Best Used Subcompact Suv: Mazda Cx
iSeeCars Quality Score: 8.2
- Safety Score: 10.0
The Best Used Subcompact SUV is the Mazda CX-3. The Mazda CX-3 made its debut in the newly established subcompact SUV vehicle segment in 2016. The CX-3 offers the sporty driving dynamics and attractive styling characteristic of the Mazda brand and a long list of standard safety and infotainment features. The small but mighty CX-3 also earns the Top Safety Pick+ designation from IIHS, the Institutes highest honor.
When Is The Best Time To Buy A Car During Its Lifespan
When purchasing a used car, it’s important to take into consideration its age and its mileage. Also, it’s wise to know as much about the vehicle’s history as possible. On the surface, it may look perfect, but how do you know it hasn’t suffered any accidents or weather-related damage such as a flood? Did the car happen to come from or spend a significant amount of time in a region that experiences heavy winters? Chances are it will be more prone to rust on its undercarriage because of the salt used to deice the roads.
These days, it’s easy to know if a vehicle happens to have a sordid past thanks to vehicle history reports like Carfax.
Shift provides complete vehicle history reports on each of its vehicles at no additional charge, so you know all Shift cars come with a clean bill of health.
Also, whenever an automaker redesigns a car or discontinues a particular model altogether, the last editions to come beforehand usually bring an opportunity for significant savings. Keep an eye on car blogs and magazines to stay up to date on all new generations of specific models, which, depending on a car’s popularity, can happen every five years or so, and if any models happen to be on the chopping block, too.
What Is The Most Reliable Used Car To Buy For 5k
What makes the top of the list? And, what is the most reliable used car to buy for 5k?
If youre looking for a car that will be the most dependable and will consistently get you from point A to point B without breaking down, then look no further then the 2007 Buick Lucerne!
You can buy a 2007 Buick Lucerne with just 100,000 miles for less than $4,000.
Why so cheap?
Basically, because its ugly.
Its big, its bulky, and nobody really wants to be seen driving them.
BUT, they have great motors that will likely never die on youESPECIALLY if it has low miles, which many of them do !
So, what is the most reliable used car to buy that under $5,000? The Buick Lucerne, baby!
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To 2018 Volkswagen Golf
Alex KwantenUsed Volkswagen Golf Deals
Why we picked it: The seventh-generation Golf, like its predecessors, is a no-nonsense practical compact hatchback served with a healthy helping of driving fun. Production of this generation of Golf only just ended and you can still buy new examples, but these earlier years featured more variety, as the Golf was offered as a three- and five-door hatchback as well as a four-door station wagon, and as the fully-electric e-Golf. Our 2021 review can shed some light on what the Golf is like to drive and live with, and most versions came with a 1.8-liter, 170-horsepower four-cylinder engine. The e-Golf is just as practical, offered only as a five-door hatch, and offers both good reliability and performance, but has a range of just 83 miles. A variety of active safety features were optional, though they may raise the price on used units.
Pros:
- Well-equipped examples may be expensive
- Basic interior
Best Used Electric Cars
The next step beyond a hybrid is a pure electric vehicle, and some good EVs have already migrated to the used-car market. EVs are quiet, handle surprisingly well , and can be ideal for drivers who typically cover only short distances. Be aware that as batteries age, they tend to hold less charge and therefore power fewer miles between plug-ins.
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The 7 Best Used Cars To Buy
- New cars lose 10% of their value within the first month of ownership and 20% within the first year.
- That’s bad news if you’re buying a new car, but great news if you’re buying a used one.
- Here are seven of the best used cars you can buy.
- Visit Business Insider’s homepage for more stories.
There’s an old adage that a new car loses 10% of its value the moment its first owner drives it off the lot.
In fact, according to CARFAX research, that 10% depreciation occurs over the first month after the sale. And over the course of its first year, a new car will lose about 20% of its overall value.
This rapid devaluation is bad news for new car owners, but welcome news to the used car buyer.
So what are the best used cars to buy? According to Matt DeLorenzo, senior managing editor for Kelley Blue Book, the four-door sedan is always the best bet.
“There is a current crop of good, solid compact cars that have high feature sets and good fuel economy,” he said, adding that car buyers should look “particularly those from Asian brands.”
