Consumer Reports Used Cars

The April 2017 car issue of Consumer Reports is out, and I'm listing their used car recommendations for the $5000 to $10,000 category here. I'm using this category because it is the least expensive and most college students don't have a huge amount of money to spend on a car. These recommendations are based on the magazine's tests of the cars when they were new and their above average reliability. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is a crucial safety feature and it is included in the ratings as the first year it was available as an option and the first year it was a standard feature on the model.


Category $5k to $10K price range

Used Subcompact:
Honda Fit 2007 to 2011                 Optional ESC 2009, Standard ESC 2011

Used Compact:
Pontiac Vibe 2007 to 2010             Optional ESC 2007, Standard ESC 2009
Toyota Corolla 2007 to 2011          Optional ESC 2007, Standard ESC 2010
Toyota Matrix 2007, 2008, 2010    Optional ESC 2007, Standard ESC 2010
Toyota Prius 2007 to 2009              Optional ESC 2007, Standard ESC 2010

Used Midsized and Large Sedans:
Honda Accord 2007                        Optional ESC 2007, Standard ESC 2008
Toyota Camry 2007 to 2008           Optional ESC 2007, Standard ESC 2010R


Researching Cars:

https://www.kbb.com/

https://www.edmunds.com/

https://www.carfax.com/

http://www.autocheck.com


Used car loans:

San Diego County Credit Union
 
Pacific Marine Credit Union

CA Coast Credit Union


Selling your used vehicle:

Carmax will make you an offer good for seven days on your vehicle. You won't get as much as selling it yourself but it's a lot less hassle.

Sell it yourself on Auto Trader.


Gas mileage comparison:

https://www.fueleconomy.gov/


Beware of salvage titles and faulty airbags:

How Dangerous Air Bags Can Find Their Way Into Used Cars