Honda S2000, 2000-2007 Used Honda S2000s have generally proven reliable, but there are some issues to look out for, reports Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. As S2000s are highly desirable in the used car market, "resale values are high", he says.
Lexus LX 470, 1998-2007 The second generation Lexus LX 470 was basically a Lexus version of the Toyota Land Cruiser (not sold in Canada), says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. Reliability has been better than average in the large SUV class, but fuel consumption is abysmal, he reports.
Cadillac SRX, 2004-2007 Though the Cadillac SRX crossover hasn't proven as reliable as the CTS sedan on which it is based, it's "about mid-pack in the luxury SUV field," says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. "Brutal" depreciation means used examples are relatively cheap, he says.
Toyota Avalon, 2000-2004 The second-generation Toyota Avalon, the company's biggest and most luxuriously equipped passenger car, was probably "the most solid Avalon of the three generations," says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. "The Avalon holds its value very well on the used market," he notes.
Acura TSX, 2004-2007 The TSX has been very solid reliability-wise, but there are a few relatively minor things to be aware of, says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. Used prices are high. "As with any Honda product, don't expect any spectacular deals on used examples," he notes.
Nissan Maxima, 2004-2007 Sixth-generation Nissan Maximas have been generally reliable, says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase, but 2004 models "suffered from the bugs that plague many first-year models." Consumer Reports notes issues with brakes, suspension and climate control systems, he says.
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, 2003-2007 Few cars say "you've made it" like the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, reports Contributing Editor Chris Chase, but even used ones are pricey, especially their repairs.
Chrysler Crossfire, 2004-2007 Based on the first-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK sports car, the Crossfire came in coupe and convertible bodystyles with available V6 and supercharged V6 engines. Reliability has been "better than average" and used prices are "good", reports Contributing Editor, Chris Chase.
Mitsubishi Endeavor, 2004-2007 While used Endeavor SUVs are generally reliable, 2004 Endeavors had more problems than other model years, reports Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. "The more serious issues were addressed for 2005 and subsequent model years," he reports.
Volkswagen TDI models, 1997-2006 Volkswagen's TDI (Turbo Direct Injection) diesel engine models, Golf, Jetta, New Beetle and Passat, "appear to be pretty durable" reports Contributing Editor, Chris Chase, and their resale values "tend to be strong."
2007 Honda Fit The Fit has gained a lot of fans, mostly for its flexible cargo hold, says Contributing Editor Chris Chase, but its high resale value can make its competition a better choice.
Ford F-150, 2004-2008 A "solid choice for a used truck," the Ford F-150 half-ton pickup, model years 2004 to 2008, has a "decent reputation as far as long-term durability," says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase, "but there are a few things to watch for."
Toyota Avalon, 1995-1999 Based on the Camry, the first generation Avalon luxury sedan has proven quite "robust", says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. Because it has depreciated more than the Camry but is larger, a used Avalon is "hard to beat", says Chase.
Nissan Quest, 2004-2007 The Nissan Quest's quirky looks are part of its charm, says Contributing Editor Chris Chase, but reliability issues may make other minivans a better choice for used-car buyers.
