What kind of used car should i get

We did the research, but we still recommend you investigate your choices further before purchase and we advise pre-purchase inspections whenever possible. Dealers are in a better position to provide assistance with extended warranties and financing, though consumers still have the option to line up these parts of the transaction on their own.

That depends on your needs. Only one or two of the most basic vehicles of fall into that price range, and they often peak past it with destination fees. Opting for a used car instead opens up much more purchasing power and is in some respects a more sound investment. By opting to buy used you trade the security of a warranty for more car and skip the worst parts of that depreciation cycle.

The effects of Covid have put used car values out of whack, but for cars more than three or four years old, depreciation is still a major factor. The good news is that cars are more reliable than ever, and warranties longer than ever, so even some four or five-year old cars may still have some factory warranty left or qualify for extensions.

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.

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.

Both mileage and vehicle matter, but how a vehicle has been maintained matters more. For cars only three to five years old, mileage is more of a factor, but we recommend avoiding cars with unnaturally high mileages, such as a ,mile model. The older a vehicle is, the more its component parts may age. The higher mileage a vehicle has, the more mechanical wear it has, which might mean replacing parts sooner or a series of expenses as components wear out.

In the s, cars were usually considered worn out after , miles or 10 years, but improved quality standards have greatly extended the lifespan of vehicles since then. The average car in the United States is now Some vehicles on our list, like the Toyota Prius, are popular with fleets and well known for lasting beyond , miles.

The average vehicle is driven 12, miles a year throughout its lifespan, but many vehicles see much lighter demand than that. Cars still need things like expensive timing belt services at 70, or , miles. Where possible, ask previous owners for maintenance records and seek a prepurchase mechanical inspection. Ideally, you may already have a relationship with a mechanic you know, but if not, there are many services available that perform prepurchase inspections. Ideally, this inspection should contain a test drive over different types of roads with bumps or broken pavement and a run up to highway speeds to test the vehicle in all conditions.

Note that even the best mechanics might not be able to discover every possible issue, but they can help you spot obvious signs of neglect. New Cars For Sale. Used Cars For Sale. Sports Cars. Used Cars. Vehicle Care. Ford Edge vs Ford Escape. Toyota Highlander vs Toyota 4Runner. Kia Telluride vs Hyundai Palisade. Honda Pilot vs Toyota Highlander. Toyota Camry vs Honda Accord. Toyota Avalon vs Toyota Camry. Toyota Tundra vs Ford F Ford F vs Chevrolet Silverado Back To Forbes.

Wheels Features. Alex Kwanten. Updated: Oct 4, Forbes Wheels independently tests and reviews cars and automotive accessories. We may earn an affiliate commission from links on our site.

The analysis and opinions are our own. Mazda Used Mazda 3 Deals. Pros: Sporty handling, involving performance Practical available hatchback body Modern design and features. Cons: Fewer features on base models Hard to find CPO examples at this price Sedan lacks trunk space; not the biggest back seat. Pros: Good looking and luxurious Excellent fuel mileage, low costs of ownership Reputation for quality. Cons: Below average cargo space Underpowered Some items, like a backup camera and navigation, were optional when new.

Honda Used Honda Civic Deals. Pros: Dependable and safe Fun to drive and fuel-efficient Many available features. Cons: Well-equipped and high-performance versions are pricey Clunky infotainment system; no touchscreen on base Over-aggressive lane keep assist. Alex Kwanten Used Mazda6 Deals. Pros: Stylish, fun and family-friendly Many modern features, design still on sale in Comfy, premium-feeling cabin.

Cons: Not as powerful as V6 rivals Firmer ride than most family sedans Not the biggest back seat or trunk. News and advice. Electric cars: hurdles on the road to electrification.

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Questions to ask a financial advisor. Fee-only vs. Average credit score. Average net worth. How to increase your credit score. How to increase your net worth. Steven John. 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. Hyundai Sonata. Kia Rio. Toyota Corolla.

Volkswagen Jetta. Subaru Crosstrek. Kia Soul. Ford Focus Electric. When not writing or spending time with his wife and kids, he can occasionally be found climbing mountains. His writing is spread across the web, and his books can be found at www. Loading Something is loading. Email address. BI Transpo. Deal icon An icon in the shape of a lightning bolt.