Used cars are a great way to save money. If your looking to save thousands of dollars a used vehicle makes sense and should not be overlooked. It is a good idea to research a particular model or year to make sure you get a reliable automobile.

Most people when shopping for used cars usually check the local used car lots. Used car dealers usually have the vehicle up for the highest resale value but often the vehicle has gone through a complete check up and tune up including a complete detail. It is not unusual for vehicles that fail a reputable used car dealers criteria to go to auction.

=> Five Best Used Cars

Compact Sedan

Before you start mocking Hyundai, you need to know this make has experienced a revolution in the last several years. They are quickly catching up to the competition and have a good, solid product. The Elantra, reswizzled in 2001, has a great feel on the road with some fun extras and superior safety ratings. Definitely select a model between 2002-2007. You can score one for between $4,000-$10,000 depending on mileage and condition. Don't ignore the Toyota Corolla as an attractive option as well. With a myriad of options depending on year you can purchase a smaller, reliable, and solid car for thousands less.

Midsize Sedan

Long have Honda and Toyota thrashed the competition here. The Accord and Camry, respectively, are solid, reliable cars that run in top shape forever. You'll pay extra for the nice handling, but they are definitively the best, without question. The Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima have put up a good fight in recent years, but as an owner of a ten-year-old Accord that has never needed more than an oil change after 125,000 miles I've come out far ahead financially by paying a bit more up front. You're also solid with any 2002-2007 Camry.

Minivan

Again, Honda is the forerunner in used car performance. With a powerful V6 engine and spacious interior, you'll ride in style new or used. And yet again, you'll need to shell out more for it. But taking into consideration long-term usage and repairs, sticking with Honda is a good financial bet.

SUV

If you need quite the space of a Chevrolet Tahoe, you can get away with paying a lot less for the Mitsubishi Endeavor (2004-2007). While it doesn't include third row seating, it's definitely roomy enough for the standard family with 2.5 children. It has nice, car-like handling and earned top ratings for crash tests. It's a lost less expensive than others in the midsize range. Take a step up to the Tahoe if your household needs more space.

Truck

I'm not a huge Ford fan. Call me un-American, but I was saddled with an early 90's Taurus for several years and driving a tin can is not my thing. When it comes to trucks, however, few are built Ford-tough like, well, Ford. Competition can't seem to touch the F-150.