How To Buy a Used Car Right Now | Talking Cars with Consumer Reports #386

This week we cover everything you need to know about buying a used car. Our experts discuss the finer points of financing, vehicle selection, inspection and overall reliability based on Consumer Reports’ latest data. We also answer an audience question about a rebuilt vehicle title and if it’s a safe bet when buying a second-hand vehicle.

SHOW NOTES:
0:00 - Intro
0:39 - Welcome Steve Elek!
2:02 - State of the used car market
6:13 - Financing options
7:47 - How to buy a used car now
18:11 - Research vehicle reliability
21:37 - Question: What’s a rebuilt vehicle title and is it a safe bet when buying a used car?

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[hereigoagain]

Mike throwing so much shade at my 2010 Ford Fusion. I still like it, and it has been inexpensive to buy and run. A mechanics inspection is even more valuable with so many hurricane/flood cars on the market.

[richroggio]

that was a great video, good info. we have 2 Subaru Foresters in our family 2003 & 2015 and we are very happy with them. 2003 has 98000 miles and the 2015 has 48000 miles. thank you

[gilfolsom]

I have a 2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid that I bought new that now has 155, 000 miles on it. It has been the most reliable and best car I have ever owned. It averages 38 mpg, and I live in the Colorado mountains and have a lead foot. I change the oil every 5, 000 miles, and have had a few minor issues that did not cost much to fix. It has been more reliable and way more comfortable than the two Priuses I have owned in the past. It is one of five vehicles we currently own.

[toyorobo]

As much as I believe buying recently used is the way to go, I bought a new 2023 Camry for less than the 2020 Camry that sat across the lot from my car (same trim). This is a ridiculous time.

[TheLifetraveler]

My neighbor bought a BMW X1. She took me with her and I could tell that the hood had been painted. I did not recommend the car. But after I left the dealer dropped the price of the car. So she bought it anyway. 6 months later, she had to dump it. Why? Because she didn't listen to getting it inspected and we found out later it was a flood vehicle. It stopped working

[johnbehneman]

SUGGESTION: PURCHASE THE CONSUMER REPORTS USED CAR BUYING GUIDE. YOU MAY THEM AT BARNES AND NOBLE BOOKSTORES.

[susanalicea]

I liked your advice on used cars but, I need a list on the trouble with certain year vans.

[hatalatesting]

Thank you for your anti-salvage title car advice - they're all I buy and I don't need the competition. Seriously though, there are reputable people who know what they're doing and provide all of the "before" pictures and talk about the repairs they've made. My 2012 Mazda 6 was totaled because it got the trunk lid and rear bumper smashed in. I was going to buy a new one (this was 2017), but the dealer tried to add $1k right as I was coming to pick it up, so I went with the salvage guys I knew and paid 1/4 the price. People are massively dishonest throughout the car industry. Believing that the dealer is better than an independent is just fooling yourself.

[RobertLeBlancPhoto]

The advice of "Don't stick to a body type." is just stupid. People know what they need and want.

[justmejo]

I think Mike had the most helpful answers. But I did not learn anything from this convo. I have been looking for 2 weeks and finally have a strategy worked out and not running all over just willy nilly. I think there should have been better prep for this as it is a huge problem right now. Steve, when shopping for a car, you’re not gonna wear it for a week, you want to wear it for many years. So purchasing a vehicle that does not suit your wants and needs is just not helpful info for buyers in this market. Yes you can compromise on which brand to go with, as many are ridiculously over priced right now. Telling people to go with a lower standard car instead of a suitable one is just not helpful. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[sigor]

RAM and Chrysler are having fire sales, 12k off is normal around here for those POS, especially teucks. Rest are sticking to the sticker price for the most part.

[reymustanggt]

Lots of good points with this video, thanks.

[jonhayes]

Great show! Piece of production advice - there's a lot of blown out bass here throughout the episode when the hosts bump the mics or table surface that is hard to listen to.

[ercsan]

My lease with my 2020 Optima is up in August 2023. That's still a while away and wouldn't mind getting a lease on an SUV at that time, but the buyout price for the Optima at that time at $12 K makes it better sense to buyout the vehicle at that time since it sounds like the dealers are still screwing the consumer and not about to let down anytime soon.

[flybyairplane]

I bought a 91 FORT TAURUS, USED, 55K, IT WENT WELL, USUAL STUFF, +a tranny recall, it went for 450k, #5 cyl had low compression, then in 2016, bought a2013TAURUS, 21K with warranty, but bought an extended power train warranty, which I had to use, several times, CRANK, NO START, also went into limp mode too many times, , said fixed, limp mode still, took it back, so they finally took care of it, co pay $105.00, few years now still going, has 33 k now, 4 tyres, battery, strangely now a NEW CAR CAN COST LESS THAN SAME MODEL USED CAR !🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[michaelschmitt]

Looking forward to the video on that green BMW i4 M50 you just picked up in NL last week!

[stevemiller]

Change the table to something not distracting and adjust the overhead lights.

[srt]

im trying to find an 05-06 honda crv awd and they go so fast and its like pulling teeth just to get the vin to run a carfax.

[Doc]

My 11 Rav 4WD Limited V6 is worth more today than what I paid for it 5 years ago.
The same as my 11 Ford Ranger XLT super cab 4X4 is worth $7K more than what I paid for it in 19.

[zlover]

I recommend buying Honda, Acura, Toyota and Lexus for their reliability and good resale value. I would even consider Subaru, Mazda and all American trucks.