Best Used Cars 2011

Best Used Cars 2011

 Bargains in used cars are increasingly harder to find. Fewer new-car sales over the past couple of years meant fewer trade-ins and vehicles coming off lease.

Plus, in the wake of the recession, buyers turned to used cars in a big way, tightening supply even more. We picked ten vehicles -- seven sedans, two SUVs and one convertible -- that received top scores in Kiplinger's rankings for performance, value and safety, get high marks for reliability, and won’t drain your wallet at the gas pump.

Dealer and private-party prices are based on actual transactions reported by Edmunds.com for previously owned vehicles considered to be in "clean" condition and driven an average of 12,000 miles a year. We also include the certified used price of each vehicle, based on actual sales. Certified vehicles pass a rigorous inspection and include a warranty that goes beyond the car's original warranty.

2008 Honda CR-V LX

 Price when new: $21,370

Dealer used price: $16,438

Private-party price: $15,359

Certified used price: $17,556

MPG (city/hwy): 20/27

2009 Ford Fusion SE

 Price when new: $21,775

Dealer used price: $16,055

Private-party price: $14,352

Certified used price: $16,843

MPG (city/hwy): 20/28

2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

 Price when new: $33,135 (base model)

Dealer used price: $20,553

Private-party price: $19,059

Certified used price: $22,371

MPG (city/hwy): 28/25

2007 Volvo S60 2.5T

 Price when new: $31,580

Dealer used price: $15,051

Private-party price: $13,550

Certified used price: $17,243

MPG (city/hwy): 19/28

2008 Hyundai Elantra SE

 Price when new: $17,845

Dealer used price: $12,026

Private-party price: $10,969

Certified used price: $13,317

MPG (city/hwy): 25/33

2009 Nissan Altima 2.5 S

 Price when new: $22,260

Dealer used price: $16,259

Private-party price: $14,791

Certified used price: $17,316

MPG (city/hwy): 23/31

2008 Honda Fit

 Price when new: $14,620 (base model)

Dealer used price: $11,051

Private-party price: $10,276

Certified used price: $11,667

MPG (city/hwy): 28/34

2008 Toyota Prius

 Price when new: $21,610 (standard model)

Dealer used price: $15,231

Private-party price: $14,257

Certified used price: $16,677

MPG (city/hwy): 48/45

2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport

 Price when new: $23,500 (manual, soft top)

Dealer used price: $18,501

Private-party price: $16,967

Certified used price: $20,197

MPG (city/hwy): 22/28

2009 Mercedes-Benz E350

Price when new: $54,075

Dealer used price: $34,155

Private-party price: $32,710

Certified used price: $36,437

MPG (city/hwy): 17/24