And no matter what used car you end up considering, DeLorenzo says: “Get a vehicle history. Check safercar.gov for recalls.”
Read on to see seven of the best used cars you can buy.
Whats Good Mileage On A Used Car
Image via Flickr by FotoSleuth.
As a general rule, you should assume that the average car owner puts 12,000 miles on a car each year. To determine whether a car has reasonable mileage, you can simply multiply 12,000 by its age. That means good mileage for a car thats 5 years old is 60,000. Significantly more or fewer miles could indicate a problem or trouble in the future.
That said, mileage can be misleading. You have to consider the number of owners as well. If a car is 10 years old and only has 90,000 miles on it, mileage alone indicates that it could be a good deal. However, if it has had four owners during that 10-year span, theres a strong possibility that at least one of the owners didnt properly maintain the vehicle. Likewise, if you find a 10-year-old car with only one previous owner that has just 30,000 miles on it and is in great condition based on appearances, its likely a great deal. These cars are typically kept in a garage and meticulously maintained.
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Best Used Large Family Electric Car: Tesla Model S
In the near-decade since it was launched, the Tesla Model S has become the benchmark for the large fully electric saloon car. All versions offer an impressive battery range, a spacious interior and top notch technology with over-the-air-updates.
Through the various iterations, the Model S has boasted a wide variety of models including several long range versions capable of over 400 miles between charges, and models with Ludicrous Mode can sprint from 0-60mph in only 2.3 seconds – a time that beats most supercars.
See the latest prices for Tesla Model S models on our sister site BuyaCar.
Whats The Best Age For A Car When Purchasing Used
Buying a used car instead of purchasing a new one has obvious advantages. The most important difference is, of course, the lower price point when you buy used.
Vehicles are assets that suffer from depreciation. While this can be a headache for people who like to buy the latest models, it can be a boon for others happy to buy pre-owned vehicles. Buying a used car thats even just a few years old can mean significant savings.
We must, however, consider that older vehicles may require more maintenance and repair. Wear and tear inevitably takes its toll. So, the question arises, what is the sweet spot for buying a used car? When shopping, is there a best age for a used car?
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Top 20 Most Popular Used Cars In The Us
Right now, there’s a wide variety of great cars on the market, and while consumers may look at the new car price and cringe, the market for used vehicles in the U.S. is heating up. Since the average car costs less than have of the average new car, more people are flocking to their local dealers and used car lots. Just like buying a new car, consumers are concerned about safety and reliability, among other factors. We’ve gathered a list of the top 20 most popular used cars here in the states, and while some may be a given, there might be a few on the list that will surprise you.
How Many Miles On A Used Car Is Too Little
There is no hard-and-fast rule for how many miles is too little. In general, a used car with low mileage is usually a good decision, even when mileage seems unusually low. There are some signs that could indicate the car hasnt been driven enough. However, youll first need to make sure that the odometer reading is accurate.
If you believe the odometer reading is accurate, you should have the car inspected by a professional mechanic. While this is a good rule to follow when purchasing any new vehicle, its particularly important in situations where a car has very low mileage, because if the car has been sitting for a long time, certain parts could have dried out and may require immediate repair or replacement.
A used car technician or mechanic typically has a checklist of what they need to evaluate on a used vehicle. Their inspection should include an overview of the cars conditions, such as its body and finish, glass, and mirrors. They will also evaluate the condition of the engine, brakes, and tires and scan the control system, as well as take the vehicle on a test drive to evaluate its overall performance. Most experienced technicians will be able to tell you immediately if something isnt right with the vehicle, whether there are issues that need to be addressed right away and whether you should anticipate future problems.
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Whats More Important: Mileage Or Age
When youre looking for a suitable used vehicle, you may come across some offers that dont seem to make sense. For example, a 10-year-old car is selling at a higher price than a 7-year-old car with considerably higher mileage. This may leave you wondering why the older car is more expensive when mileage and age are supposed to go hand-in-hand, but this isnt necessarily true. Mileage and age have a different impact on the value of a vehicle, and they may not be closely related.
Before you search for your ideal vehicle, its essential to know how mileage and age differ from one another. The number of miles on a vehicles odometer is one of the most important factors determining the price of a pre-owned car. Its an indication of the amount of wear and tear the car has sustained over time. As such, a vehicle that has higher mileage will most-likely be costlier than a similar vehicle with fewer miles. Generally, a car with lower mileage also offers better ride quality.
