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How To Pick Great Used Cars

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Feb 9, 2009 6:10 pm US/Eastern

How To Pick Great Used Cars

(KDKA) While sales of new cars have really tanked, plenty of people are still buying used cars.

Consumer Reports can help you make sure you getting a winner.

Look for cars that have performed well in Consumer Reports' road tests and that have a good record of reliability and likely to hold up for the long term.

Consumer Reports has come up with a list of the "best of the best" used cars. There are plenty of good choices, several for under $12,000.

Those bargain used cars include the:
• 2002 and 2003 Subaru Impreza WRX
• 2003 Acura RSX
• 2004 Mazda3

Consumer Reports recommends getting the Mazda3 with side-curtain airbags—an important safety feature. That was an option in 2004.

You can find more used cars Consumer Reports recommends at: www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/used-cars/cr-recommended/the-best-worst-used-cars-406/overview/index.htm.

Whatever car you're considering, Consumer Reports says have it thoroughly inspected by an independent mechanic.

A dealer should let you do that as long as you leave identification behind.

But first look over the car carefully yourself.

Check the body closely, looking for dents, scratches and rust. And check the tailpipe. White steam is okay, but dark smoke is a sign of trouble.

Consumer Reports' research shows cars have gotten vastly more reliable.

A well-maintained car should last 100,000 miles, even 200,000 without a major breakdown.

Consumer Reports says you always want to take any car you're considering for a test drive.

You can find advice on how to make the most out of a test drive: www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/car-buying-advice/guide-to-new-car-buying/at-the-dealership/the-test-drive/0702driv0.htm.

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