5 Great Choices: When Buying a 10-Year-Old Used Car (2011-2013)

Great Choices When Buying a Used Car

Buying a used car can balance your budget against your need. If you want to get the best-used car for your available money, it’s a good idea to have some guidelines in mind before you shop. A used car is a large investment; both at the time you buy it and then as the years go by. No one wants to waste money on a “lemon”; or fall for a flashy car whose looks charm you but which will erode your wallet with a mountain of repair bills in years to come.

The used car market has been impacted by supply chain issues from all over the world, and prices and availability of cars have resulted in a market where it is hard to be sure you can find what you want. A prospective buyer has more challenges than ever in today’s market. However, Consumer Reports researchers encourage used car buyers with the news there are cars available that are both a bargain and a good investment. Consumer Reports has always been a good, impartial source of information about car performance.

Here are some factors to keep in mind when considering your next new car:

1. Fuel Economy - Knowing how many miles per gallon your prospective choice has been shown to get is very good to know.

2. Reliability Score - consumers have provided information on their cars’ performances, and these reports have been used to provide a predictive guide to a car’s future reliability.

3. Satisfaction Score - a very telling evaluation of a car is whether a person would buy that same model again, in the future. Consumer Reports has provided those poll results.

4. Safety Systems - modern technology has provided new and more technical features to provide additional security, Knowing which of those features are in your possible choice is a good way to plan for a safe ride.

If you don’t want to spend hours looking through those reports, and prefer to get the advice of an experienced mechanic, I suggest you take a look at a video posted by YouTuber Scotty Kilmer.

YouTubers have found a popular and knowledgeable source of car knowledge in Scotty Kilmer. Scotty has been a mechanic for over 50 years, and he has an impressive amount of automatic experience and knowledge. His millions of subscribers have found his informal but fact-based airings to be a reliable guide for their many auto questions. His casual but experience-based ideas are very popular.

Scotty advises prospective auto buyers to avoid buying cars based solely on their low prices. If you have only a little money to spend, it may be a temptation to go for whichever model is cheapest. Scotty warns his viewers that “a cheap car will end up being an expensive burden because of its cheap quality.” Investing enough to get a more reliable model is probably a better way to ensure the ongoing value of your next vehicle.

Scotty’s recommendations are:

5. 2012 Honda Accord

2012 Honda Accord

Prices range: $8,500 to $15,000

The 2012 Honda Accord is a great choice among used midsize cars. It aced all of its crash tests and earned an above-average reliability rating, and although the Accord's trunk is on the small side, its cabin is incredibly roomy.

Wary buyers may have heard this model was subject to recall, but Scotty assures us this specific model was not on the recall list. He says this model gets good gas mileage, but also has a sporty and attractive appearance for those who want their car to make a good impression.

4. 2012 Ford Fusion

2012 Ford Fusion

Prices range: $3,439 to $11,347

Ford Fusion is the winner of our 2012 Best Affordable Midsize Car for the Money award and the winner of our 2012 Best Affordable Midsize Car for Families award.

This car has a very comfortable ride and is a good choice for a buyer with a family. It is sturdy and well-built. With proper maintenance, the Ford Fusion can last for about 200,000 miles.

3. 2013 Honda Civic

2013 Honda Civic

Prices range: $9,000 to $16,400

2012 and 2013 civic models get minimal NHTSA complaints and score excellent safety, and reliability ratings.

This is another car that combines an admirable style with good craftmanship this Honda runs for a long time and gets good gas mileage.

2. 2012 Toyota Corolla

2012 Toyota Corolla

Prices range: $4,809 to $13,178

The 2012 Toyota Corolla has good safety scores and a comfortable ride, with regular service and maintenance, the Toyota Corolla has a life expectancy of up to 10 years or 300,000 miles.

Another good choice for a buyer with a family, as it can comfortably fit a family of four. It runs well and has been shown to last many years and has minimal need for maintenance.

1. 2011 Toyota Camry

2011 Toyota Camry

Prices range: $7,000 to $13,000

Roomy cabin, extraordinarily refined and fuel-efficient V6, quiet and cushy ride, excellent crash test scores.

The Toyota Camry is one of the most well-regarded midsize vehicles available, and its Toyota durability means that you can expect to get between 200,000 and 300,000 miles of use out of your Camry with proper vehicle maintenance.

The Bottom Line

Any knowledge which can increase a buyer’s odds of getting the best-used car for their money is knowledge worth having, and Scotty’s guide may help arm you with some options before your next trip to the used car lot.