According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans spend an average of almost $29,000 to buy a new vehicle. This high price tag places brand new cars out of the reach of many consumers, making used cars are more popular than ever. However, this doesn't mean that you should plunk down cash for the first used car that fits in your budget. Chances are, you'll be driving this vehicle for thousands of miles and several years, so it's essential to choose a car that is reliable.
Which Are the Most Reliable Used Cars?
Reliable vehicles require fewer repairs and typically have a lower cost of ownership than their counterparts. Although models change from year to year, certain cars have earned a reputation for reliability. According to Consumer Reports, J.D. Power and Associates, and Edmunds.com, there's a good chance your car will be close to trouble-free for some time to come if you buy one of these vehicles.
Compact and Fuel-Efficient Cars
The following compact cars get better-than-average ratings for reliability:
- Honda Civic
- Hyundai Elantra
- Toyota Prius
- Toyota Yaris
Mid-Size Cars
The following mid-size cars are famous for their great reliability:
- Ford Fusion
- Honda Accord
- Nissan Altima
- Toyota Camry
Large Sedans
If you need a little more room, consider one of these reliable large sedans:
- Buick Lucerne
- Ford Taurus
- Hyundai Azera
- Toyota Avalon
Crossover Vehicles and SUVs
The following crossover vehicles and SUVs are popular with consumers who value reliability:
- Honda CR-V
- Infiniti EX
- Mazda CX-9
- Toyota Rav-4
Minivans
When you compare minivans, include the following reliable models in your search:
- Chevrolet Uplander
- Honda Odyssey
- Mazda 5
- Toyota Sienna
Other Cars
The following vehicles don't fit into one of the above categories, but they received good reliability ratings anyway:
- Cadillac DTS
- Ford Mustang
- Mazda Miata
- Scion xB
Multiple Sources
As you research your next used car, but sure to read the reliability ratings from a variety of sources and follow all of the recommended tips for buying a used car. Each source assesses cars differently, and you may notice that there's some variation. Be sure to compare similar years and options to get the best idea of which is the most reliable used car for your family.
