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Best and Worst Used Cars
March 27, 2014
If you're in the market for a used car, this is one article you will want to read.
Consumer Reports recently issued their list of best and worst used cars to own. Their rankings are based on their own performance tests, as well as overall reliability and safety.
On the best list are the likes of the Toyota Matrix, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Soul, Infiniti G35, and Acura MDX. And on the not-so-great list are the Ford Flex, Lincoln MKT, Mini Cooper S, and Dodge Grand Caravan.
Best Used Vehicles
| Category | Vehicle | Year Range |
|---|---|---|
| LESS THAN $10,000 | ||
| Small Cars | Toyota Prius | 2004-2007 |
| Small Cars | Scion xB | 2004-2006 |
| Small Cars | Pontiac Vibe | 2005-2008 |
| Small Cars | Toyota Matrix | 2005-2007 |
| Sedans | Hyundai Sonata | 2007-2008 |
| Sedans | Acura TSX | 2004 |
| SUVs | Toyota Highlander V6 | 2004 |
| SUVs | Mitsubishi Outlander | 2007 |
| $10,000 to $15,000 | ||
| Small Cars | Honda Fit | 2011-2013 |
| Small Cars | Kia Soul | 2010-2011 |
| Sedans | Mazda3 | 2009-2012 |
| Sedans | Infiniti G35 | 2006-2007 |
| SUVs | Acura MDX | 2004-2006 |
| SUVs | Toyota RAV4 | 2006, 2008 |
| SUVs | Honda CR-V | 2005-2008 |
| $15,000 to $20,000 | ||
| Small Cars | Hyundai Elantra | 2012-2013 |
| Small Cars | Subaru Impreza | 2011-2013 |
| Sedans | Toyota Camry | 2011-2012 |
| Sedans | Toyota Camry Hybrid | 2010-2011 |
| Sedans | Acura TL | 2008 |
| SUVs | Lexus RX | 2006-2007 |
| SUVs | Subaru Forester | 2009-2010 (nonturbo) |
| $20,000 to $25,000 | ||
| Sedans | Toyota Avalon | 2011-2012 |
| Sedans | Lexus LS | 2006 |
| Sedans | Lincoln MKZ | 2011-2012 |
| Sedans | Ford Fusion Hybrid | 2012 |
| SUVs | Toyota Highlander Hybrid | 2008-2009 |
| SUVs | Honda Pilot | 2009-2010 |
Worst Used Vehicles
| Vehicle |
|---|
| BMW X5 (6-cyl.) |
| Chevrolet Cruze (1.8) |
| Chevrolet Impala |
| Chevrolet Uplander |
| Chrysler PT Cruiser (nonturbo) |
| Chrysler Town & Country |
| Dodge Caravan |
| Dodge Grand Caravan |
| Dodge Journey |
| Ford Explorer (V6) |
| Ford F-250 & F-350 (diesel) Ford Fiesta |
| Ford Flex (3.5L EcoBoost) |
| GMC Acadia |
| Lincoln MKT (EcoBoost) |
| Mercedes-Benz GL-Class |
| Mini Cooper S |
| Mini Countryman |
| Saturn Outlook |
| Saturn Relay |
| Volkswagen Beetle, New Beetle |
| Volkswagen Touareg |
3 Steps Every Car Buyer Needs to Take to Save Maximum Money
The key to getting the best deal is to gather price or lease bids from as many local dealers as possible. Then shop that best price around until no one can beat it. Here are the steps:Step 1 Get Prices From My Trusted Network
Select the vehicle you're interested in to see if there are local dealers in my network who will provide you with their best upfront price. You will get direct access to an internet sales manager who you can further negotiate with online (no need to visit dealership).Select Vehicle to Get Local Pricing
Step 2 Get Prices From TrueCar / CarsDirect
TrueCar, and CarsDirect are my top 2 online price quote recommendations. These services show you pre-negotiated prices from dealers closest to you - and the deals are usually pretty decent. But remember, you can still negotiate further.Step 3 Complete my Checklist
Follow this up with my checklist to make sure you squeeze out every last bit of savings.- Gregg Fidan
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About The Author
Gregg Fidan is the founder of RealCarTips. After being ripped off on his first car purchase, he devoted several years to figuring out the best ways to avoid scams and negotiate
the best car deals. He has written hundreds of articles on the subject of car buying and taught thousands of car shoppers how to get the best deals.
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