Most Reliable and Least Reliable Used Cars

Economic conditions have created many more value-minded shoppers. One product segment that may have been most affected by the constraints of the weak economy is the automotive segment. Specifically, more consumers are looking for reliable (and affordable) used cars, rather than pricier new cars. Helping to make the process of finding that reliable used car a little easier, Consumer Reports has released a list of what they believe are the most reliable and least reliable used cars in regards to vehicles within the model years of 1999 to 2008.

To make things even more helpful, Consumer Reports also broke the list up by category. Most of these categories were dominated by Honda and Toyota, perhaps to no one’s surprise according to one New Jersey used cars dealer. The most reliable used cars are listed below.

Small Used Cars

Honda Civic, Toyota Echo, Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Matrix, Pontiac Vibe, Mazda 3, Mazda Protegé and Subaru Impreza.

Family Used Cars

Honda Accord, Toyota Prius, Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Toyota Camry (except ’08 V6), Subaru Outback (6-cyl.) and Nissan Altima.

Used Minivans

Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey.

Small Used SUVs

Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester and Mitsubishi Outlander.

Midsized and large SUVs

Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Lexus RX, Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota 4Runner, Infiniti FX35, Acura MDX, Infiniti QX4, Lexus GX, Hyundai Santa Fe, Subaru Tribeca, Nissan Xterra (’05-’08) and Toyota Sequoia.

While these vehicles are considered the best used cars to buy, Used Cars Allentown says that Consumer Reports wanted to go a step further and educate consumers are vehicle to avoid. Below is the list of used cars to avoid, which were dominated by German and American brands. Koons Honda Used Cars say that late models are increasingly reliable regardless of brand, but Consumer Reports reveals that some brands certainly have better luck than others.

Buick Rendezvous (AWD)
Buick Terraza
Chevrolet Astro
Chevrolet Blazer
Chevrolet Colorado (4WD)
Chevrolet S-10 Pickup (4WD)
Chevrolet Uplander
Chevrolet Venture
Chrysler Town & Country (AWD)
Dodge Grand Caravan (AWD)
GMC Canyon (4WD)
GMC Jimmy
GMC S-15 Sonoma (4WD)
GMC Safari
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Kia Sedona
Land Rover Discovery, LR3
Lincoln Aviator
Mercedes-Benz SL
Nissan Armada (4WD)
Nissan Titan (4WD)
Oldsmobile Bravada
Oldsmobile Silhouette
Pontiac Aztek
Pontiac G6
Pontiac Montana, Trans Sport, Montana SV6
Saturn Relay
Volkswagen Cabriolet
Volkswagen Jetta Sedan (turbo)
Volkswagen Jetta Sedan (V6)
Volkswagen Touareg

Consumer Reports compiled data from surveys that millions of vehicle owners have participated in. Philadelphia Used Cars stresses that the surveys found that many of the most reliable used cars actually have fewer maintenance issues and problems than many new cars as well. With more consumers looking for great value, Belleville Used Cars says this list is particularly important. The economy has helped fuel used car sales, which makes the best and work lists of reliable used cars more important than ever. With great value, and better reliability than many new cars, used cars are certainly worth considering if you’re looking to buy a car.

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When shopping for a used car check out this blog for buying tips.

Used Cars Are Becoming more Expensive Than New Cars

Consumers are looking for bargains everywhere these days, and luckily there are plenty available. In many cases, used cars are increasingly the target of cost-conscious car buyers. After all, used cars have low sticker prices, and late model pre-owned vehicles are more reliable than ever before. But with used cars in high demand, and new car incentives abound, new cars may actually be a cheaper alternative.

Due to basic factors of supply and demand, and the poor economy, demand for new cars is down while more buyers are demanding used cars among Chicago used cars dealers and other pre-owned dealerships. While it seems logical that a used car is universally cheaper, reduced prices, attractive rebates, and enticing financing incentives are also contributing to lower new car prices. Many automakers are also providing low- or zero-percent loans, which Richmond Used Cars admits can make financing a new car cost less than pre-owned vehicles.

All automakers are hoping that incentives will boost demand for new cars yet again. With consumers steering clear of showrooms, many dealers such as Philadelphia used car dealers are eager to maintain momentum and move new inventory off their lots. These incentives are designed to aid dealers in achieving this.

With the credit crunch in full swing, buying a new car can still be problematic for many potential buyers. Leasing has always been a solution for buyers who still can’t afford payments of a new car. Unfortunately, Los Angeles used cars retailers say that finance companies are increasingly reluctant towards leasing since they’ve become incredibly unprofitable. Additionally, one used car dealer San Diego warns that the attractive zero-percent financing offers are only available to those who have excellent credit.

While challenges remain for many car buyers, there are still amazing opportunities available. Used cars don’t retain as much value as purchasing a new car, and will be a huge consideration as consumers are looking for value at every turn.

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To better understand the used cars market, just read Used Car Buying!

Weak Economy Boosts Sales of Used Cars

Car dealerships around the country have noticed that many consumers have returned to car dealer lots, but business is still abysmal. With decreased demand and new incentives driving the price of a new cars down, many car dealers are struggling even with the sales they’re able to obtain. However, despite slowing new car sales, used cars are in high demand.

Many consumers are finding that value reigns as the economy slumps. This is exactly why many frugal consumers among Westminster used cars dealers are looking for bargains on used cars rather than pricey new cars. The only problem for these cost-conscious consumers is that many others have the same idea, and as a result it’s nearly impossible to find the deals, incentives, and bargains on pre-owned cars that are currently available on new models.

With the economy weakened, used car prices have only gone up, just as new car prices have steadily declined. What this means for consumers is that demand for used cars is higher which simply drives up the price. What this means for dealers like Used Cars Richmond is that they’re paying more for used cars as well when they get them via a trade in or elsewhere. Regardless, one BMW dealer Los Angeles says used cars remain in demand and need to be added to dealers’ inventories.

Used cars are in such high demand that many dealerships nationwide are actually struggling to keep inventory in stock. This trend also diminishes the price of new cars further. While many dealers remain frustrated with the ups and downs of the current automotive economy, Tustin Used Cars admits that consumers have a chance to reap the benefits. With deals on new cars and plenty of used car inventory to choose from, consumers have plenty of options when it comes to a high-value purchase. So, if you’re looking to buy a car, you may have more choices and options than ever before.

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Find tips on how to find bargains on certified used cars here.