discover that it isn’t the reliable transportation you thought it was.
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Source:
Consumer Reports: A High Price Doesn't Mean It's Reliable
Candice Edwards - Candice Gillingwater is a credit specialist and consumer advocate currently living in Georgia. Her goal is to educate the public about ...
