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When Mid-Size is the Right Size
Larger vehicles like SUVs are not for everyone. However, when it comes to other choices---like mid-sized sedans---the fact is that they do get the same level of marketing effort by manufacturers and dealerships. In other words, there’s some marginalization in automotive sales for vehicles that offer a narrower profit margin.
This is despite another fact that sedans have a longer history than SUVs and have a hold on many consumers not so focused on size, but on what is important both aesthetically and economically.
“…many consumers still prefer the mix of sleek styling and better fuel economy that sedans tend to offer,” stated Consumer Reports analysts in an earlier analysis of the types of cars shoppers are looking for.
To meet this underserved market, CR analysts have been data digging into their consumer surveys to identify which models have proven to be exceptional choices made by their owners. Doing so allowed them to weed out models that consumers were not satisfied with and find those models of less-expensive, mid-sized sedans that proved to be reliable, fuel-efficient, and possess the safety features car shoppers desire in their car.
Perks of 5-Year-Old Cars
One of the main perks of considering buying a used 5-year-old model is that used cars have already gone through the most significant part of their depreciation cycle. Furthermore, if there were any kinks or problems in the models when they were new, typically most of the problems have already been taken care of by the previous owner’s warranty protection.
But an important perk lies in that by now CR analysts know which models have average or better reliability, rather than a “predicted reliability” based on a similar model from the previous year of manufacture.
“And all have average or better reliability, according to CR’s Annual Auto Surveys, where we ask CR members to tell us about what went wrong with the cars they own.” CR analysts stated in their latest used midsized sedan review.
That said, here is a summary of the six models you should consider when looking for an affordable, reliable, and fuel-efficient used sedan.
Used Midsized Sedans with the Best Fuel Economy
1. Toyota Camry 2018
Price Range: $17,575 - $23,025
Owner Reported MPG: 31 mpg
Safety features: Standard safety equipment included FCW and AEB with pedestrian detection, while BSW and RCTW were available on certain models.
2. Honda Accord 2018
Price Range: $18,100 - $23,600
Owner Reported MPG: 30 mpg
Safety features: Standard safety equipment included FCW and AEB, and BSW and RCTW were standard on the EX trim and above.
3. Nissan Altima 2018
Price Range: $13,800 - $15,275
Owner Reported MPG: 30 mpg
Safety features: Safety systems include FCW, AEB, and BSW.
4. Mazda 6 2018
Price Range: $15,450 - $22,750
Owner Reported MPG: 27 mpg
Safety features: FCW, AEB, and BSW were all standard starting with the 2018 model year.
5. Subaru Legacy 2018
Price Range: $16,850 - $21,250
Owner Reported MPG: 27 mpg
Safety features: CR analyst recommendation--- “Try to find a Premium trim or above that was built with Subaru’s EyeSight system of active safety features.”
6. Ford Fusion 2018
Price Range: $14,525 - $23,125
Owner Reported MPG: 26 mpg
Safety features: FCW, AEB, and BSW were optional in the 2018 model.
However, if it’s a new vehicle you are looking for, be sure to check out these other recent CR-recommended vehicles:
- Popular Small SUVs to Avoid and What to Buy Instead Advises Consumer Reports
- 10 Cheap Cars That Consumer Reports Recommends
- Reliable New Cars and SUVs Under $30,000 Recommended by Consumer Reports
Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.
COMING UP NEXT: Popular Midsized SUVs to Avoid and What to Buy Instead Recommendations from Consumer Reports
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