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Consumer Alert: Reliable Used Cars
J.D. Power & Associates says these are the most dependable vehicles .jpg "2005 Honda Civic") Continue to more photos from MyRide.com
Overview Reliable Used Cars - News: Independent market research firm J.D. Power & Associates recently released the findings of its latest Vehicle Dependability Study, which measures problems experienced by 47,620 original owners of three-year-old vehicles. The top five brands in the 2006 study were, in order: Lexus, Mercury, Buick, Cadillac, and Toyota. Mini and Kia posted the most improvement in this year's study, though both still rank below the industry average. The least dependable brands in the study were, in order: Land Rover, Saab, Suzuki, Kia, and Hummer. See the top picks in 19 categories on the following pages.
Toyota Echo: Sub-compact Car The Toyota Echo might not be pretty, but it sure satisfies its owners when it comes to dependability. If a reliable, inexpensive used car that gets great gas mileage is what you need, perhaps this funky Toyota can fill the bill. It was sold in coupe and sedan body styles. Runners-up:
Honda Civic: Compact Car Honda built its reputation for reliability on the strengths of the Honda Civic, so it's no surprise that it tops the compact car category. In 2003, the popular Civic was offered as a coupe, sedan, or sporty Si hatchback, in several levels of trim. Avoid Civics that have been modified (usually poorly) with aftermarket performance parts. Runners-up:
Buick Century: Midsize Car Contrary to popular belief, it looks like General Motors and Ford build the most dependable midsize cars on the market. Buick's staid Century tops the list, followed by the nearly identical Buick Regal and the Mercury Sable. The Buicks are comfortable up front, a little tight in back, and nicely styled. Try to buy from an original owner - many Centurys are former rental cars. Runners-up:
Mercury Grand Marquis: Large Car The Mercury Grand Marquis, beloved by many a retiree, is big inside, comfortable, and has a huge trunk. The engine and transmission are the same as those found in countless police cars and taxi cabs, and over the years this powertrain has stood the test of time. Many used examples have seen pampered lives in sunny, warm regions of the country. This Mercury makes for a good used car buy. Runners-up:
Mazda Miata: Compact Sporty Car One of the purest expressions of a sports car on today's market, the Mazda Miata is terrific fun to drive, inexpensive to buy, and extremely dependable. It's a two-seater with a small trunk, but there's enough room for two on a weekend road trip. The top is easy to use, and Miatas get about 25 mpg combined. We highly recommend this car. Runners-up:
Chevrolet Monte Carlo: Midsize Sporty Car We think J.D. Power & Associates stretches by calling the Chevrolet Monte Carlo a sporty car, since it drives more like a big coupe from the 1970s. The real surprise, however, is that the MC beat out the Toyota Solara and Honda Accord Coupe to win this category. When buying a Monte Carlo, try to find an original owner because many of these passed through rental fleets on their way to the used car marketplace. Runners-up:
Honda S2000: Compact Premium Sporty Car A world-class sports car in every way, the Honda S2000 is an acquired taste. To extract maximum performance, you've gotta be willing to rev the engine to maximum rpm, and that means many used S2000's have been wrung out on more than one occasion. Choose a low-mileage example from a mature owner or a certified-used S2000 that carries some protection from Honda. Avoid modified S2000s owned by people under 25 years of age. Runners-up:
Lexus SC 430: Premium Sporty Car Despite its complex retractable hardtop, the Lexus SC 430 tops the consumer satisfaction rankings for sporty, high-end cars. Sensually shaped and exquisitely detailed, the Lexus SC 430 oozes sophistication and class, though it's not particularly fun to drive. If performance is your thing, try the runner-up in the category: the Chevrolet Corvette. Runners-up:
Acura CL: Entry Premium Car Acura's entry-luxury CL coupe wins this category, but most people want a sedan. However, don't assume the nearly identical Acura TL four-door is the logical alternative. According to the J.D. Power data, the runners-up are the Infiniti I35 and the Lexus IS 300. If you prefer the sporty look of a coupe, the Acura CL satisfies, especially in performance-tuned Type-S trim. Runners-up:
