Consumer Reports Offers Used Car Buyers Good Place to Start

Many car owners, whether for preference or practicality, prefer buying used. Buying a used car can be a score of massive proportions, or it can be a mammoth bust, costing the consumer more than a new car ever would have in time, frustration and, worst of all in some cases, money.

Fans of the classic The Andy Griffith Show may recall the episode where Barney, ever eager and never street-wise, decided to spend his savings on a car. When an elderly widow, Mrs. Lesh, showed up, quietly and sweetly telling him how well her beloved Bernard—who would have guessed that her deceased husband would have had the same name as her mark, um, potential buyer?—had taken care of the car, Barney was hooked. When she timidly suggested (shock!) the exact amount of money Barney had to spend would be a fair price, he snatched the car up, despite the level-headed Andy’s protests.

Oh, how wrong used car buying can go.

It didn’t take long for Barney to discover that he had been swindled by the precious Mrs. Lesh, the head of a gang of rip-off artists, after the car left Andy and the gang stranded on its initial joy ride.

Don’t fall prey to a Mrs. Lesh.

When shopping for a used car, do your research. A good place to start is with the 2014 Consumer Reports “Best & Worst Used Cars.”

The Consumer Reports used-cars-to-avoid list includes 2004 to 2013 models that have had multiple years of much-worse-than-average overall reliability, according to CR’s Annual Auto Survey. More than 20 models were included on this year’s “avoid” list. These include the BMW X5 (6-cyl.), Chrysler Town & Country, Ford Fiesta, and Volkswagen Beetle.

Consumers can also get an idea of some of the best buys out there, ranging from less than $10,000 to $25,000. A few of the "good" observations include:

• SMALL CARS: 2012-13 Hyundai Elantra and 2011-13 Subaru Impreza
  These are as roomy and as comfortable as larger, more expensive cars. The Elantra combines nimble and secure handling with a fairly comfortable ride. The Impreza sedan and hatchback both offer standard all-wheel drive along with sporty handling and a great ride.
• SEDANS: 2011-12 Toyota Camry, 2010-11 Toyota Camry Hybrid, and 2008 Acura TL
  Both the four- and six-cylinder Camry deliver impressive fuel economy along with a comfortable ride, a roomy cabin, and superb reliability. For even better gas mileage, the Camry Hybrid gets 34 mpg overall and 41 on the highway. A sportier alternative is the Acura TL, which has long been one of our favorite sedans to drive.
• SUVs: 2006-07 Lexus RX and 2009-10 Subaru Forester (nonturbo)
  The Lexus RX is comfortable, nicely finished, and extremely reliable. The hybrid version gets good fuel economy. The Forester is more utilitarian but handles well and has an excellent ride. Access is easy, and the view out is the best among SUVs.

When buying a used car, take your time. Have the car checked out by a mechanic or, at the very least, take along a friend who knows a thing or two about cars to help you give it a good once-over. And, again, do your research. The 2014 Consumer Reports “Best & Worst Used Cars” list is a good place to start.

For more information on the used cars spotlighted by Consumer Reports, pick up a copy of of Consumer Reports’ April Annual Auto Issue, which is available on newsstands now wherever magazines are sold, or visit Consumer Reports online.

Image: Consumer Reports