The April issue of Consumer Reports is now on the newsstands. This is the month of their Annual Auto Issue. While much of the content is devoted to reviewing the 2008 models, there is still a lot of good information for buyers of used cars. Here are some highlights:
This issue provides detailed reliability reports on models from 2002 through 2007. Check the make, model, and year of vehicles you are considering. Look for trouble spots and check those areas carefully before you buy.
Remember that this is statistical data based on reader surveys. The indicated problems may never affect that particular car or may have already been corrected. The need to check on these areas before buying is another reason why it pays to buy used cars from a reputable specialist like Prestige Imports, instead of a private party or a used car lot without expert service technicians on staff.
One particularly interesting article this year is “Who makes the best cars?”
That article includes Automaker Report Cards based on average test scores and reliability. Here are the top ten automakers according to Consumer Reports:
- Honda (incl. Acura)
- Toyota (incl. Lexus)
- Subaru
- BMW
- Nissan (incl. Infiniti)
- Volkswagen (incl. Audi)
- Mazda
- Mercedes Benz
- Hyundai (incl. Kia)
- Volvo
You can’t help but notice that all of the top ten automakers are import companies. After decades of trying to catch up, General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler still can’t break into the top ten. Here’s an interesting quote from the article:
“Overall, only a quarter of our recommended vehicles are from U.S. companies, which is a result of their vehicles’ inconsistent reliability and performance in our testing.”
Source: Consumer Reports Magazine, April 2008
