The Best Used Cars To Buy

Today’s used car market is running on full steam. Buyers are now, more than ever, looking for used, affordable, and reliable transportation. Many of our visitors, during their review process, often look for hints on the best used cars to buy. When you’re ready to make your decision, we’re here to help you with your auto financing and auto insurance needs as well.

Below you will find some of this year’s best bets (from edmunds.com)

2008 Hyundai Elantra

A complete redesign in 2001 earned the Hyundai Elantra our respect, which was bolstered further by a tough tour of duty in our long-term fleet. In addition to peppy performance and a smooth ride, the Elantra offers solid build quality, reliability and operating economy. The GT version came in a useful hatchback body style that provided added cargo capacity in addition to standard leather seating, a moonroof and a sport-tuned suspension that improved the car’s handling. Impressive crash test scores are another feather in the Elantra’s cap. For 2007 the Elantra was again redesigned. It was initially offered only as a sedan and boasted more interior room and higher fuel-efficiency.

2008 Toyota Camry

Fine build quality, legendary reliability and a hushed ride characterize the Camry. Though its archrival the Honda Accord may offer a more sporting drive, we picked the Camry based on its more serene cabin and compliant ride, qualities that are typically more appreciated in a family midsize car than apex-strafing ability. An all-new Camry bowed for 2007, offering a roomier cabin, more luxury features and an available 268-horsepower V6 coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission that provided both impressive performance and fuel economy. A hybrid version became available as well, boasting a combined fuel economy estimate of 34 mpg.

2008 Hyundai Azera

Offering an upscale look inside and out and a number of unexpected luxury features for a reasonable price, the Azera also boasts the solid build quality and steadfast reliability that Hyundai is becoming known for. Strong crash test scores, smooth and refined performance and a quiet ride round out the Azera’s impressive resumé.

2008 BMW 3-Series

The BMW 3 Series embodies everything a coupe should be: sporty, stylish and with a level of practicality closer to that of a sedan than a dedicated sports car. Even if you go with the entry-level 325i (which has the smaller engine), there’s still plenty of performance to be had from the smooth inline-6. Communicative steering coupled to an athletic chassis provides a very satisfying drive and validates why these cars remain highly popular with enthusiasts. The 2007 redesign brought more power (230 hp for the 328i, 300 hp for the 335), the availability of all-wheel drive and a retractable hardtop to replace the traditional soft-top convertible.

2008 Mazda Miata

Anyone who wonders how car enthusiasts can be so passionate about driving need only take a spin in a Miata. With its ultraresponsive and communicative steering, an exuberant engine and a manual transmission with short, precise throws, Mazda’s little two-seater wins over even those who don’t know a camshaft from a half shaft. Nothing within the average Joe’s means represents affordable all-around automotive athleticism better than a Miata. Factor in great reliability, frugal fuel usage and plenty of aftermarket accessories and it’s easy to see why so many Miata owners love their car as much as (maybe even more than) their significant other.

2008 Pontiac Vibe

With more than a touch of style, impressive space-efficiency, compact dimensions and a smooth, reliable powertrain courtesy of Toyota, the Vibe makes for a very practical choice. Although it shares its mechanical components with the Toyota Matrix, the Vibe is arguably more attractive. And chances are you can get this Pontiac for less money than a comparable Matrix due to the somewhat higher resale prices the Toyota name typically commands.

2008 Honda CR-V

Space-efficient, fuel-efficient and easy to own, the Honda CR-V does almost everything well. With as much passenger and cargo space as some larger SUVs, the CR-V is usually more than enough for most consumers’ needs. Though no V6 engine is available, the CR-V’s inline-4is sufficient and returns respectable fuel mileage. A comfortable ride, an excellent reliability record and strong crash test scores underscore why the CR-V is a top pick among our staff and consumers alike.

2008 Toyota Tacoma

In addition to the well-known strengths of impressive overall quality and a rock-solid reliability record, the Tacoma offers a pickup for most any need or personality. There’s even the PreRunner edition which offers the suspension, ride height and aggressive tires of a 4WD truck without the added complexity and fuel appetite. Whether you’re looking for a sporty street truck, an aggressive off-roader or a crew-cab family truck, we’re willing to bet that the Tacoma lineup has something with your name on it.

These are just a few of the many great used cars in the market. When you’re ready, start your search from over 1.5 million vehicles today.