ConsumerReports Helps You Save Thousands by Purchasing Safe and Reliable Cars and SUVs
Why Choose a Used Car?
With inflation and tariffs driving up costs, buying a used car has become the ideal way to save money. As new car prices continue to hit record highs, more and more people are naturally turning to the used car market. Consumer Reports' automotive testing director Alex Knizek explains, "With new car prices at all-time highs, it's no surprise that people are turning to the used car market. However, they shouldn't sacrifice safety, reliability, or fuel economy." As a result, it’s important for buyers to find a balance between saving money and getting a car that is still safe, reliable, and efficient.
CR's Screening and Recommendation Standards
To help consumers make smart choices, CR screens used cars based on several criteria that ensure the best value for money. CR's recommendations focus on performance, reliability, safety, and long-term maintenance costs, ensuring that every recommended used car will provide good value and long-term usability.
- Price and Budget Consideration: CR categorizes cars into different price ranges, allowing buyers to select vehicles within their budget.
- New Car Testing and Reliability Data: CR conducts extensive tests on new cars (including acceleration, braking, and fuel economy) and uses reliability data based on consumer surveys to recommend vehicles that perform well over time, particularly in the later years of a model’s production cycle.
- Safety: All recommended used cars come with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and modern safety features, ensuring a safe and stable driving experience. Additionally, these cars perform well in crash tests, providing maximum safety for drivers and passengers.
- Long-Term Durability: CR places a high emphasis on durability, including low failure rates and affordable repair costs. Recommended models typically have a reputation for reliability, minimizing maintenance expenses and ensuring that buyers save money over time.
Recommended Models
Based on different budgets, here are the used cars CR recommends. All these vehicles offer great value, low maintenance costs, and will help you save money on your car purchase:
| Price Range | Model | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Under $10,000 | 2016 Mazda 6 | Offers excellent fuel economy (32 mpg), saving money on fuel, and a significantly lower price compared to a new car. |
| Under $15,000 | 2018 Toyota Corolla | Efficient fuel economy, reliable, and more affordable than new cars, saving you at least $5,000. |
| Under $15,000 SUV | 2016 Honda CR-V | Spacious, fuel-efficient, and comes with safety features like collision warning and lane departure warning. |
| Under $20,000 Hybrid | 2019 Toyota Camry Hybrid | High fuel economy (52 mpg), reducing fuel costs significantly while offering a comfortable ride. |
| Under $20,000 Small SUV | 2021 Kia Sportage | Excellent handling, equipped with safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. |
| Under $20,000 3-Row SUV | 2016-2023 Mazda CX-9 | Spacious interior, excellent driving experience, perfect for large families. |
| Under $20,000 Luxury SUV | 2015-2021 Lexus NX | High-end comfort, outstanding reliability, and affordable for a luxury SUV. |
| Under $20,000 Pickup | 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma | Built tough, perfect for a variety of road conditions, and a reliable, long-lasting vehicle. |
| Under $20,000 Sports Car | 2016-2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata | Light, agile, and a joy to drive, providing a sporty experience while saving money compared to new models. |
Case Studies
Case 1: John Miller’s Road to Savings: 2016 Mazda 6
John Miller, a young professional with a long commute, was spending a large portion of his monthly income on fuel. Faced with the rising costs of new cars, he turned to the used car market. After researching CR’s recommendations, John chose the 2016 Mazda 6. This car provides an impressive fuel economy (32 mpg), which saved John about 30% on his monthly fuel costs. Additionally, by buying this used car, John saved at least $12,000 (the new car version costs around $20,000). With this savings, he not only reduced his transportation costs but also freed up more money for his future financial plans.
Case 2: Emily Davis’ Smart Choice: 2018 Toyota Corolla
Emily Davis, a mother with a busy schedule, needed a car that was affordable yet spacious enough for family outings. After reviewing CR’s recommendations, she opted for the 2018 Toyota Corolla. Not only does it have great fuel efficiency, but it also offers a reliable driving experience with minimal maintenance costs. By choosing this used car, Emily saved nearly $7,000 compared to buying new, and since Toyota vehicles are known for their reliability, she faced no major issues with the car in the first year, cutting down on repair expenses. Overall, Emily saved on the purchase and reduced future costs, making it an ideal family car.
Case 3: Michael Johnson’s Smart Buy: 2019 Toyota Camry Hybrid
Michael Johnson, a manager who frequently travels for work, found fuel costs to be a significant expense. After reviewing CR's recommendation, he chose the 2019 Toyota Camry Hybrid, which boasts an impressive fuel economy of 52 mpg. This allowed Michael to save significantly on fuel. By purchasing this used hybrid, he saved at least $10,000 compared to buying new. Moreover, the Camry’s high reliability meant minimal maintenance costs, further lowering his total expenses. Michael's choice not only helped him save on the purchase but also made his daily commute more economical and eco-friendly.
How to Purchase a CR-Certified Used Car?
Purchasing a CR-certified used car ensures that you are getting a vehicle with high value and reliability. The CR certification represents vehicles that have passed a thorough testing and evaluation process, meeting specific standards for safety, performance, and long-term use. Here’s how to buy a CR-certified used car:
Visit the CR Website to Search: CR regularly updates its list of recommended used cars. You can visit the CR website to search for vehicles within your budget and needs. CR provides detailed pros and cons for each model, including performance, reliability, and fuel efficiency.
Check the Reliability Reports: Through CR’s detailed reliability reports, you can learn about the long-term performance of various models. The report includes feedback from previous owners, detailing failure rates, repair costs, and other important factors to help you make an informed decision.
Work with Authorized Dealers: Many CR-certified used cars are available through authorized dealerships or certified used car sales platforms. When buying, ensure the vehicle is purchased from an authorized dealer who has received CR certification, so you can be confident in the car’s condition.
Conduct an Independent Inspection: Even when buying a CR-certified used car, it’s a good idea to have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle before finalizing the purchase. This ensures the car is in optimal condition, especially for models with high mileage. A pre-purchase inspection can help identify potential problems and avoid future repair costs.
Review the Vehicle History: Always ask for a vehicle history report to ensure the car hasn’t been in any major accidents. CR-certified vehicles typically offer clear and transparent history records, giving you peace of mind during the purchase process.
By following these steps, you can confidently purchase a CR-certified used car, ensuring you get a quality vehicle at a price that helps you save money in the long run.
Conclusion
Choosing a used car is a smart financial decision, especially given the rising prices of new cars and the ever-increasing cost of fuel. By relying on Consumer Reports' (CR) recommendations, car buyers can easily find vehicles that offer both great savings and safety. Whether you're buying for family use or personal commuting, a used car can provide the reliability and cost savings you need, without compromising on quality.