Used car to avoid clunkers

With the average new car sold for about $30,000, and even a moderately equipped compact model go for close to $20,000 in these days the coffers, drivers have little choice to purchase a used vehicle.

Unfortunately is a relatively short supply of used models - triggered by the 2007-2009 economic recession, when fewer new vehicles have been purchased or leased - continue to record high near used car values levels according to the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) used car guide or to keep.

What's more, although modern cars far longer tend to as models of 20 or more years ago did tend to be as fine wines some age better than comparable models of the same vintage. With used-car values already out of whack need extra carefully to avoid buyer, compounding an already unfavourable financial situation by selecting a problematic model, the costly out-of warranty repairs require.

For this purpose we have collected to avoid the accompanying Rogues Gallery of 10 used cars based on data, the we from several sources, including reliability surveys, security assessments, resale values, and our road test the vehicles over the years have collected experience.

2008 And 2009 vehicles, consumer reports and J.D. power and associates based our selection largely performed on both reports initial quality/performance and long-term reliability for model year. All models on our list were evaluated generally reliability below average as being, by both organizations.

Consumer reports based its durability results data from owners of 1.3 million vehicles, and 31,000 while J.D.. power findings according to 43.700 original owner 2008 vehicles were compiled model year original 2009 model year vehicles after three years of ownership. Both sources asked participants about mechanical and other problems experienced 12 months ago.

While we have incorporated second-hand cars to avoid in most market segments, we came X down especially hard this year to a number of underperforming luxury vehicles, including the BMW 5 SUV, and the Cadillac STS, Jaguar XF and Lincoln MKS sedans. Not only luxury used car prices have used exploded to about 22 percent from 2009 to 2011, Auto-Guide to the NADA, but the cost of spare parts and working hours are usually much higher than comparable models from established brands. (Because there is a reason that BMW and Mercedes-Benz Dealer can their customers of posh Service Department waiting rooms and the latest models as loaner cars handle.)

Expensive pay those who often find on the pre-owned market for a less expensive type of luxury brand seal for the privilege, on steep repair bills. This is a segment where we recommend buy a late model "certified" used car from a dealer, who has both been renovated and comes with a comprehensive warranty.

Other models in our list are cars and trucks, that missed not only the brand in terms of accommodation and performance as new cars but only worse in the course of time in relation to their dubious durability been. These include the lackluster models from model year small car in 2008 and 2009 as the Chevrolet Aveo sedan and hatchback, Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger midsize sedans, Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickup trucks and the Dodge Nitro and Jeep Liberty sport utility vehicles.

While we've always tilted, the Chrysler Town & country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans as new vehicles for their families leading to spacious and comfortable interiors and class friendly features preferred by all accounts tend to be models from 2008 and 2009 behind the competition in reliability. And nobody wants to miss too late the children to school or soccer practice, because their ride suffers an early mechanical problem.

And then there are the Jeep Wrangler, which stays lover as hunting trip choice to the outdoorsy set, but as a used car, unsuspecting buyers find it just too much to put a ride to treat stiff handling and additional mechanical problems - in particular of potential abuse in the hands of a former owner of off-road exploits.

Of course, also a vehicle that has long-term reliability can about prove, to a "lemon" when its was abused, has hidden damages or was improperly maintained. It is therefore always advisable, has carefully to have a trusted mechanic, all used cars or trucks your considering one impartial review of its operating state get check. And do always a model of vehicle identification number (VIN) through a title search service such as CarFax to help ensure that it had not been previously damaged flood or salvaged and rebuilt.

The good news for inspecting a used vehicle is that analysts see used car prices refreshing an end-summer, fall 3.8 percent on average in August, and between 3 and 3.5 per cent in September after the NADA used car guide.

"In the next few months, we expect an acceleration of that winds decrease of the used-vehicle prices, starting as the summer season," says Jonathan Banks, senior analyst at the NADA. Expect prices as more models from leasing and additional trade-ins from new car sales fill many traders fall further during the time when the inventory of used vehicles at the same time grow still. "This means that for the first time in the year price is risk of loss on the horizon in 2013, and still more so further out in 2014," says banks.

© 2012 Forbes.com