Buying a used car is always a bit of a risk. The possibility of ending up with a Lemon is there, even if you buy from a dealership that has refurbished the vehicle. And while it’s true that, under the California Lemon Laws, used car buyers are protected from defective purchases and auto fraud, it’s nonetheless better to avoid a Lemon Law case altogether. According a recent Forbes survey, the following five cars make for some of the most reliable used vehicles you can buy. If you’re hunting for a good used car and want to increase your chances of ending up with a quality, reliable vehicle, consider the following five models.
1. Acura TL
Acura regularly receives high reliability ratings from both consumers and industry publications, and part of it comes from the durability of its models. Acura’s 2008 and 2009 TL models are a case in point. They earned top grades for long-term durability from J.D. Power and Associates as well as from Consumer Reports. Both years’ models combine a sporty exterior with the comfort of a sedan. The 2008 TL model comes in two versions, one with a 258 horsepower 3.2 liter V6 engine, and one with a bigger, 286 horsepower 3.5 liter V6 engine. The 2009 model ramped up the horsepower a bit, with a baseline 280 horsepower 3.5 liter V6 engine, and a more powerful version with a 306 horsepower 3.7 liter V6 engine.
2. Ford Fusion
The Ford Fusion is not a flashy car, but it seems to stand the test of time better than most midsize sedans of its kind. It has a comfortable, roomy interior along with great handling. The 2008 and 2009 models of the Ford Fusion are recommended as some of the most reliable used car purchases you can make. Both years’ models come with either a 160 horsepower 2.3 liter 4-cylinder engine, or a more powerful 221 horsepower 3.0 V6 engine.
3. Honda CR-V
The CR-V, Honda’s compact SUV, is as reliable as the car maker’s popular Civic series, and it comes appropriately powered by a gas-saving 166-horsepower 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine. While most used 2008 and 2009 models don’t come with the all-wheel-drive feature of newer models, they’re still a great buy and will suit the needs of most drivers. If you’re in the market for luxury features, look for the EX-L version, which comes with heated leather seats among other bells and whistles.
4. Lexus ES 350
The Lexus ES 350 is an entry level luxury car whose engineering is based on the famous-for-its-reliability Toyota Camry. The difference is that the ES 350 has the style of a Lexus, added comfort, and improved handling. If you’re on the market for a quality luxury sedan but don’t want to spend a small fortune, opting for a 2008 or 2009 used Lexus ES 350 might be the ideal choice. The ES 350 has garnered excellent safety ratings in addition to durability scores, with features like adaptive headlamps, a pre-collision system, and 8 state-of-the-art airbags.
5. Lexus RX 350
Another Lexus to make the list of most reliable used cars, the RX 350 is one of the safest and most reliable SUVs you can buy. Pre-owned RX 350s come with a wide range of options for people who love car electronics. Stuff like backseat entertainments systems and Mark Levinson sound systems are standard options on most 2008 and 2009 models. Both years’ versions come with a 270 horsepower, 3.5 liter V6 engine.
Note that even when you’ve chosen your used car purchase well, there’s still a chance that problems may pop up down the road. If you think you have a defective vehicle that might be covered under the statutes of the CA Lemon Law, call an attorney today, and find out your rights. You may be eligible to receive a full refund or a replacement vehicle from the manufacturer.