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Consumer Reports Best Used Cars and SUVs for Every Budget

Here’s a summary of the latest revision Consumer Reports analysts have recently made with 35 used car pick finds ranging from a little over $20,000 to as low as just under $5,000 with an added bonus listing their reliability ratings for overall performance, major engine repairs, and fuel economy.
Big List of Consumer Reports Recommended Used Cars

Used Cars Recommended for Friends and Family

A recent Consumer Reports analysis of older used cars that dates as far back as 20 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.”

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 managed well.

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, here is a summary of CR’s listing ranked from the most expensive to least expensive within their price range values of the best used cars ranging from a little over $20,000 to just under $5,000 that you can buy right now. In addition, 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 there is a 10-year gap between the more recent used cars listed and the oldest used models worth considering.

Related article: The Best and Worst Used Toyotas to Buy Recently Reviewed

For a more detailed breakdown on each vehicle, 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 Pick Finds from a Little Over $20,000 To Just Under $5,000

1. 2012 Lexus IS
Price Range: $13,250 - $29,525
Owner Reported MPG: 22 mpg
Reliability Ratings: 5/5 overall reliability with engine major repair reliability rated 5/5
Fuel Economy Rating: 3/5

2. 2014 Toyota Highlander
Price Range: $17,175 - $22,400
Owner Reported MPG: 21 mpg
Reliability Ratings: 5/5 overall reliability with engine major repair reliability rated 4/5
Fuel Economy Rating: 2/5

3. 2016 Nissan Murano
Price Range: $17,125 - $22,300
Owner Reported MPG: 22 mpg
Reliability Ratings: 5/5 overall reliability with engine major repair reliability rated 5/5
Fuel Economy Rating: 3/5

4. 2018 Nissan Leaf
Price Range: $19,600 - $21,975
Owner Reported MPG: N/A
Reliability Ratings: 5/5 overall reliability with engine major repair reliability rated 5/5
Fuel Economy Rating: 5/5

5. 2016 Toyota Prius
Price Range: $20,200
Owner Reported MPG: 52 mpg
Reliability Ratings: 5/5 overall reliability with engine major repair reliability rated 5/5
Fuel Economy Rating: 5/5

6. 2015 Honda CR-V
Price Range: $16,250 - $20,150
Owner Reported MPG: 27 mpg
Reliability Ratings: 5/5 overall reliability with engine major repair reliability rated 4/5
Fuel Economy Rating: 3/5

7. 2016 Toyota Camry
Price Range: $16,725 - $19,675
Owner Reported MPG: 28 mpg
Reliability Ratings: 5/5 overall reliability with engine major repair reliability rated 5/5
Fuel Economy Rating: 4/5

8. 2013 Audi A5
Price Range: $12,000 - $19,125
Owner Reported MPG: 24 mpg
Reliability Ratings: 4/5 overall reliability with engine major repair reliability rated 4/5
Fuel Economy Rating: 3/5

9. 2017 Toyota Corolla
Price Range: $16,600 - $18,375
Owner Reported MPG: 31 mpg
Reliability Ratings: 5/5 overall reliability with engine major repair reliability rated 5/5
Fuel Economy Rating: 5/5

10. 2014 Toyota Sienna
Price Range: $14,200 - $18,050
Owner Reported MPG: 20 mpg
Reliability Ratings: 5/5 overall reliability with engine major repair reliability rated 4/5
Fuel Economy Rating: 3/5

11. 2017 Ford C-MAX
Price Range: $15,675 - $18,000
Owner Reported MPG: 42 mpg
Reliability Ratings: 5/5 overall reliability with engine major repair reliability rated 5/5
Fuel Economy Rating: 5/5

12. 2014 Toyota Venza
Price Range: $14,150 - $17,875
Owner Reported MPG: 22 mpg
Reliability Ratings: 5/5 overall reliability with engine major repair reliability rated 4/5
Fuel Economy Rating: 2/5

13. 2016 Mazda 6
Price Range: $14,350 - $17,475
Owner Reported MPG: 29 mpg
Reliability Ratings: 5/5 overall reliability with engine major repair reliability rated 4/5
Fuel Economy Rating: 5/5


14. 2012 Lexus RX
Price Range: $15,150 - $17,425
Owner Reported MPG: 20 mpg
Reliability Ratings: 5/5 overall reliability with engine major repair reliability rated 5/5
Fuel Economy Rating: 3/5

15. 2016 Mazda CX-5
Price Range: $14,375 - $17,250
Owner Reported MPG: 26 mpg
Reliability Ratings: 4/5 overall reliability with engine major repair reliability rated 5/5
Fuel Economy Rating: 2/5

16. 2015 Toyota Prius V
Price Range: $17,150
Owner Reported MPG: 41 mpg
Reliability Ratings: 5/5 overall reliability with engine major repair reliability rated 4/5
Fuel Economy Rating: 5/5

17. 2015 Subaru Legacy
Price Range: $13,625 - $17,075
Owner Reported MPG: 27 mpg
Reliability Ratings: 4/5 overall reliability with engine major repair reliability rated 4/5
Fuel Economy Rating: 4/5

