Since most shoppers prefer SUVs these days, less-sought-after sedans offer the best deals in this unprecedented used-car market
. Consumer Reports identified the most satisfying 10-year-old sedans, and Toyotas
, known for their excellent track record for reliability and safety performance, swept the list. Jerry
, the car ownership super app
, checks out the most reliable and fuel-efficient used sedans that are most likely to offer a lifetime of trouble-free service.More Toyotas than the rest
If you’re not going electric, a fuel-efficient used sedan may be your next best option. You’ll not only pay a lower purchase price, but you’ll likely get a more responsive and comfortable ride.
As far as safety goes, make sure to confirm what features your specific model is equipped with. You won’t find modern safety technology on older cars like automatic emergency braking (AEB) and forward collision warning (FCW).
However, all of the models on Consumer Reports’ best 10-year-old sedans do come with standard side-impact airbags. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration can provide more detailed crash test information for each used sedan.
Compact used sedans
The 2012 Toyota Corolla starts at an affordable $10,300 with an owner-reported 29 mpg. Like other Corollas, the sensible sedan is known for its fuel-sipping transportation. The 2012 model offers a smooth ride, a roomy rear seat, responsive handling, and a pretty quiet cabin.
Consumer Reports gave the used sedan a 4 out of 5 rating for its acceleration, transmission, braking, ride, noise, front-seat comfort, and overall reliability. The Corolla also carries Consumer Report’s Green Choice Designation, which is awarded to autos with the cleanest emissions.
The 2012 Acura TSX starts just under $12,000 with an owner-reported 26 mpg. The sporty sedan is practical and fuel efficient. Drivers can expect responsive brakes and agile handling from the used vehicle.
The TSX features a 201 hp four-cylinder engine with an available 280 hp V6 engine for a more engaged drive. The front seats are comfortable, spacious and we can’t complain about the standard dual-zone climate control.
The 2012 Infiniti G ranges between $9,575 and $10,550 with an owner-reported 21 mpg. Both the G25 and the more expensive G35 offer taut, agile handling and are fun to drive. The G25 features a smaller V6 engine and therefore has better fuel economy.
While you can find all-wheel-drive models, rear-wheel drive is standard. Drivers are fans of the supportive, well-padded front seats with generous power adjustment range. The used sedan received a 5 out of 5 rating for its transmission, front seat comfort, and interior fit and finish.
Midsize and large used sedans
The 2012 Toyota Avalon has an owner-reported 25 mpg and can be found for less than $13,000. The used Toyota could easily pass for a more expensive luxury sedan
, with its countless comfort and convenience features. The Toyota Avalon is also a smooth ride with a comfy and spacious interior. It scored strong fuel economy numbers with Consumer Reports and offers standard brake assist.
The 2012 Toyota Camry, also a Green Choice, starts at $10,850. The Toyota offers drivers a plush ride that’s reliable and features plenty of space. Riders appreciate the large trunk and cargo area and coddling passenger accommodations.
Higher trims feature a backup camera, while knee airbags and a power driver’s seat come standard. The Toyota has an owner-reported 27 mpg, and the hybrid version is even more impressive.
The 2012 Lexus ES starts under $14,000 with an owner-reported 23 mpg. Drivers will find lavish amenities inside the manageable-sized used sedan. For such a quick car, the ES is thriftier with fuel than you’d expect.
The interior features soft leather, polished wood surfaces, and supportive front and rear seats. Consumer Reports gave the ES a 5 out of 5 rating for its acceleration, transmission, ride, noise, front and rear seat comfort, and interior fit and finish.
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offers a plush ride and nicely finished interior. The used auto has an owner-reported 24 mpg and can range anywhere from $12,525 to $27,375. We wouldn’t quite call it sporty, but the E-Class features agile and strong acceleration.
The midsize luxury vehicle does offer a diesel version with an 800-mile-plug range, but it’s not as quick. Ahead of its time, the E-Class is equipped with a seat belt pretensioner, braking assist, FCW, and a driver attention monitoring system on select trims.
The 2012 Subaru Legacy boasts an owner-reported 27 mpg. Starting at around $8,750, the used sedan comes with standard all-wheel drive. The unique Subaru is fuel-efficient, responsive, and comfy. If you’re lucky, you may be able to snag one of the models with soft leather-upholstered seats.
4.7
