Consumer Reports Finds Great Values in Used Vehicles

CR auto experts identify reliable used vehicles with
good performance and excellent value for the money

YONKERS, NY - Amidst the sea of used cars that are now on sale, Consumer
Reports' auto experts have spotted a few overlooked gems and
oldies-but-goodies that are especially good bargains.
Consumer Reports lists those vehicles in a special report found in its
newly-published Used Car Yearbook. On newsstands now, the publication is
part of the respected Consumer Reports' Cars series of special automotive
publications.
The models described in the report have proved reliable, performed well in
Consumer Reports' tests when new, and offer excellent value for the money.
(Average asking prices at auto dealers are listed for each car; those prices
are based on average mileage for these vehicle years.) Here's a look at some
of CR's finds:
Economical small sedans: The Honda Civic EX is very reliable and did
everything well in CR's 1996 and 2001 tests. Prices range from $6,000 for
the '96 to the mid-$9,000 range for the '01. Another good value is the '99
Mazda Protégé ES ($6,000), a well-rounded and reliable small car.
Sporty sedans: The nimble little Infiniti G20 was well put together and
inexpensive. Look for a 1996 with a manual transmission, not an automatic,
which makes the car feel sluggish (about $5,500). The plush and pleasant
1998 Mazda Millenia S ($8,500) has a smallish cockpit but above-average
reliability.
Family haulers: For a midsized family sedan, it's hard to beat a Toyota
Camry XLE V6, virtually a Lexus in all but name. Prices range from about
$7,500 for a 1996 to $12,000 for a 2000. The '96-'00 Honda Accord LX V6 is
another good choice, with sound handling and high-quality interior. For more
space, consider the 1995 to 1998 Honda Odyssey minivan, smaller and less
powerful than the current Odyssey but roomy enough for many families. A 1997
Odyssey EX runs about $8,500. 
Plush cruisers: Rapid depreciation has made some Lincolns a bargain. For
about $11,000, you can buy a spacious and feature-laden 1999 Town Car
Executive. The Acura RL is smaller but plusher and more refined, and runs
from about $10,000 for a 1996 to $19,000 for a 2000 model. The Toyota
Avalon, essentially a stretched Camry, offers quiet refinement in a roomy
and polished package. Look for an XLS from any year.

Prices range from roughly $8,100 for a '96 to $18,000 for an '00.
Fun to drive: Among affordable sports cars, the Mazda Miata has no peers.
While woefully short on comfort and space, this tiny two-seat convertible is
a thrill to drive. 1997 was a good year for the original design. A
redesigned 1999 goes for about $9,800. The Toyota Celica is another sporty
contender, with enjoyable handling and excellent quality. A choice Celica is
the 1996 GT coupe, at about $8,300.
SUVs: For a traditional-design sport-utility vehicle with proven
reliability, the 1998 Nissan Pathfinder SE ($11,000) and the 1998 Toyota
4Runner SR5 ($13,500) are both good choices. Car-based SUVs stress comfort
and agility over off-road prowess. Among the best values is the Subaru
Forester L ($8,000) for a 1998 model. The Toyota RAV4 ($10,000 for a 1998
model with AWD) offers fine foul-weather credentials in an agile,
maneuverable package.
Runabout sedans: Several Detroit nameplates may fall a little short in
refinement and interior quality, but they are still good, reliable cars you
can pick up at a very good price. One candidate is the 2000 Buick Regal,
available for about $9,000; another is a 1999 Ford Escort for $4,000.
Consumer Reports' Used Car Yearbook offers a wealth of information to help
consumers find a reliable used car-and save thousands when compared with the
price of a new car. The publication includes profiles of 256 models from
1995 to 2002, with expert reviews of every major model available along with
Consumer Reports' exclusive reliability histories, crash test results,
features, pricing, and more. Used Car Yearbook also includes CR's lists of
best-and worst-used cars, 10 keys for getting the best price, and more.
Used Car Yearbook ($5.99 U.S./$6.99 Canada) is available everywhere
magazines are sold. It can also be purchased online at
www.ConsumerReports.org/usedcars <http://www.consumerreports.org/usedcars>.
There, you'll also find free tips on how to buy cars for teens and how to
ask the right questions when checking out a used car.
Car buyers can also visit www.ConsumerReports.org
<http://www.consumerreports.org/> for more information on both new and used
vehicles. The web site's free area contains extensive information on buying
a car, checking a used car, and interactive tools to help you buy or sell a
car. Site subscribers pay just $4.95 per month or $24 per year ($19 for
Consumer Reports subscribers) to access in-depth features, including
ratings, recommendations and advice on hundreds of cars and trucks.
Consumer Reports Auto Price Service provides all the pricing information and
advice a consumer needs to get the best deal on virtually any new or used
vehicle. Call the service toll free at 1-800-395-4400 or order online at
www.ConsumerReports.org <http://www.consumerreports.org/>. Complete pricing
reports with detailed reliability information and advice on negotiating the
best deal are available online, or by fax or mail. New-car reports cost just
$12.
Consumer Reports is one of the most trusted sources for information and
advice on consumer products and services. CR has the most comprehensive
auto-test program of any American magazine; CR's auto experts have decades
of experience in driving, testing, and reporting on cars.