Lexus GS: Midsize Premium Car Like any Lexus, the GS provides a sublime driving experience, top-notch interior materials, and comfortable seats. Each time you slide into the Lexus GS after a hard day at the office, you'll marvel at how simplicity, elegance, and luxury create a sanctuary from life's daily grind. It might not deliver the driving thrills of a BMW, but it almost makes the evening commute something to look forward to. Runners-up:
Lexus LS 430: Large Premium Car When Lexus first debuted the LS 400 in 1990, German luxury automakers scoffed at the idea of a credible Japanese luxury sedan. They aren't laughing anymore. It seems Americans want a comfortable, dependable vehicle no matter how much money they're spending, and the Lexus LS 430 delivers. In fact, BMW and Benz aren't even in the top three for the category. Cadillac's DeVille and Lincoln's Town Car slot into second- and third-place. Runners-up:
Toyota RAV4: Compact SUV Toyota's RAV4 is one fun little ride. On dirt roads it drives like a rally car, and on pavement it combines responsive handling with good fuel economy. Big enough for four adults, the RAV4's space is spare, but the cargo area is deep and roomy. The main detriment is a tailgate that swings to the side, making it hard to load from the curb. (Photo shown is 2005 model.) Runners-up:
Toyota Highlander: Midsize SUV Pop quiz: Did you know that the Toyota Highlander is based on the Lexus RX 300? It's true, and the trickle-down theory of economics therefore dictates that quality emanates from each of the Highlander's pores. This is a roomy, comfortable, safe, and durable family vehicle that does just about everything well. Runners-up:
GMC Yukon: Large SUV ough consumer interest in big SUVs is waning due to fuel prices, some people still need a large, eight-passenger vehicle that can tow more than a pair of Jet Skis. When size matters, used car shoppers can turn to the GMC Yukon and GMC Yukon XL. They might not be refined, but their owners give them glowing reports for dependability. Runners-up:
Lexus GX 470: Midsize Premium SUV Hold it right there. We recommend buying a Lexus GX 470 only if you plan to travel off-road, despite the fact that it wins this category. It's a beefy, ill-handling beast slathered in typical Lexus luxury and refinement that cannot hide its go-anywhere roots. If you're just tooling around town, try the Lexus RX 300 instead. It's a much better pavement pounder. And if you want something truly fun and functional, get the Infiniti FX. Runners-up:
Cadillac Escalade EXT: Large Premium SUV See, this is why you can't trust automaker marketers. The Cadillac Escalade EXT is a pickup truck, plain and simple. That said, the Escalade EXT is one trick set of wheels. It can carry five adults and some stuff, or two adults and even more stuff thanks to its ingenious "midgate." If you want to save some cash, the Chevy Avalanche is the same thing without the fancy badge. Traditional SUV buyers will want to examine the Lexus LX 470. Runners-up:
Honda Odyssey: Minivan You can't go wrong with a used Honda Odyssey because it offers minivan buyers more than just durability. It's safe, it's comfortable, it's functional, and it's easy to use. Plus, for a minivan, it's even kinda stylish. Runners-up:
Ford Ranger: Midsize Pickup After 15 years on the market with minimal changes, the Ford Ranger had damn well better have the bugs all worked out. This ain't the most modern truck on the road, but many pickup buyers demand dependability over sophistication. Toyota's Tacoma is a good alternative, but we'd skip the Subaru Baja which is little more than an Outback station wagon with the roof sliced off. Runners-up:
Toyota Tundra: Large Pickup Though it proves durable, there are problems with the Toyota Tundra. It's a little bit smaller than the full-size trucks from Chevy, Dodge, Ford, and GMC. Its 4.7-liter V8 is less powerful than the top engines in other trucks, limiting the Tundra's towing capacity. Finally, in 2003, there wasn't a crew cab model available. If these aren't issues for you, then the Tundra makes a smart used truck buy. Runners-up: By: Christian Wardlaw
Continue to Consumer Alert: Reliable Used Cars from MyRide.com © 2008 Autobytel Inc. All rights reserved.
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