How to Find the Best Used Car at the Right Price
We highlight the most reliable brands and top 5-year-old cars and SUVs
By Mike Monticello
Shopping the used-car market can be tricky right now. Global supply chain issues affecting the pricing and availability of new cars have also made it harder to find good used models at affordable prices. But with a little patience and research, you can find a safe and reliable vehicle that fits your needs and priorities. Our used-car recommendations are based on testing from our experts, along with reliability survey results that will help you find models from the brands least likely to let you down.
We focused on 5-year-old vehicles because depreciation makes them more affordable than newer used cars, but they’re new enough to have important active safety features, such as forward collision warning (FCW), automatic emergency braking (AEB), and blind spot warning (BSW).
We assessed the reliability of brands for used vehicles knowing that you can feel more confident about your purchase if it comes from a dependable brand you can trust. Then we highlighted a model recommended by CR from each of the top brands listed, and did some checking around to make sure those models were available. We also pointed out other reliable years to consider.
“The good news is that there are a variety of safe and reliable used-car choices out there,” says Jake Fisher, CR’s senior director of auto testing. “We picked an assortment of car types from the most reliable brands, including a few that just might be off your radar.”
Factors to Consider When Buying a Used Car
Fuel economy: Check our ratings at CR.org/carsatoz to see if the used model you like fares well against others in its class.
Reliability score: This indicates how a vehicle’s overall problem rate compares with other models from the same year, based on survey responses from CR members about their cars. (Learn more about car reliability.)
Satisfaction score: CR members tell us each year whether they’d buy their same car again if given the chance. We calculate a score for each model based on those survey responses.
Safety systems: FCW and AEB were available on older models but were not often standard. So before you buy, make sure your used-car choice has these lifesaving safety features.
Most Reliable Brands for 5-Year-Old Vehicles
Our brand ratings chart shows that it’s hard to go wrong with any Lexus or Toyota; all of their 5-year-old models have above-average reliability. The average reliability score includes all models for which we had sufficient survey data for the brand. With variety in mind, we’ve highlighted eight models from our list of the top reliable brands for the 2017 model year.
Luxury Midsized SUV: 2017 Lexus RX
2017 Lexus RX
The RX has continued to win owner loyalty over the years by delivering a luxurious driving experience along with one of the strongest reliability records for any vehicle. The smooth V6 and 8-speed automatic give ample power and a commendable 22 mpg overall, while the 450h hybrid gets an excellent 29 mpg overall. All 2017 RXs came standard with FCW, AEB, and adaptive cruise control.
Other good years: 2012-2016
Midsized 3-row SUV: 2017 Toyota Highlander
2017 Toyota Highlander
The Highlander has shown near bulletproof reliability for more than a decade. It’s relatively easy to maneuver in urban confines thanks to its manageable size, and it’s blessed with sure-footed handling and a comfortable ride. For the 2017 model year, the V6 was mated to an 8-speed automatic, returning 22 mpg overall, and the hybrid got 25 mpg. It also received standard FCW and AEB.
Other good years: 2012-2016
Compact SUV: 2017 Honda CR-V
2017 Honda CR-V
The CR-V is appealing because a redesign for 2017—which included the addition of a turbo four-cylinder—made it better. It took to curves with more vigor, gained a more compliant ride, an upgraded cabin, and better fuel economy. Higher trims have four-way lumbar adjustment for the front seats, along with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. FCW and AEB were standard on EX and higher trims.
Other good years: 2012-2016
Midsized 2-row SUV: 2017 Nissan Murano
2022 Nissan Murano
The Murano has generous accommodations, easy access, and a well-designed infotainment system, which added Apple CarPlay for 2017. The cabin feels luxurious, like the Lexus RX, yet the Nissan costs much less. There’s plenty of oomph from a powerful V6, and optional features include a surround-view camera system, FCW, AEB, BSW, and rear cross traffic warning (RCTW).
Other good years: 2012, ’14, ’16
Midsized Sedan: 2017 Subaru Legacy
2022 Subaru Legacy
The Legacy blends a comfortable ride, responsive handling, simple controls, and great visibility. Every trim comes standard with AWD, a boon in snowy climes. Yet there’s minimal penalty at the pump at 26 mpg overall. The quiet cabin provides plenty of room for the driver, a large rear seat, and an easy-to-use infotainment system. FCW, AEB, BSW, and RCTW were optional features for the 2017 model year.
Other good years: 2012-’13, 2015-’16
Large Sedan: 2017 Buick LaCrosse
2017 Buick LaCrosse
The LaCrosse is an easygoing road-trip companion that provides plenty of quiet comfort without the premium price of more elite luxury brands. It has a powerful V6, available all-wheel drive, and a history of strong reliability. The 2017 redesign added an 8-speed automatic, which helped improve fuel economy to 24 mpg overall. FCW, AEB, BSW, and RCTW were optional features for the 2017 model year.
Other good years: 2012-2016
Luxury Sedan: 2017 Infiniti Q50
2017 Infiniti Q50
The Q50 is invigorating to drive thanks to sharp handling and a 300- hp turbo V6. It was priced similarly to competitors’ turbo four-cylinder sedans, which made it a relative bargain. AWD is available and fuel economy, at 22 mpg overall, is reasonable considering its high performance. Outward visibility is quite good for a modern sedan. FCW, AEB, BSW, and RCTW were optional.
Another good year: 2014
Compact Car: 2017 Mazda 3
2017 Mazda 3
The Mazda3 manages to be fuel-efficient and unusually fun to drive for a compact car due to its agile handling. Available in sedan and hatchback body styles, it also boasts a solid reliability history and the choice of a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic or slick 6-speed manual. FCW, AEB, BSW, and RCTW came standard on the higher Touring and Grand Touring trims in 2017.
Other good years: 2012-2016
Editor’s Note: This article also appeared in the June 2022 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.
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Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2022, Consumer Reports, Inc.
