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If keeping up with automotive news isn’t your thing and you haven’t checked out a dealership lot or an online seller since the last time you bought a car, you’ll be in for a financial planning shock if your current vehicle is nearing the end of its life.
While new car transaction prices are slowly, but steadily, declining, the average American car buyer still paid an average of $48,389 for a new model in May, per Kelley Blue Book (KBB). With the cost of new cars so high, more prospective buyers are opting for second-hand cars, SUVs and trucks. Buying new is starting to be seen as a privilege that few people do often.
Thanks to ever-improving technology, automobiles may keep running for many years and can remain in good condition for several owners.Still, some brands and models are more reliable than others, and when you’re buying used, you’ll need to know which to target and which to avoid.
If you’re on the hunt for a new-to-you car this summer, here are nine reliable choices that may help in your decision:
1. Toyota Avalon
It’ll cost you more than a used compact or midsize model, but according to iSeeCars, the Avalon is the most reliable used car for 2024 across all vehicle types and powertrains.
Safe and spacious, the Avalon was discontinued in 2022, so plenty of models are available in good-to-excellent condition.
2. Honda Accord
No reliability list worth its salt excludes the Civic. The fuel-efficient Civic is a satisfying ride with unexpected pop. Civics are reliable and hold their value better because they are popular and inexpensive to maintain.
According to Motor1, used Civics have among the best resale values on the market and depreciate only by 16% of their values after five years of ownership.
3. Subaru Crosstrek
Subarus is represented on lists of the most reliable new cars, and used models are sought-after for their durability.
The popular Forester is an excellent used car, regardless of year, but the Crosstrek is Consumer Reports’ (CRs’) #1 subcompact SUV and has a predicted reliability rating of 99 out of 100. 2018 to 2023 models will cost you around $15,025 to $29,175.
4. Kia Telluride
Kia’s reputation for well-built reliable cars increases every year. Edmunds has liked Telluride since it premiered in 2020.
The three-row midsize SUV has tons of storage space, ample seating and a comfortable ride, making it a superb option for families who enjoy going on road trips. TrueCar currently has over 2,100 used Tellurides for sale, ranging from $17,499 to $56,998.
5. Hyundai Elantra
This model is included with the budget-conscious in mind. Seeing vehicles on sale for under $10,000 is a rare treat, but Autoblog claims that you’ll have a pretty good chance of snagging an Elantra for around that price.
Although it was redesigned in 2017, any model between 2014 and 2020 is a good bet for an inexpensive and reliable family compact.
6. Toyota Prius
Because they’re built better and require cheaper replacement parts, Toyotas are affordable and reliable used car choices for many Americans.
According to CarEdge.com research, the Prius is the least expensive vehicle to maintain over a 5- and 10-year period, costing their owners an average of $1,080 and $4,008, respectively.
7. Lexus ES
This sensible and reliable Lexus model won Kelley Blue Book’s Best Buy Award in the midsize luxury class from 2019, when it launched its seventh generation model, to 2023.
Now in its seventh generation, a used ES provides everything a driver wants — a nice blend of luxury, comfort and reliability — at an affordable sticker price.
8. Mini Clubman
Inexpensive small cars are rarely the latest rage but are always in demand by people looking for efficient, affordable transportation. Mini was never regarded as the most reliable brand on the market, but it’s changed peoples’ minds over the years.
Mini is now considered a very reliable brand, per CR, and the subcompact Clubman is a fun ride with more space than your regular Mini.
9. Chevrolet Silverado
From mini to big. The Silverado is America’s second best-selling pickup truck and vehicle, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding a used model and preferred trim at your nearest Chev dealership.
Autoblog thinks you should be able to wrangle a 2016-2018 model for under $20,000, which is a steal, considering how long these trucks last (especially those equipped with a V8 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, wink-wink).
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