Shopping smart can get you a safer, more fuel-efficient vehicle than the one you may be driving now. We steer you to top choices.
Many customers still see a used-car purchase as a compromise. however shopping for a gently used vehicle with fashionable conveniences, aboard recreation, and also the latest safety options will be a wise move if you recognize what to seem for. and also the average value of a 3-year-old used automotive may be a very little but 0.5 what it'd value new, in line with the newest sales knowledge from Kelley Blue Book. several vehicles returning off leases and returning to dealerships as used cars tend to be in good condition and have low mileage, says Mel Yu, a chromium car analyst.
Buying used would possibly build even a lot of sense currently as a result of several 2016 models square measure equipped with the advanced safety options that client Reports says all models ought to come back with: forward collision warning (FCW), automatic emergency braking (AEB), pedestrian detection, and blind spot warning (BSW).
Leased vehicles currently structure nearly third of new-car sales. meaning over four million of them can become obtainable for purchase as used cars this year, in line with the National Automobile Dealers Association. And there ought to be a considerable provide of those fascinating used cars for years to return, says Saint Patrick Manzi, a senior economic expert for the association. Ride-share drivers, like those that work for Uber and Lyft, square measure taking advantage of the flow of quality, well-equipped used cars, says Anil Goyal, government vice chairman of operations at blacklist, associate automotive evaluation knowledge company. customers profit by having the ability to rent ride-share drivers UN agency square measure victimisation these almost-new cars that includes advanced safety options.
Despite all of these selling points, some shoppers favor new cars to avoid the risks associated with secondhand vehicles. Concerns about reliability are understandable, because used cars are often out of warranty and may have been driven for tens of thousands of miles. Each one also has a unique maintenance and repair history. But our annual surveys routinely find that many cars are quite reliable even after a few years of service.
And there are ways to mitigate the risks. One way to feel more confident about buying secondhand is to get a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle. These typically combine a detailed vehicle inspection with reconditioning by the dealership, and they’re sold with a warranty. A CPO car does cost more, but it can reduce stress for used-car buyers.
No matter where you buy, be sure to go to nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the car has any open recalls, so that you can have the work done if necessary.
Beware of Used-Car Buying Pitfalls
Regardless of model or age, every used car has had an individual road experience and requires a close look to avoid expensive surprises. Here are steps you can take to better protect yourself:
Check the vehicle history report. Carfax, AutoCheck, and similar services can tip you off to a potential problem or questionable history. But CR has found that vehicle reports might not capture all incidents, especially those that are recent.
Look for hidden signs of crash damage. Paint that doesn’t match or uneven spacing between body panels indicates previous bodywork.
Check for flood damage. Inspect difficult-to-clean places for mud and debris, such as gaps between panels in the trunk and under the hood. Check the seat-mounting screws for rust.
Push the buttons. Try out all of the car’s features and functions. This can reveal some common problems, such as air conditioning that doesn’t blow cold or a window that doesn’t work properly.
Check older tires for uneven wear. That can indicate a lack of maintenance or a suspension problem.
Get second opinion. Always pay a mechanic you trust for a bumper-to-bumper inspection before you buy.
CR’s Picks for the Best Used Cars
To arrive at these recommendations, we analyzed our road-test scores for 2016 models from when they were new to compile a list of high-scoring vehicles. We reviewed our exclusive reliability and satisfaction survey data from CR members to find out which of these cars were standouts as used vehicles. (Our Annual Auto Survey covers almost half a million vehicles of various models and years.)
Based on that data, we’ve highlighted 10 used cars drawn from several popular categories and price ranges. These models are noteworthy for both their scores and prices. Prices for each model represent the retail range, from a bare-bones base version to a well-equipped top-trim version. The most common are priced in the middle of the range.
We’ve also provided alternatives in each category. These models shined in our tests, too, and CR members reported them to be reliable used cars.
Many advanced safety systems that are now standard on several vehicles were only optional in 2016, so make sure the car you’re considering is equipped with the safety features you want.
Source consumerreports.org
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