How to Buy a Used Car Now

Safety equipment
In recent years, a growing number of new cars have included advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) technology as optional, if not standard, equipment. That means used cars are more readily available with features ranging from automatic emergency braking (AEB) to adaptive cruise control (ACC). Among those features, Consumer Reports highly recommends AEB with pedestrian detection and blind spot warning if they’re available.

“We think it is worth the extra effort to ensure your next car has these key safety features,” Fisher says. It is important to make sure the specific model you are considering has these, and other essential features, because their availability can vary by model year, trim level, and option package.

Strong reliability
Narrow your field down to models that stand out for reliability in CR’s surveys. But remember, every pre-owned car has its own history of use—and sometimes abuse—so it’s always a good idea to have any used vehicle you’re considering inspected by a trusted mechanic before buying it.

“Having a trusted mechanic inspect any used car you’re considering buying is a good way to ensure that it will be both safe and reliable in the future,” says John Ibbotson, CR’s chief mechanic.

Age
The average age of cars on the road in the U.S. is more than 12 years, and CR can help you find the most reliable among them. For something with lower mileage that’s been well maintained, you might check certified pre-owned (CPO) listings for cars that are just off-lease. But you can also find great value in cars that are 3 to 5 years old and older.

If you’re looking at older, higher-mileage models, make sure they have the safety features you want, and that they’re models known for reliability. It’s also a good idea to look at the car’s value using CR’s Car Value Estimator to make sure you’re getting a fair price.

“Try not to get stuck with something that’s going to be worth less than the amount you owe on the loan in a few years,” Fisher says. “Paying too much now could mean that the car will depreciate faster as time passes.” (Read: “The Best High-Mileage Cars and How to Find Them.”)