So much has been written about how to buy a new car. But truth be told, far more people buy used cars than they do new.
One of the reasons for that is that shoppers can save significantly on used cars over new vehicles.
A 3-year-old vehicle generally has 80 to 85% of its remaining useful life — for half the new price. That’s why 3-year-old vehicles, just as 3-year-old horses running the Kentucky Derby, are the thoroughbreds of used vehicles.
So here’s some guidance to help you get the best used car for your dollar!
Steer away from this list of the worst used cars
Consumer Reports is my favorite source of info on buying cars. They’ve updated an occasional feature of theirs called “Worst Used Cars.” The data is pulled from subscriber responses to Consumer Reports’ annual auto survey.
These are used cars that are so bad, they make a hall of shame of cars you should not consider buying used!
Based on reliability over the long term and separated by American or foreign, here is a very partial and selective list of the used cars to avoid, in alphabetical order by make.
Here are some of the worst used American cars you can buy
| Make | Model(s) | Year(s) to avoid |
| Buick | Enclave | 2008-2011 |
| Cadillac | Escalade | 2014-2015 |
| Cadillac | CTS | 2008, 2014-15 |
| Chevy | Cruz | 2011-12, 2014, 2017 |
| Chrysler | 300 | 2013-2014 |
| Dodge | Durango | 2011-2013, 2016 |
| Ford | Explorer | 2012, 2016 |
| Ford | Fiesta | 2011-16 |
| GMC | Acadia | 2008-11, 2013-14, 2017 |
| Tesla | Model X | 2016-2017 |
Here are some of the worst used foreign cars you can buy
| Make | Model(s) | Year(s) to avoid |
| Acura | ILX, MDX | 2016 |
| Audi | A4 | 2009-2011 |
| BMW | 1 Series | 2009, 2011, 2013 |
| Hyundai | Tucson | 2016 |
| Mazda | MX-Miata | 2009, 2015-2016 |
| Infinity | QX60 | 2014-2015 |
| Jaguar | F-Pace | 2017 |
| Kia | Sportage | 2013 |
| Lexus | GX | 2016 |
| Nissan | Pathfinder | 2013-1014 |
Check out the complete list here. And if you’re driving around in one of these vehicles, don’t shoot the messenger. This is not my list. It’s the Consumer Reports list!
Consider buying from this list of the best used cars
At the other extreme, Consumer Reports also has a list of vehicles that they’ve deemed the best used cars, mixed together between American and foreign-made. Here’s a partial overview:
| Make | Model | Year(s) to buy |
| Mazda | 3 | 2009-2017 |
| Pontiac | Vibe | 2008-2010 |
| Kia | Soul | 2010-2016 |
| Acura | TSX | 2008-2014 |
| Toyota | Highlander | 2008-2010 |
| Honda | Accord | 2008-2015 |
| Toyota | Camry | 2008-2015 |
| Lexus | ES | 2008-2012 |
| Mercedes-Benz | E-Class | 2010-2011 |
| Infiniti | G | 2008-2011, 2013 |
When you’re looking for a used car, you want reliable, dependable, affordable transportation. So let this list be your guide — and don’t forget to read this important info from me before you buy used!
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