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    56 Best Used SUVs, Sedans, and Small Cars of 2024, Tested by Our Experts

    These top models from Honda, Subaru, Toyota, and others should suit all budgets

    2014 Mazda3 seen parked on the street.
    We found the best used cars, like this 2014 Mazda3, by judging their performance in CR’s road tests when they were new and combining that with their reported reliability in CR's member surveys.
    Photo: Mazda

    When you have to stick to a budget, buying a used car is the best way to get the biggest bang for your buck. Used cars can give you many of the same features that are available on newer models, but at a far lower price.

    Picking out a good used car from a sea of bad ones can be tricky. You want a vehicle that’s reliable, affordable, and offers modern safety features. And with used-car prices at record highs, it’s important to find one that won’t cost you more money down the road.

    See the Used Car Top Picks and Which Brands Make the Best Used Cars?

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    More on Used Cars

    The vehicles listed below performed well in CR’s road tests when they were new and had consistent above-average reliability for multiple years, according to our surveys of CR members. 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. Make sure to have the car you’re considering thoroughly inspected by a certified mechanic before you sign on the dotted line. 

    All of them come standard with electronic stability control (ESC), a key safety feature. In addition, many of the models were available with safety features such as forward collision warning (FCW), automatic emergency braking (AEB), blind spot warning (BSW), lane departure warning (LDW), and/or lane keeping assistance (LKA).

    We’ve created this guide to help you find the small cars, sedans, and SUVs that are most likely to fulfill your needs without breaking down and soaking you with ­repair bills.

    If you’re a Consumer Reports member, the results below are available to you. If you’re not a member, click below to join and access this full list of cars, pickup trucks, SUVs, and wagons. As a CR member, you’ll also get access to our exclusive ratings and reviews for every product we buy and test, including cars, grills, mobile phones, and flat-screen TVs.

    Talking Cars: How to Buy a Used Car Right Now

    Become a member to read the full article and get access to digital ratings.

    We investigate, research, and test so you can choose with confidence.