Shopping for used cars can feel like playing the lottery—and the odds are still not usually in your favor. Because when that new-car warranty runs out, and the miles and miles of commuting and road trips start racking up, all that wear and tear will mean that car parts need to be replaced and repair bills will begin to get more expensive. But never fear, the experts here at Car and Driver are prepared to help shoppers better navigate the big and perilous used-car market. We'll provide our recommendations on the most reliable models out there and give our advice on buying a used or certified-pre-owned vehicle.
Best Bang for the Buck
Best Used Trucks for under $10,000
Need to move a lot of earth and keep your car payments low? These used trucks can do it all for less.
12 Cars You Can Buy from Hertz for $15,000 or Less
Hertz is selling almost 200,000 cars in bankruptcy, and it doesn't take much money to land in an almost-new car.
Best Used Cars Under $5000
One of the options on this list started at $70,000 in the 1990s but can be had for less than $90 a month now.
Best Used Cars Under $10,000 for Teen Drivers
IIHS and NHTSA data show that these 13 hatchbacks, sedans, and SUVs are the safest and most reliable for teens and other first-time drivers.
10 Cheapest Used Cars to Insure in 2021
GM cars from the 1990s are the stars in this list of vehicles with the lowest car-insurance bills.
Today's Used Car Market
With Used Cars In Demand, Sellers See Opportunity
As the coronavirus pandemic continues, used cars are in demand because new-car supplies are low and people are choosing car ownership over public transit and ride sharing.
Looking for a Good Deal on a Vehicle? Be Flexible.
By Colin Beresford
Deals Are Still Out There for Used Cars, Even Now
By Colin Beresford
Used Car Buyers Have Big Savings Coming Their Way
By Colin Beresford
How Can I Save Money on a Used Car Right Now?
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Reliability
Before You Buy
New vs. Used: Advantages of Each Car Buying Option
Should You Buy a New or Slightly Used Car?
How Does Carvana Work?
Car Buying Stories: Return to Sender
Here's Every Automaker's CPO Program
Compare manufacturer CPO deals, warranties, and maintenance plans with this guide to all certified pre-owned vehicle programs from Acura to Volvo.
CPO Car Buying in the Age of Scarcity
Current market conditions are pushing older, more worn vehicles into CPO programs. They may be better than buying new—but with rising used-car prices, there's less value in a CPO than ever.
How to Buy a Used Car
By identifying the pros and cons, this guide answers the important questions you need to ask before buying a pre-owned automobile.
How CPO Warranties Work
We suss out the key differences between automakers' Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle warranties for you.
