By: A.Noton
Submitted: 2009-12-03 13:44:32 | Word Count: 459
The reputation of the used car industry has come a long way. In the past, the perception was that buying a used car meant dealing with unscrupulous persons only too willing to take advantage of you. With the advent of companies like Carfax and the increasing reliability of cars, this is hardly the case these days. Still, not all used cars are created equal. Some cars have developed a reputation for reliability regardless of age, which makes them good choices for used car buyers. No list of top rated used cars can ever be considered complete. As car companies come out with sturdier, more fuel efficient models, rankings are likely to change.
Best Rated Used Cars
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Ranking used cars can be difficult as it is rare that one car has all the attributes that make it a good buy. Some cars are more fuel efficient than others while some are known for their reliability and good resale value. Assessing used cars is best done based on certain criteria. The ultimate decision rests on what is important to the used car buyer.
Fuel Efficiency
The best used cars based on fuel efficiency for under $10,000 include:
Toyota Prius (2001 2003)
Toyota Echo (2000 2005)
Acura Integra LS (1999 2001)
Scion xA (2004 2005)
Hyundai Accent GS (2007)
Honda Insight (2000)
Those in the same category for under $20,000 include:
Honda Fit (2007 2008)
Scion xD (2008)
Honda Civic Hybrid (2004 2005)
Toyota Prius (2004 2007)
Nissan Altima Hybrid (2007 2008)
Reliability
Some cars have become popular with the public for their overall reliability and good performance. Some of the top rated ones according to Consumer Reports are:
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Echo
Toyota Matrix
Scion xB
Pontiac Vibe
Honda Civic
Mazda3
Subaru Impreza
Mercury Milan
Toyota Prius
Ford Fusion
Nissan Altima
Toyota Avalon
Acura TSX
Volvo S60
Highly ranked SUVs and trucks include:
Honda CRV
Toyota RAV4
Toyota Highlander
Infiniti FX35
Lexus GX
Hyundai Santa Fe
Toyota Tundra
Honda Ridgeline
Naturally the choice of a used car is heavily dependent on ones budget. These lists are not set in stone as other variables come into play. These ratings are related to how the vehicles were used by their respective owners and the prevailing road conditions in each state. Even a car that sits at the top of the ranking can perform poorly as a used car if it is not properly maintained and handled recklessly.
Given the unpredictability of gas prices, many buyers are likely to opt for fuel efficient models. Reliability and safety should not be overlooked, however, some used car dealers offer their own rankings of used cars based on their years of experience in the industry. Keep in mind that lists by independent bodies like Consumer Reports are updated every year. Searching for good value is important, but finding the best rated used cars requires research and patience.
Author Resource:-
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