Best used cars to buy: For this list, we picked several best used cars and SUVs that have above-average reliability and reasonably good fuel economy.
Toyota Prius
 The Prius is a hybrid car; it has a small 4-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor. Despite its advanced hybrid technology, the Prius is very reliable. Maintenance costs are low too. The hybrid battery is expensive, but they don’t fail very often and aftermarket alternatives are available. Despite its small size, the Prius is very roomy with ample head- and legroom. The EPA fuel economy estimate for 2012 Prius: 51/48 mpg or 4.6/4.9 liters/100 km (city/highway). No other car of this size can beat that.
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Toyota Corolla
 The Corolla is a reliable easy-to-maintain and easy-to-sell compact car. It has a simple but comfortable interior and smooth ride. All this makes the Corolla a good choice for an economical commuter.
The EPA estimates for the 2012 automatic model:
26/34 mpg or 9.0/6.9 liters/100 km (city/highway)
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Honda Civic
 Unlike the Corolla, Honda Civic offers sportier handling and ride. Similarly, the Civic won’t cost much to maintain. The EPA estimates for 2012 Honda Civic with an automatic transmission:
28/39 mpg or 8.4/6.0 liters/100 km (city/highway)
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Subaru Impreza 2012-plus
 With the 2012 redesign, the Impreza became the most fuel-efficient car with all-wheel drive. It handles well and is very reliable. A nicely-finished interior is another plus. The Impreza comes as a hatchback or sedan. It has a 4-cylinder horizontally-opposed “boxer” engine. The EPA estimates for the automatic 2012 Impreza: 27/36 mpg or 8.7/6.5 liters/100 km (city/highway) |
Toyota Camry (4-cylinder model)
 Toyota Camry is a dependable and very comfortable family sedan with smooth and quiet ride. The Camry offers plenty of rear-seat and cargo space. The low-maintenance 4-cylinder engine is very fuel-efficient, yet provides enough power for daily driving. The 2012 4-cylinder Camry with an automatic transmission gets 25/35 mpg or 9.4/6.7 liters/100 km (city/highway)
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Honda Accord (4-cylinder model)
 Sporty sharp looking family sedan, the Accord has a spacious interior, precise handling and firm ride. The Accord’s selling points are its excellent low-maintenance 4-cylinder engine, good cargo space, fresh interior design and good reliability records. The EPA estimates for the 2012 Honda Accord automatic: 23/34 mpg or 10.2/6.9 liters/100 km (city/highway)
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Mazda CX-5
 Mazda CX-5 boasts sporty handling rich interior and class-leading fuel economy. It’s also very practical and reliable. The CX-5 is available as 2WD or 4WD, with a 2.0L or 2.5L engine. The 2.0L 2013 FWD CX-5 is rated at 26/32 mpg or 9.0/7.4 liters/100 km (city/highway) |
Toyota RAV4
 The RAV4 is a small, practical car-based SUV with sleek styling. Toyota RAV4 is fun to drive and easy to maintain. Available as 2WD or 4WD. The EPA estimates for the 2012 4-cylinder 4WD automatic model: 21/27 mpg or 11.2/8.7 liters/100 km (city/highway)
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Honda CR-V
 Honda CR-V is a small, versatile, car-based SUV. It’s fairly reliable and easy to maintain. The CR-V offers very practical interior with many well-thought amenities, including even a foldable picnic table.
The EPA estimates for the 2012 4WD automatic model: 22/30 mpg or 10.7/7.8 liters/100 km (city/highway) |
