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Used Cars Recommended for Friends and Family
A recent Consumer Reports analysis of older used cars that dates as far back as 10 years ago was recently released by CR analysts who say that their current picks are “…the ones we’d recommend to our friends and family members,” ―all under $20,000!
Related article: Consumer Reports Best Used Cars, SUVs and Trucks for Less Than $5,000
Those models were chosen with a focus on their performance when they were new and their reliability as they aged based on data from their Annual Auto Surveys of CR members. The benefit to mining data from past annual surveys is that it provides used car shoppers with information on which models are proven dependable and could be a good buy provided their maintenance and care were well-managed.
Related article: Mechanic Talks Candidly About the Best Used Car You Should Not Buy
Be forewarned, however, as older vehicles require some personal concessions when it comes to road noise and comfort. Especially for trips that are longer than a few hours, let alone a road trip that can become more arduous than fun in these old cars.
That said, the summary includes the added benefit of discovering how reliable these choices have proven themselves to be overall in three areas critical to used car shopping: overall performance, engine reliability, and fuel economy. Please note the summary provided is limited to Toyota models.
“These vehicles performed well in our tests when new and consistently demonstrated multiple years of much-better-than-average reliability in our Annual Auto Surveys for the 2014 to 2023 model years,” stated CR analysts in their recent newsletter.
For a more detailed breakdown of each vehicle as well as other non-Toyota recommendations, please visit the CR website. Note that while access to some information requires a CR membership, the potential savings make it negligible in comparison when looking for the latest information to aid your car buying research.
Used Car Toyota Model Pick Finds Under $20,000
1. Toyota Corolla 2018 to 2020
Recommended model: 2018 Toyota Corolla
Price Range: $13,200 - $15,875
Owner Reported MPG: 32 mpg
Reliability Rating: 82/100
Owner Satisfaction: 3/5
2. Toyota Corolla Hybrid 2020 to 2021
Recommended model: Toyota Corolla Hybrid 2021
Price Range: $16,800 - $22,325
Owner Reported MPG: 53 mpg
Reliability Rating: 68/100
Owner Satisfaction: 3/5
3. Toyota Prius 2016 to 2018
Recommended model: Toyota Prius 2018
Price Range: $15,575 - $19,175
Owner Reported MPG: 52 mpg
Reliability Rating: 83/100
Owner Satisfaction: 5/5
4. Toyota Prius Prime 2017
Price Range: $15,925 - $18,975
Owner Reported MPG: 80 mpg
Reliability Rating: 75/100
Owner Satisfaction: 4/5
5. Toyota Prius V 2016 to 2017
Recommended model: Toyota Prius V 2016
Price Range: $14,100
Owner Reported MPG: 42 mpg
Reliability Rating: 95/100
Owner Satisfaction: 4/5
6. Toyota Avalon, 2016 to 2017
Recommended model: Toyota Avalon 2017
Price Range: $16,000 - $19,025
Owner Reported MPG: 24 mpg
Reliability Rating: 80/100
Owner Satisfaction: 4/5
7. Toyota Avalon Hybrid 2014 to 2016
Recommended model: Toyota Avalon 2016
Price Range: $13,850 - $17,250
Owner Reported MPG: 25 mpg
Reliability Rating: 84/100
Owner Satisfaction: 4/5
8. Toyota Camry 2017 to 2018
Recommended model: Toyota Camry 2017
Price Range: $14,100 - $17,900
Owner Reported MPG: 28 mpg
Reliability Rating: 78/100
Owner Satisfaction: 4/5
9. Toyota Camry Hybrid, 2016 to 2017
Recommended model: Toyota Camry 2017
Price Range: $14,100 - $17,900
Owner Reported MPG: 28 mpg
Reliability Rating: 78/100
Owner Satisfaction: 4/5
10. Toyota Sienna 2016
Price Range: $13,625 - $20,650
Owner Reported MPG: 21 mpg
Reliability Rating: 68/100
Owner Satisfaction: 4/5
11. Toyota RAV4, 2016 to 2018
Recommended model: Toyota RAV4 2016
Price Range: $13,450 - $17,000
Owner Reported MPG: 25 mpg
Reliability Rating: 76/100
Owner Satisfaction: 3/5
12. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, 2016 to 2017
Recommended model: Toyota RAV4 2016
Price Range: $13,450 - $17,000
Owner Reported MPG: 25 mpg
Reliability Rating: 76/100
Owner Satisfaction: 3/5
13. Toyota Highlander, 2014 to 2016
Recommended model: Toyota Highlander 2014
Price Range: $13,875 - $18,125
Owner Reported MPG: 21 mpg
Reliability Rating: 76/100
Owner Satisfaction: 4/5
14. Toyota Tacoma, 2014 to 2016
Recommended model: Toyota Tacoma 2015
Price Range: $15,575 - $22,575
Owner Reported MPG: 20 mpg
Reliability Rating: 70/100
Owner Satisfaction: 4/5
15. Toyota Tundra 2014
Price Range: $14,025 - $24,250
Owner Reported MPG: 15 mpg
Reliability Rating: 78/100
Owner Satisfaction: 4/5
For additional articles related to used cars, here are three for your consideration:
- Most Reliable 3-Year-Old Midsized SUVs from Toyota
- Cars Proven to Get to 200,000 Miles and Beyond
- Used Midsized Sedans with the Best Fuel Economy
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 “Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair” website, the Zen Mechanic blog and on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites and Facebook for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.
COMING UP NEXT:
10 Cheap Cars That CR Recommends Update
Image source: Deposit Photos
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