BUYERS GUIDE

Buying a car — new or used — is where the big money is won or lost. This is our hub for buying smart: which model years to chase and which to avoid, which SUVs hold their value, what to inspect before you hand over a deposit, and how to keep a dealership from running the table on you.

We tell you the good and the bad on every vehicle, because the goal is the right car at the right price — not a sale. Start below.

Start here

• What to look for when buying used (Wrangler buyer’s guide)
• Which SUVs hold their value best
• Used SUVs with the best gas mileage

Best & worst years

• Best years for the Jeep Wrangler
• Best & worst Toyota Tacoma years
• Best & worst Chevy Silverado years
• Honda CR-V years to avoid

Buying smart

• Which SUVs fit a queen mattress
• Getting the best price (below invoice)
• How dealerships really make money

Buying FAQ

How do I find the best year for a model?

Look at reliability by generation, known problem years, and resale — our best/worst-years guides lay it out per model.

Which vehicles hold their value best?

Trucks, body-on-frame SUVs, and a handful of reputation brands lead. See our “holds its value” guide for the current standouts.

How do I avoid overpaying?

Know the vehicle’s real issues, get a history report, and don’t negotiate on monthly payment — negotiate on total price. Our dealership guides go deeper.