For 2014, Consumer Reports offered recommendations for what it views as the best used vehicles in. The magazine broke the choices down into four price ranges: under $10,000; $10,000 to $15,000; $15,000 to $20,000; and $20,000 to $25,000.
The average price of a used car in February was $10,387, up 1.2% from a year earlier, according to the latest Manheim Index.
According to the report, the average price of a used compact car purchased in February was $8,299, while the average price of a used SUV was $12,478.
“When shopping for a used car, it’s really important to find a car that drives well and will hold up down the road. Our guide makes it easy for shoppers to choose a great used car by highlighting the best small cars, sedans and SUVs in four different price ranges,” said Rik Paul, Consumer Reports auto editor. Here are the magazine’s recommended buys:
Less than $10,000:
■ Small cars: Toyota Prius (2004-07), Scion xB (2004-06), Pontiac Vibe (2005-08), Toyota Matrix (2005-07)
■ Sedans: Hyundai Sonata (2007-08), Acura TSX (2004)
■ SUVs: Toyota Highlander V6 (2004), Mitsubishi Outlander (2007)
$10,000-$15,000
■ Small cars: Honda Fit (2011-13), Kia Soul (2010-11)
■ Sedans: Mazda3 (2009-12), Infiniti G35 (2006-07)
■ SUVs: Acura MDX (2004-06), Toyota RAV4 (2006, 2008), Honda CR-V (2005-08)
$15,000-$20,000
■ Small cars: Hyundai Elantra (2012-13), Subaru Impreza (2011-13)
■ Sedans: Toyota Camry (2011-12), Toyota Camry Hybrid (2010-11), Acura TL (2008)
■ SUVs: Lexus RX (2006-07), Subaru Forester (2009-10, nonturbo)
$20,000-$25,000
■ Sedans: Toyota Avalon (2011), Lexus LS (2006), Lincoln MKZ (2011-12), Ford Fusion Hybrid (2012)
■ SUVs: Toyota Highlander Hybrid (2008-09), Honda Pilot (2009-10)
(Story by Brent Snavely Detroit Free Press Business Writer, March, 2014)
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