With new car prices at historic highs, Consumer Reports has launched a new guide for buyers navigating the used vehicle market, releasing its first-ever list of “10 Used Car Picks” designed to help consumers save money without compromising on safety or reliability.
“For decades, Consumer Reports has presented 10 Top Picks among new vehicles,” said Alex Knizek, associate director of auto test development at Consumer Reports. “But with the historically high price of new autos these days, more and more people are naturally looking to the pre-owned market in search of a better bargain.”
The list focuses on a single model year for each selected vehicle that represents the newest year still meeting the target price range. Each recommendation also reflects an entire generation of the model, which allows buyers more flexibility while shopping. These selections are based on CR’s own road testing, reliability data and member surveys, alongside crash test ratings and safety feature availability.
Consumer Reports emphasized that the best used cars are often those from the latter part of a vehicle’s design generation. “Our reliability analyses consistently reveal that cars become more trouble-free over the multiyear span of a generation,” a news release noted.
Automakers improve assembly processes and address warranty claims over time, meaning newer versions of a model typically have fewer problems and more features.
Each car on the list includes standard electronic stability control and performed well in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash tests when new. Advanced safety systems such as automatic emergency braking and blind spot warning are also available on each recommended model.
Among the highlighted vehicles were the Kia Sportage, Mazda6 and Mazda CX-9, models that were solid performers when new but have become standout bargains on the used market due to depreciation. “At the same price, rivals are often years older—potentially from a previous generation,” Consumer Reports explained. “To buy a direct rival at the same model year and mileage, you would have to pay thousands of dollars more.”
In addition to model recommendations, Consumer Reports encourages shoppers to consider the entire generation of a featured car, which could offer similar quality at a lower cost. They also stress the importance of having any used vehicle professionally inspected before purchase, even those with high ratings.
Shoppers can visit CR’s website to access detailed road test data, owner satisfaction scores, pricing breakdowns and model-specific reliability insights.
“Used cars should still be safe, reliable, and economical,” Knizek said. “This new list gives buyers the information they need to make confident, informed decisions.”
