Tuesday, 07 July 2009 00:00

Edmunds.com released its "Best Used Cars" list in June. Here are their picks and our thoughts/comments as well as other options.

"Edmunds.com's annual Used Car Best Bet Awards are based on the following criteria: reliability, safety and availability (wider availability means more competitive prices and better value). Eligibility is limited to used cars originally sold from 2002 to 2007. "

Compact Sedan: 2002-2007 Hyundai Elantra

Inexpensive, reliable, good mpg, and good crash test ratings - thats pretty much the benchmark for compact sedan's and the Elantra compares well in all these categories. The Elantra is a Consumers Choice Best Buy in 2008 along with another choice in this category, the Honda Civic. The Civic is more expensive, but also plenty more car.

Midsize Sedan: 2002-2007 Toyota Camry

The Camry has been the best selling car in America 9 of the last 10 years. That means a few things: 1. There are a TON of Camry's on the road, making them easy for us to find used for a decent price. 2. There is a reason it's been that popular, and it isnt because it's a bad car. The Honda Accord and Ford Fusion are also a good choice in this category.

Large Sedan: 2006-2007 Hyundai Azera

Classy look, budget price, good MPG and crash test numbers. Sounds alot like a bigger Elantra. That's the recipe for success in this list. The Ford Taurus would be worth a look in this category as well.

Coupe: 2002-2007 BMW 3 Series

A little spendy to be a great used car buy, but you dont see to many coupes anymore. I would take a look at the Honda line of coupes if you are looking for a little less performance but a little better budget in this class.

Convertible: 2002-2007 Mazda Miata

The Miata is a budget sports car enthusiests dream. With almost 50/50 front/rear weight distribution the handling is almost neutral. For a small price you get a small package of fun and excitement.

Wagon: 2003-2007 Pontiac Vibe

Not a huge fan of this pick here. The Vibe may mechanically share components with the Toyota Matrix, but it does not share any style what so ever. We may take a look at the Dodge Caliber as a smaller version of a wagon with much more style if the Vibe doesnt fit you and the Matrix is outside your budget.

Compact SUV/Crossover: 2005-2007 Chevrolet Equinox

The real catch here is the price of the Equinox. While the Crossover market has exploded over the last 5 years, Chevy flew under the radar with their offering and therefore can be found really inexpensive. The Honda CR-V and Toyota Rav 4 are much better sellers, which makes them more abundant in most market places. The real show stealer here is the Ford Escape. It has an older style and technology but still sells like hot cakes so we can usually find them all over.

Midsize SUV/Crossover: 2004-2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor

The Endeavor is a sneaky vehicle in this class. Most people probably couldnt pick one out of a lineup but if you saw one on the road you would most likely like the look. A great price tag and all around good quality make the Endeavor a good choice. We may have you take a look at the GMC Acadia and Envoy as well here.

Large SUV/Crossover: 2002-2007 Chevrolet Tahoe

The Tahoe is a classic big SUV. While this class has lost popularity some with gas prices being what they are, some of us still like to haul our kids, the boat and both dogs to the cabin during the summer. The Tahoe will do all that and more. Have us show you a GMC Yukon for a great buy in this class as well.

Minivan/Van: 2002-2007 Honda Odyssey

This is the first time Edmunds goes to a more expensive ride as a category winner. The Honda is nice, but for the money take a look at the Chrysler and Dodge minivans as well. We find alot of good quality used minivan after the surge in minivan sales the last 10 years.

Compact Truck: 2002-2007 Toyota Tacoma

I can't agrue with this pick. I love Tacomas. They are just great all around smaller trucks. Finding a nice one with low miles for decent money is the hardest part about choosing a vehicle in this class. We really have to look hard to find nice options for people looking in this class.

Large Truck: 2002-2007 Ford F-150

The F class has always been a huge seller in the US. That makes it easy for us to offer you a lot of choices at a wide range of pricing in this class. The Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra are also something we may show you for close to the same money.

Luxury: 2003-2007 Infiniti G35

The Infiniti G class and the Acura TL are both something you will enjoy in this class. We love to show this class to clients and usually love to drive them even more!

Hybrid: 2004-2007 Toyota Prius

A growing class of cars that is dominated by Toyota right now. We are not finding a huge used market with these cars as of yet, but the interest is growing.