In most cases, the service life of most car parts is dependent on mileage. The number of miles a vehicle traveled has a direct impact on the condition of the engine and suspension, which are parts that usually require major revamping following the accumulation of thousands of miles.
If everything in a vehicle is in good working condition, its age isnt really important.
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Most Reliable Used Cars
J.D. Power surveys and dependability ratings reveal these cars have the fewest reported problems in the first three years of ownership.
Sales of used cars and the popularity of “certified pre-owned” programs continue to increase as millions of Americans realize an affordable used car doesn’t have to be a clunker. Reliability is available on a tight budget. You just have to choose the right car.
According to owners surveyed by J.D. Power, these nine models from 2017 are the most dependable. They’re also new enough to be purchased from a CPO program, which usually includes extended warranties. Many offer modern in-cabin tech features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. This list includes a wide range of vehicles, from large sedans to sports cars, subcompacts to luxury models. There’s even an EV in the pack. Here they are in alphabetical order.
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Best Times Of The Year To Buy Used Cars
Timing is everything, or so the saying goes. And such is the case whenever making a major purchase, such as finding the best price on a used vehicle.
Based on the countless commercials and click-bait ads slathered all over the internet, one would assume major summertime holidays such as Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day would be when to score major deals.
But that’s entirely untrue. Not only is summertime not the ideal time of year to save on purchasing a car â be it used or new â it’s actually the worst.
In this article, we discuss the best and the worst times of year to buy a used car, truck, or SUV, as well as the best time to buy a used vehicle during its lifespan.
But, before we proceed, a quick word:
The rules of the game of snagging a deal on a used car, which we’re about to dissect here, apply to traditional car dealerships only. You know the sort of place you’ve no doubt seen countless yourself. These are the sort of places with neon lettering slapped all over the windshields of every member of the inventory and massive letter posters wedged into a row of open hoods spelling out “S-A-L-E,” an army of inflatable tube men flapping about maniacally in all corners of the sale lot.
The truth is, times have changed, and buying a used car has never been so easy. The same goes for getting a fair price without having to pull out your best poker face while haggling with some pushy salesperson.
Top Five Older Used Car Reviews
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The Used Car Age Sweet Spot
Taking these figures into account, buying a vehicle thats 2-3 years old means youre getting a nearly new vehicle while taking none of the depreciation hit yourself.
As an example, a car that would have cost you $30,000 new can be yours for around $16,000-$20,000 if you wait 2-3 years to buy it.
Even further savings can be made if you purchase an older vehicle. A five-year-old car will typically have lost around 60% of its value. So, our $30,000 example vehicle can be yours for around $12,000 five years down the line.
Is Buying A Certified Pre
It can be, yes. One of the biggest reasons why consumers choose new cars over used ones is that they come with a warranty. Certified Pre-Owned cars come with extended warranties that are typically backed by the manufacturer or sometimes the selling dealer. They add to the purchase price, but unlike aftermarket warranties they typically function as extensions of the manufacturers original warranties. Read the fine print before signing the paperwork, however, and make sure all inspection forms have been filled out correctly. Manufacturer-certified cars are subject to mechanical inspections to qualify for the programs, but errors in paperwork can mean hassles later.
Although cars are more reliable than theyve ever been, this can give you a little reassurance that your expensive and tech-heavy used car will be covered if something breaks within the first couple of years, depending on the warranty and the program.
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Best Used Small Car Runner Up: Toyota Corolla
iSeeCars Quality Score: 8.8
- Safety Score: 9.0
The Toyota Corolla is the runner-up in the Best Used Small Car category. Known for its reliability, longevity, and value, it is more likely than vehicles in its class to reach 200,000 miles and maintains more of its value than its competition. The Corolla boasts excellent fuel economy, making the compact car a practical option as a daily driver, and is also among the top of its class for safety scores.
For more vehicles in this category, refer to the iSeeCars list of Best Small Cars.
How To Get The Best Deal On A Used Car
You came here trying to figure out how to find a good used car for cheap. Part of that is knowing first how to find the cheap cars, but then youve got to know how to close the deal and make the purchase!
If you want to know how to get the best deal on a used car, below are my absolute top tips!
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