Checkered Flag Toyota and their loyal fans have always known that Toyotas make some of the best used cars on the market. Reliability and low cost of ownership makes them a great deal at any age.
Consumer Reports now agrees and they have put it to print. Along with Toyota, Honda and Hyundai have been ranked as some of the best. This makes Checkered Flag and their used cars some of the hottest choices.
Less than $10,000
Small cars
Toyota Prius (2004-07), Scion xB (2004-06), Pontiac Vibe (2005-08), Toyota Matrix (2005-07)
With its 44 mpg overall, the Prius is the most efficient non-plug-in five-passenger car you can buy, plus it has plenty of room and a nice ride. Reliability has been first-rate. The Scion xB has standard ESC and is a great city car, with compact dimensions and easy access, and the Vibe and Matrix twins are quite versatile. For the Prius, Matrix, and Vibe, look for one with the optional ESC.
Sedans
Hyundai Sonata (2007-08) and Acura TSX (2004)
The economical, efficient, and comfortable Sonata has a nice ride, secure handling, and a peppy four-cylinder engine that returned 23 mpg overall. For something sportier, the Acura TSX is responsive, quiet, well-finished, and enjoyable to drive.
SUVs
Toyota Highlander V6 (2004) Mitsubishi Outlander (2007)
The Highlander has a nicely finished, quiet, and comfortable interior, along with a strong V6 engine. Handling is secure, but it leans more toward comfort than sportiness. The smaller Mitsubishi Outlander has sportier handling and can be found with a third-row seat.
$10,000-$15,000
Small cars
Honda Fit (2011-13) and Kia Soul (2010-11)
The Fit’s forte is its amazing cargo-carrying versatility. Yet it’s also fun to drive, with great fuel economy and excellent reliability. For a little more passenger room and almost every creature comfort, check out the Kia Soul.
Sedans
Mazda3 (2009-12), Infiniti G35 (2006-07)
The Mazda3 has precise and responsive handling, refined engines, and a comfortable ride, although it can be loud on the highway. The Skyactiv 2.0-liter engine, which arrived for 2012, provides an impressive 32 mpg overall. For something more luxurious, try the Infiniti G35, one our favorite sports sedans, with its super handling, potent V6, and easy controls.
SUVs
Acura MDX (2004-06), Toyota RAV4 (2006, 2008), Honda CR-V (2005-08)
The upscale MDX offers seating for seven, a strong and refined powertrain, a pleasant ride, and agile routine handling. The smaller RAV4 has an optional but snug third-row seat, and both the four- and six-cylinder engines get impressive fuel economy. For a more refined alternative to the Toyota, the CR-V has a strong four-cylinder and a nicer interior.
$15,000-$20,000
Small cars
Hyundai Elantra (2012-13), Subaru Impreza (2011-13)
These are as roomy and comfortable as larger, more expensive cars. The Elantra combines nimble and secure handling with a fairly comfortable ride. The Impreza sedan and hatchback both offer standard all-wheel drive along with sporty handling and a great ride.
Sedans
Toyota Camry (2011-12), Toyota Camry Hybrid (2010-11), Acura TL (2008)
Both the four- and six-cylinder Camry deliver impressive fuel economy (26 and 27 mpg, respectively) along with a comfortable ride, a roomy cabin, and superb reliability. For even better gas mileage, the Camry Hybrid gets 34 mpg overall and 41 on the highway. A sportier alternative is the Acura TL, which has long been one of our favorite sedans to drive.
SUVs
Lexus RX (2006-07), Subaru Forester (2009-10, nonturbo)
The Lexus RX is comfortable, nicely finished, and extremely reliable. The hybrid version gets good fuel economy. The Forester is more utilitarian but handles well and has an excellent ride. Access is easy, and the view out is the best among SUVs.
$20,000-$25,000
Sedans
Toyota Avalon (2011), Lexus LS (2006), Lincoln MKZ (2011-12), Ford Fusion Hybrid (2012)
The Avalon is one of our favorite cars for a long trip; it has a quiet interior with limo-like rear leg room. The Lexus LS is even more posh, with a superb ride and top-notch reliability. For more driving excitement, the Lincoln MKZ handles responsively, rides well, and has generous power, but it has a somewhat low-rent interior. It’s based on the Ford Fusion, which in hybrid form returns an impressive 34 mpg overall.
SUVs
Toyota Highlander Hybrid (2008-09), Honda Pilot (2009-10)
If you want a midsized, three-row SUV with the best fuel economy possible, look no further than the Highlander Hybrid. At 24 mpg overall, it matches the fuel economy of many smaller SUVs and even some midsized sedans. It has a sumptuous interior and a smooth ride. The Pilot delivers sharper handling, and its comfortable third row brings the seating to eight.
Source: [Consumer Reports]
Checkered Flag Toyota has an amazing inventory of new and used cars to choose from. To experience these finds for yourself, come in today and test drive a few. With the selection and amazing customer service, you are bound to find a lot that you love about purchasing a used vehicle where Winners Buy, Checkered Flag Toyota.