Model Reviews & Comparisons

Used Hybrid Showdown: Prius vs. Fusion Hybrid (2013-2020)

If you’re shopping used hybrids in the 2013 to 2020 range, you’re probably staring at two familiar faces: the Toyota Prius and the Ford Fusion Hybrid. Both can save you real money at the pump. Both can be dependable. And both can bite you if you buy the wrong one. I like this era because the...

Most Reliable Used Midsize Sedans Under $15,000: Camry vs Accord vs Altima

If you’re shopping used with a $15,000 ceiling, a midsize sedan is one of the best “adulting” purchases you can make. Plenty of room, usually better crash protection than a tiny car, and you can often crack 30+ mpg on the highway without paying hybrid money (depending on year, engine, tires, and...

Used Tesla Model 3 vs. Chevy Bolt EV: Range Loss and Value

If you’re looking at a used Tesla Model 3 and a used Chevy Bolt EV, you’re probably asking the same two questions I hear in my shop days over and over: How much range is left , and am I about to buy an expensive battery problem ? Both can be smart buys. Both can also disappoint if you buy the wrong...

Toyota Tacoma vs. Chevy Colorado (Used): Which Midsize Truck Wins?

If you're shopping used midsize trucks, this matchup comes up constantly for a reason. The Toyota Tacoma has a reputation for running a long time and holding value as well as, and often better than, most trucks in the class. The Chevy Colorado usually shows up with a lower asking price, a more...

Best Used 3-Row SUVs Under $20,000

If you have a growing family, a third row sounds like the perfect solution until you actually try to live with one. I’ve inspected a lot of used 3-row SUVs where the “third row” was basically a padded shelf, the tires were bald, and the seller was hoping nobody would notice the oil seep. My goal...

Used Toyota RAV4 vs. Honda CR-V (2013-2018): Which Is the Better Buy?

If you’ve narrowed your used compact SUV hunt down to a 2013 to 2018 Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V, you’re already doing a lot right. These are two of the most consistently good vehicles I’ve inspected over the years. But they are not identical in how they age, what they cost to maintain, and what...

Used Mazda3 vs. Toyota Corolla: Sporty Feel or Bulletproof Reliability?

If you’re cross-shopping a used Mazda3 and a used Toyota Corolla, you’re looking at two of the smartest plays in the compact-car world. They’re usually easy to park, cheap to fuel, and not a pain to live with day to day. But they scratch different itches. The Mazda3 is for the person who wants a...