If you’re in the market to replace a vehicle, check out Edmunds.com’s list of 2012 Used Car Best Bets, which include:
Compact Sedan: 2005-2010 Hyundai Elantra
Midsize Sedan: 2005-2010 Nissan Altima
Large Sedan: 2006-2010 Hyundai Azera
Coupe: 2005-2010 BMW 3 Series
Convertible: 2005-2010 Mazda Miata
Wagon: 2005-2010 Pontiac Vibe
Compact SUV/Crossover: 2005-2010 Honda CR-V
Midsize SUV/Crossover: 2005-2010 Ford Explorer
Large SUV/Crossover: 2005-2010 Chevrolet Tahoe
Minivan/Van: 2005-2010 Honda Odyssey
Compact Truck: 2005-2010 Toyota Tacoma
Large Truck: 2005-2010 Ford F-150
Luxury: 2005-2010 Infiniti G35/G37
Hybrid: 2005-2010 Toyota Prius
Sport Compact: 2005-2010 Subaru Impreza WRX
Edmunds.com editors picked the cars based on reliability, safety, value and availability. The editors considered cars that were two to seven years old, which is pretty much the sweet spot for used car purchases.
Since all cars are used cars as soon as you drive them off the lot, you might as well let someone else take the depreciation hit. You can tens of thousands of dollars over your driving lifetime by buying slightly used cars. Save even more by paying cash and keeping them for 10 years or so.
For more details on Edmunds.com’s list, visit http://www.edmunds.com/car-