18. 2016 Mazda 3
Price Range: $13,800 - $17,050
Owner Reported MPG: 31 mpg
Reliability Ratings: 5/5 overall reliability with engine major repair reliability rated 5/5
Fuel Economy Rating: 5/5

19. 2014 Buick LaCrosse
Price Range: $12,100 - $16,950
Owner Reported MPG: 23 mpg
Reliability Ratings: 4/5 overall reliability with engine major repair reliability rated 5/5
Fuel Economy Rating: 4/5

20. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Price Range: $12,925 - $16,850
Owner Reported MPG: 27 mpg
Reliability Ratings: 4/5 overall reliability with engine major repair reliability rated 5/5
Fuel Economy Rating: 4/5

21. 2014 Honda Accord
Price Range: $13,700 - $16,750
Owner Reported MPG: 29 mpg
Reliability Ratings: 4/5 overall reliability with engine major repair reliability rated 4/5
Fuel Economy Rating: 4/5

22. 2013 Toyota RAV4
Price Range: $13,925 - $16,375
Owner Reported MPG: 24 mpg
Reliability Ratings: 5/5 overall reliability with engine major repair reliability rated 5/5
Fuel Economy Rating: 3/5

23. 2013 Lexus ES
Price Range: $15,900 - $15,950
Owner Reported MPG: 24 mpg
Reliability Ratings: 5/5 overall reliability with engine major repair reliability rated 5/5
Fuel Economy Rating: 4/5

24. 2013 Toyota Avalon
Price Range: $13,850 - $15,850
Owner Reported MPG: 25 mpg
Reliability Ratings: 5/5 overall reliability with engine major repair reliability rated 5/5
Fuel Economy Rating: 3/5

25. 2014 Infiniti Q50
Price Range: $13,600 - $15,475
Owner Reported MPG: 22 mpg
Reliability Ratings: 5/5 overall reliability with engine major repair reliability rated 5/5
Fuel Economy Rating: 3/5

26. 2004 Toyota RAV4
Price Range: $4,575 - $5,275
Owner Reported MPG: 24 mpg
Reliability Ratings: 5/5 overall reliability with engine major repair reliability rated 5/5
Fuel Economy Rating: 3/5

27. 2005 Honda Pilot
Price Range: $4,550 - $5,225
Owner Reported MPG: 18 mpg
Reliability Ratings: 4/5 overall reliability with engine major repair reliability rated 4/5
Fuel Economy Rating: 1/5

28. 2004 Toyota Camry
Price Range: $4,575 - $5,075
Owner Reported MPG: 25 mpg
Reliability Ratings: 4/5 overall reliability with engine major repair reliability rated 4/5
Fuel Economy Rating: 3/5

29. 2005 Toyota Matrix
Price Range: $4,225 - $4,900
Owner Reported MPG: 27 mpg
Reliability Ratings: 5/5 overall reliability with engine major repair reliability rated 3/5
Fuel Economy Rating: 4/5

30. 2004 Toyota Avalon
Price Range: $4,550 - $4,800
Owner Reported MPG: 24 mpg
Reliability Ratings: 4/5 overall reliability with engine major repair reliability rated 4/5
Fuel Economy Rating: 3/5

31. 2005 Toyota Corolla
Price Range: $4,375 - $4,800
Owner Reported MPG: 30 mpg
Reliability Ratings: 5/5 overall reliability with engine major repair reliability rated 5/5
Fuel Economy Rating: 4/5

32. 2005 Toyota Prius
Price Range: $4,775
Owner Reported MPG: 43 mpg
Reliability Ratings: 4/5 overall reliability with engine major repair reliability rated 4/5
Fuel Economy Rating: 5/5

33. 2004 Honda Accord
Price Range: $3,550 - $4,650
Owner Reported MPG: 25 mpg
Reliability Ratings: 4/5 overall reliability with engine major repair reliability rated 3/5
Fuel Economy Rating: 3/5

34. 2003 Lexus ES
Price Range: $4,650
Owner Reported MPG: 23 mpg
Reliability Ratings: 5/5 overall reliability with engine major repair reliability rated 5/5
Fuel Economy Rating: 3/5

35. 2005 Pontiac Vibe
Price Range: $4,100 - $4,550
Owner Reported MPG: 28 mpg
Reliability Ratings: 4/5 overall reliability with engine major repair reliability rated 5/5
Fuel Economy Rating: 4/5

And finally…

Deciding on whether a used car is worth your hard-earned money is not a decision to take lightly. For additional used car articles, be sure to check out the following related articles about “How to Spot a Used Car Being Flipped After a Hurricane” and “When Smelling Gasoline Around Your Car is an Immediate Problem.”

For more about current car news involving many makes and models, be sure to bookmark our site and stay updated on the latest information on new and used cars.

COMING UP NEXT: How to Replace Your Entire Driveway for DIY Mechanics

Timothy Boyer is Torque News 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 Tesla and electric vehicle news.

Image source: Pixabay

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