Used Vehicle Reviews
Toyota Celica, 2000-2005

The Toyota Celica may fall short of Toyota’s usual reliability, and a used one will cost more to buy than some competitors, says Contributing Editor Chris Chase, but it’s “it’s still one of the most durable affordable sporty cars available.”
Mercedes-Benz S-Class, 2000-2006

Mercedes’ top sedan is not problem-free, reports Contributing Editor Chris Chase. “The cost of maintaining a car like this can take all the enjoyment out of the ownership experience if you're not prepared for the expense,” he says.
Ford Five Hundred/Freestyle/Taurus, 2005-2009

“Though these are nice-driving vehicles that look and feel impressive, I'm hesitant to recommend an older (pre-2008) model due to the possibility of trouble with their CVTs and the apparently trouble-prone Aisin six-speed automatic,” says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase.
Nissan Sentra, 2001-2006

Many of the reliability issues with the fifth generation Nissan Sentra involved the optional 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine in the SE-R model, says reviewer Chris Chase. “Cars with the 1.8-litre and old 2.0-litre engines are solid choices,” he advises.
Subaru Legacy/Outback, 2005-2009

The fourth-generation Legacy and Outback “seem to be holding up well” with relatively minor reliability issues, says reviewer Chris Chase. “It has proven to be a more reliable car than an A4 or S60/V70,” he says.
VW Golf/Jetta/New Beetle, 1999-2005

“I want to recommend these cars for their nice driving attributes and attractive looks, but my practical side just can’t do it, given their poor reliability history,” says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase.
Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2005-2009

Though Consumer Reports describes the Grand Cherokee’s reliability as “much worse than average”, “…it appears that the mechanical bits are robust and that most of the problems…are inexpensive to repair for a handy driver,” says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase.
Ford Mustang, 2005-2009

The fifth-generation Mustang was the first to be built on a completely new platform since 1979, and has been generally reliable except for some differential problems in V8 cars and some electrical issues, says Contributing Editor Chris Chase.
Hyundai Elantra, 2001-2006

The 2001 Elantra was Hyundai’s first serious competition with Japan, says Contributing Editor Chris Chase. Prices on 2001 to 2003 models are very attractive, but he warns to watch for trouble spots with transmissions and rear disc brakes.
Mitsubishi Lancer, 2003-2006

Due to the Lancer’s relatively low sales volume, there isn’t a lot of solid information available about its reliability, says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. “Based on what data it has, Consumer Reports gives the 2002 and 2003 Lancer...above-average overall reliability ratings.”
BMW X3, 2004-2009

Earlier X3s are actually a better choice due to fewer serious trouble spots, says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. According to Consumer Reports, X3s from 2004 through 2006 get a better-than-average used vehicle rating, while 2007-2008 models are average, or below-average.
Cadillac SRX, 2004-2009

“The SRX’s reliability is about mid-pack in the luxury SUV field,” says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase, ”...slightly better, perhaps, than a first-generation BMW X5 and much better than a Mercedes ML-Class, but not quite up to the standards of Japanese entries.”
Ford Fusion, 2006-2009
Put away your prejudices about domestic sedans, says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. “You will have a very hard time finding a used family sedan to beat this Ford’s combination of low resale values, solid reliability and satisfying performance.”
Mazda Protégé, 1999-2003

Predecessor to the Mazda3, the Protégé sedan and Protégé5 hatchback have proven to be “durable” but not quite as reliable as the Corolla and Civic, says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. “But the Protégé can offer lower used prices,” he notes.
Honda Fit, 2007-2008

So far, the Honda Fit’s reliability has been very good, with only “a couple of minor things to look out for,” reports Contributing Editor Chris Chase. However, resale values are high, so don’t expect any cheap deals, he says
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