Here are the best and worst used cars you can buy right now

Clark Howard | January 8th, 2019

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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!