These Are The Most Reliable Used Cars In 2024

Consumer Reports has named the most reliable used cars, trucks, and SUVs for 2024. Shopping for a vehicle can be a stressful experience, and this is amplified when purchasing a used car. While you’re saving a few dollars, the risk of reliability concerns increases. But the report tells you which secondhand vehicles will give you the most bang for your buck, regardless of budget or body style.

Unsurprisingly, Japanese brands dominate the list. Before we get into the details, let’s explain how CR has reached its conclusion. The organization conducted the reliability study based on Annual Auto Surveys completed by members. All the vehicles chosen performed well in CR’s road tests when new and have maintained above-average reliability over the years (based on survey findings).

Japanese Brands Dominate The List

Toyota and Lexus have a strong showing, occupying multiple spots in the $10,000-$15,000, $20,000-$25,000, $25,000-$30,000, and $30,000-$40,000 price ranges. This includes the current generation Corolla, which CR describes as “one of the best used-car values.” The Prius, Camry, Sienna, previous-generation Tundra, 4Runner, Highlander, and RAV4 are also among the recommended used cars.

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Honda also fared well, with the Civic, CR-V, HR-V, Accord, and Fit considered sensible secondhand purchases. While most pricing categories have multiple options and body styles, there are several categories in which just one vehicle is recommended. The only used car recommended under $10,000 is the 2014 Mazda3. In the $30,000-$40,000 price range, CR recommends just one vehicle in the Small Car (2023 Toyota Prius), Sports Cars/Convertibles (2022-2023 Audi A5), and Pickup Trucks (2020-2021 Toyota Tundra) categories.

Very Few American And German Cars Made The List

It’s a poor showing for the American brands, with just one Ford recommended. The 2015-2016 C-Max is one of seven small cars in the $10,000-$15,000 category. General Motors is slightly more successful, with the 2019 and 2023 Cadillac XT5 and 2017, 2019-2020, and 2022 Buick Envision all receiving recommendations. In all fairness, German brands didn’t perform much better than their American counterparts. Indeed, there are no Volkswagens on the list. The organization recommends the 2017 and 2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, 2019 and 2022-2023 Audi A5, and 2018 and 2021-2022 BMW X3.

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If you want a used luxury car, you’d be much better off with something from Lexus or Acura. Several entrants from both marques are highlighting their ability to make premium, reliable vehicles. The Lexus ES (subtly updated for MY2025) is the only luxury vehicle represented in all price categories, barring the $10,000-$15,000 class. While these recommendations make it easier for used car buyers to make the right choice, it’s worth noting that consumers need to do their research and have potential purchases inspected before buying the car. “Even among the used cars we recommend, there can be stinkers because of a bad day at the factory or a neglectful owner who didn’t keep up with the required maintenance.”

Source:
Consumer Reports