Used Cars With Better Reliability Than New Cars

Now, according to Consumer Reports, there's even more reason to buy used: eleven 2008 models have the same or fewer problems than similar 2010 models in the same class.

Among the most trouble-free 2008 models were the Toyota FJ Cruiser and Yaris.

Overall, Japanese cars are the most trouble-free, with Honda and Toyota far ahead.

The survey also found that five-year-old models can be good bets for used-car buyers, although problem rates, on average, are worse than rates of three or four-year-old cars.

Consumer Reports survey also found that cars older than five years are not so trouble-free.

Only half of the nine and 10-year-old vehicles had gone 12 months without a reported problem.

• Best used small car: Honda Fit
• Best used family car: Toyota Prius
• Best used upscale car: Lexus ES
• Best used luxury car: Acura RL
• Best used sporty car: Mazda MX-5 Miata
• Best used minivan: Toyota Sienna
• Best used small SUV: Honda CR-V
• Best used midsized & large SUV: Toyota Highlander
• Best used pickup truck: Honda Ridgeline