Nowadays, more and more people are looking to the used car market and want to own a good car without spending too much money. Therefore, Consumer Reports - a famous American consumer magazine - has conducted some analysis applying a series of criteria to choose the best used car models.
The list includes cars that performed well in road tests when new; cars that have had above-average reliability in surveys over several years; and cars that are currently good value. This means that some of the models on the list may not have been the best in their class when new, but they are now more attractive on the used market than their rivals.
According to Consumer Reports, buyers should choose the last two models of a generation because automakers tend to improve and streamline production in the final models of their products.
Here are the best used cars in their price range and the pros of each:
The sub-$10,000 segment includes the Chevrolet Cruze (2016-2019). This model is generally rated as comfortable, has a spacious interior, a smooth engine, and is fuel-efficient.
For under $15,000, customers can consider using the Hyundai Elantra (2017-2020) because of its user-friendly control system, spacious rear seats and fuel economy.
For an SUV under $15,000, there is the Honda HR-V (2016-2022). This model is also considered quite convenient, has a spacious interior, performs well and is fuel-efficient.
For a hybrid under $20,000, there’s the Toyota Corolla Hybrid (2020-2024). It offers great fuel economy and plenty of standard safety features.
In addition, the sports car model under 20,000 USD can be mentioned as the Mazda MX-5 Miata (2016-2024) because of its good performance, reliability and fuel economy.
Depending on their budget, customers can choose from a variety of vehicles (sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, sports cars). In the published list, Toyota has three models, followed by Mazda and Hyundai/Kia with two different models each. The newest model on the list is the 2020-2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid sedan, while the oldest model is the 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma.
Consumer Reports also recommends that users should have experienced technicians carefully check products before purchasing to avoid buying defective products.
