Buyers guide website Edmunds.com has announced its latest recommendations for best used car and truck buys in the US.

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“Used cars and trucks, even those that are only a year old, are typically at least 20 to 30% less expensive than their new counterparts, allowing buyers to save money or to afford vehicles with better performance or more features,” said Edmunds consumer editor Phil Reed.”


Edmunds.com’s 2005 Used Car Best Bets are:
Economy Car: 1998-2003 Honda Civic
Midsize Car: 1998-2003 Toyota Camry
Large Car: 1998-2003 Ford Crown Victoria / Mercury Grand Marquis
Luxury Car: 1998-2003 Lexus ES 300
Sporty Car: 1999-2003 Mazda Miata
Mini-SUV: 1998-2003 Honda CR-V
SUV: 1999-2003 Nissan Pathfinder
Minivan: 1999-2003 Honda Odyssey
Small Pickup: 1998-2003 Toyota Tacoma
Large Pickup: 1998-2003 Ford F-150


Edmunds.com emphasised reliability, safety and availability as the most important criteria when developing the new list. Based on these considerations as well as the fact that vehicles incur the most rapid depreciation in their first few years, a low-mileage two- or three-year-old car or truck tends to be the best choice, it said.


“Generally speaking, used cars have never been more reliable than they are today, and dependability continues to improve for most models,” Reed said. “Also, car owners have become more aware of how resale values are affected by vehicle condition, and many are taking better care of their cars as a result.”

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Reed recommended purchasing a vehicle that qualifies for an automaker’s certified pre-owned programme but warned against purchasing a vehicle that has been certified only by a dealership, and not by the automaker itself.


Edmunds said dealer certification does not offer the same level of protection as, for example, the extended warranty is unlikely to be honoured at any other dealership.