Consumer Reports recently released its first-ever brand ranking for used cars, focusing on the reliability of models aged 5 to 10 years. This ranking is based on comprehensive member surveys, analyzing the performance, reliability, and overall satisfaction of used cars from various brands.
With the average price of a new car nearing $50,000, many buyers are turning their attention to the used car market as a more affordable option. However, buying a used car comes with its own set of challenges. To assist consumers in making informed decisions, Consumer Reports (CR) has introduced its first-ever brand ranking for used cars, designed to help buyers find the most reliable vehicles that fit their needs and budgets.
Americans in the market for a used vehicle can cut their risk of having trouble down the road by considering some brands over others, with Lexus and Toyota topping a newly published list by Consumer Reports. https://t.co/epFp2CdHb2
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While used car prices have decreased slightly over the past year, the average cost still hovers around $30,000. Given this significant investment, it’s crucial for buyers to choose vehicles that will last for many miles and years ahead. To aid in this process, Consumer Reports’ new ranking provides valuable insights into the most dependable brands and models from 2014 to 2019, which are now five to ten years old.
The brand ranking is based on data from 150,000 vehicles, focusing on their reliability and performance over time. At the top of the list are Lexus and Toyota, known for their consistent reliability and quality. Mazda follows in third place, with Acura and Honda rounding out the top five. These brands have demonstrated above-average reliability ratings across multiple model years, making them solid choices for used car buyers.
On the other end of the spectrum, Tesla, Dodge, and Chrysler were ranked at the bottom of the list due to less consistent performance and reliability issues. It’s important to note that even within reliable brands, not every model or model year offers the same level of dependability. As such, Consumer Reports emphasizes the importance of focusing not just on the brand, but also on specific models and years when researching used cars.
To further guide buyers, CR has identified ten Top Picks for used cars, which are available exclusively to its members. For example, the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze is highlighted as an excellent choice for those looking for a vehicle under $10,000, while the 2018 Honda HR-V is praised for its top-notch safety features. For those in need of a dependable pickup truck, the 2015 Toyota Tacoma is recommended for its balance of reliability and towing capacity.
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Maintaining a used car properly is essential to ensure it continues to run smoothly over time. While buying from a private seller might offer better deals, CR’s survey found that consumers who purchase certified pre-owned vehicles tend to experience fewer issues than those buying from other sources. This suggests that certified pre-owned cars, which have undergone rigorous inspections and often come with warranties, can offer added peace of mind to buyers.
More Details
- Top Performing Brands: Japanese brands like Toyota, Lexus, Honda, and Acura typically dominate these rankings due to their longstanding reputation for reliability and durability. These brands are known for maintaining their performance over many years, making them popular choices in the used car market.
- Luxury Brands: Luxury brands such as BMW, Porsche, and Mercedes-Benz often perform well due to their engineering quality and advanced features. However, maintenance costs for these vehicles can be higher, which might affect their overall satisfaction scores.
- American Brands: Brands like Ford and Chevrolet are also featured, often praised for their performance and availability of parts. However, their reliability scores can vary more widely depending on the specific model and year.
- Criteria Considered: The rankings consider factors like reliability, owner satisfaction, safety features, and fuel economy. The goal is to provide consumers with a comprehensive guide to making informed decisions when purchasing used vehicles.
- Consumer Tips: Alongside the rankings, Consumer Reports typically provides tips for buying used cars, such as checking the vehicle’s history, getting a pre-purchase inspection, and understanding the total cost of ownership, including maintenance and repair costs.
Key Points:
i. The average price of a new car is close to $50,000, prompting many buyers to consider used cars, which still average around $30,000.
ii. Consumer Reports has released its first-ever brand ranking for used cars, focusing on models from 2014 to 2019 to help buyers make informed decisions.
iii. Lexus, Toyota, Mazda, Acura, and Honda rank as the most reliable brands, while Tesla, Dodge, and Chrysler are at the bottom.
iv. CR emphasizes the importance of looking at specific models and years, not just the brand, when choosing a used car.
v. Buying certified pre-owned cars can reduce the risk of problems, as these vehicles often come with inspections and warranties.
Charles William III – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
