Find the Best Deals in Used Cars

The bad news for cash-strapped car buyers is that prices for late-model used cars remain high since Superstorm Sandy took tens of thousands of vehicles off the market last October. The good news is there are still plenty of good deals to be found among late-model used vehicles. The key is to find a car or truck that performs well and has a good record for reliability. It should also have a lower resale value, which makes it more affordable in the used-car market than other models in its class. We consulted owners’ surveys from J.D. Power and Associates regarding vehicle dependability, quality and design/performance attributes among three-year-old cars and trucks and compared the results against current resale prices. We compiled a list of what we feel are the best used-car values. One caveat: Have a trusted mechanic carefully inspect any used car or truck to get an impartial evaluation of its operating condition. Particularly in the wake of Sandy’s devastating floods, be sure to run a model’s vehicle identification number (VIN) through a title-search service like carfax.com to make sure it hasn’t been previously flood-damaged and subsequently rebuilt. • Compact car: Hyundai Elantra. While not quite as stylish as the current Elantra, the 2009 vintage remains a solid all-around performer. It gets above-average reliability and top marks for initial quality from J.D. Power, which places it on a par with one of the segment’s perennial favorites, the Toyota Corolla, but costs less as a used car. • Midsize car: Ford Fusion. This roomy and comfortable five-passenger sedan can be found with either a four-cylinder or V6 engine, and with front- or all-wheel-drive. The 2009 version gets top marks for reliability from J.D. Power and an above-average rating for design/performance. This not only beats the Toyota Camry in both regards but Kelley Blue book also estimates a 2009 Fusion will cost considerably less in the resale market than the segment’s leader. • Large car: Ford Taurus. The conservatively cast Taurus is roomy and performs well with a standard V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission. You’ll find some fitted with all-wheel-drive for improved foul-weather traction. The 2009 Taurus gets an above-average score for reliability from J.D. Power, yet sells for rock-bottom prices as a used car. • Premium car: 2009 Lincoln MKZ. Wrapped in stately styling, the 2009 MKZ sedan drives well, affords ample comfort and comes nicely powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine. The MKZ gets top marks for reliability from J.D. Power, which puts it on a par with the Lexus ES 350 and the Acura TL in that regard, but it sells for far less as a three-year-old model. • Compact Crossover SUV: Chevrolet Equinox. This pleasant five-passenger crossover delivers predictable car-like ride and handling qualities with admirable utility. Not only does the 2009 Equinox beat both its closest competitors - the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 - in J.D. Power’s reliability ratings, it’s more affordable as a used vehicle by a considerable amount. • Midsize crossover SUV: Nissan Murano. The Murano is both a stylish and lively performer with a spacious interior. The 2009 Nissan Murano gets an above-average score for reliability from J.D. Power, yet costs less as a pre-owned model than its direct competitor, the Toyota Highlander. • Minivan: Dodge Grand Caravan. The Grand Caravan is a family favorite with a roomy and comfortable interior and many clever features. Of three V6 engines offered for 2009, the top 3.8- and 4.0-liter versions work best here. Though it gets only “average” marks for long-term reliability by J.D. Power, and is largely outclassed by the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey, a used Grand Caravan is considerably more affordable. • Pickup truck: Ford F-150. Ford’s popular full-size truck was redesigned for 2009 with bolder styling and added capabilities. You’ll find used examples in myriad cab styles and cargo bed sizes to suit a wide range of needs. Power comes from a choice of a 320-horsepower 5.3-liter V8 engine or two less-powerful 4.6-liter V8s.