Consumer Reports: Used Car Buying Guide Best & Worst Used Cars [Paperback]

Editors of Consumer Reports (Author)

Book Description

Series: Consumer Reports Used Car Buying Guide | Publication Date: January 22, 2008

Buying a used car is a greater risk than buying a new one, but can also be the best automotive deal around. The 2008 edition of Used Car Buying Guide will help anyone in the market get the best price – and minimize risk – when buying, selling, or trading in a used vehicle.  As it is best to be armed with as much information as possible before stepping onto a used car lot, this book will provide everything needed including:
 
Unbiased reviews of every major model from 2000 – 2007

Exclusive Reliability Ratings based on over 1 million vehicles

Lists of the best and worst used vehicles and how to avoid a lemon 

A checklist of what to look for when inspecting a used car

Best used cars for gas mileage

Tips on negotiating the best price

Recalls and crash test information

Making sense of safety information

How to get the most money when trading in your current car

PLUS profiles of more than 260 cars, trucks, and SUVs, presenting all major 2000-2007 models 

Each profile contains a photo from the representative year, a write-up of the vehicle, reliability history, crash-test data, and the model years when key safety gear was added and when a major redesign was made.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Consumer Reports’ auto reviews and test Ratings are based on the most comprehensive auto-testing program of any U.S. publication. Testing is done by experienced auto engineers using CR’s specialized 327-acre auto-test center. Reliability and owner satisfaction Ratings are generated through annual subscriber surveys that draw responses on more than a million vehicles. CR’s staff of full-time automotive editors, writers, and engineers has many years’ experience in driving, testing, and reporting on cars and the automotive market.  

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Consumer Reports (January 22, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1933524162
• ISBN-13: 978-1933524160
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #150,672 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #18 in Books > Professional & Technical > Automotive > Buyers' Guides
  • #53 in Books > Professional & Technical > Automotive > Classic Cars

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clearly Communicates Used Car Information, February 17, 2008

By 

A.Trendl HungarianBookstore.com "What should ... (Glen Ellyn, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Consumer Reports: Used Car Buying Guide Best & Worst Used Cars (Paperback)

Buying a used car? Read the "Consumer Reports Used Car Buying Guide" first.

Rather than depend on the advice of semi-knowledgeable friends, a mechanic biased toward a car maker and not a specific vehicle, or by looking to see what your neighbor drives, you can depend on this.

I bought my last two cars using earlier guides.

In it, I found lists of "Good Bets," which are cars the authors consider to perform well over the years. That is guiding my purchase. I won't buy a car not listed there. I also found lists dividing reliable cars by price range, which cars have had recalls, unreliable models (by year), and detailed descriptions of the pros and cons of each vehicle.

That's not all. There are also articles on safety, buying strategies, batteries, insurance, towing, depreciation, tires and child car seats.

It is not a complicated book. It is straight to the point, with minimal car jargon. Novices like myself are not overwhelmed by information I am not concerned with.

I am interested in safety, performance, cost of repair and related information. I found all of this here. A Corolla from 2003 is not the same as one from 2002. While this is obvious, this guide helps is know why each is worth what they say.

I fully recommend "Consumer Reports Used Car Buying Guide." I am confident that because I have read it and will refer to it while I shop for an auto online, I am prepared to save money and to buy a better vehicle. You still need to test drive the vehicle, but this will help get you to that test.

Anthony Trendl
editor, HungarianBookstore.com

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't buy a used car without it., July 4, 2008

By 

M. Bair (oHIo) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Consumer Reports: Used Car Buying Guide Best & Worst Used Cars (Paperback)

This book is such a great resource for buying a used car. Especially the real world MPG and reliability ratings. I'll never start research to buy another car without it.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars wise consumer use, October 6, 2008

By 

Mary K. Asma "Portia" (Virginia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Consumer Reports: Used Car Buying Guide Best & Worst Used Cars (Paperback)

I have always used this book when purchasing new and used cars, gives the buyer an edge both for quality and price. It is now in a different format and I believe doesn't include as much information as when published in book form, rather than this extended magazine format. But, in this day when we must watch every penny, it is a must.