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With so many models and options on the market, choosing the right car is never easy. The wrong choice can leave you trapped in a money pit that drains your finances with repair costs, poor gas mileage, and no way to recoup your costs when you sell it. But the right car purchase can serve you well for years with affordable upkeep, great fuel economy, and strong resale value.
To help you get the most bang for your buck, we spoke to Melanie Musson, an auto industry expert with AutoInsurance.org, to get her opinion on the car models she thinks are the best value, as well as which are the worst.
Best Values
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is a compact sedan with great fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of up to 36 mpg combined for models with the 1.5L turbo engine. The base model 2024 Honda Civic LX has a starting MSRP of $23,950.
Don’t let the small size fool you — the Civic’s well-designed interior gives you plenty of room for passengers and cargo. Its strong resale value and low maintenance costs make it a smart choice for those seeking a dependable and economical vehicle.
“They have very few problems even when they reach high mileage,” said Musson. “They’re luxurious at a budget price.”
Honda Odyssey
If you’re looking for a minivan, the Honda Odyssey is a great pick. The cavernous interior provides comfortable seating for up to eight passengers, and the powerful V6 engine delivers smooth performance while still achieving a respectable 22 mpg combined. The starting MSRP is $38,240, and it will serve you well for over 200,000 miles with just routine maintenance.
“The Honda Civic and Honda Odyssey are two of the most reliable vehicles,” said Musson. “Their safety features make you feel secure.”
Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is a rugged midsize SUV with all-wheel-drive capability and solid fuel efficiency at 29 mpg combined. The roomy interior carries a lot of cargo. Subarus are also known for their durability — you should expect it to last you well beyond 200,000 miles with proper maintenance.
“Subaru Outbacks are great buys for your money,” said Musson. “The all-wheel-drive standard feature is hard to beat. The interior has a great, user-friendly design. They’re workhorses and will provide reliable service for years.”
Worst Values
Ram 2500/3500 Diesel
If you’re in the market for a truck, you may want to think twice about the diesel engine RAM 2500 or 3500. You might be drawn to the macho image of heavy-duty trucks, but the diesel engines require more expensive maintenance and repairs.
“One of the worst vehicles for your money is a Ram diesel,” said Musson. “The parts on a diesel truck are ridiculously expensive. Not every mechanic will work on a diesel, so your options for repair shops are limited. The parts fail, and you’ll need repairs on a frequent basis.”
But what really makes these trucks a bad value is their poor fuel economy. With an estimated 15-20 mpg combined, you’ll be spending big bucks at the pump. Diesel fuel also tends to be more expensive than gas, which will add up over time.
Land Rover Range Rover
Another worst buy, according to Musson, is the Land Rover Range Rover. While they’re undeniably stylish, she says they’re a maintenance nightmare.
“Their starting price is high, so you’d expect reliability,” said Musson. “That’s not the case though. They’re one of the least reliable vehicles, and they’re frustrating when parts start breaking down.”
The starting MSRP for the 2024 model is $107,400. For most buyers, these luxury SUVs just aren’t worth the financial pain.
Ford Focus
The Ford Focus has been a popular choice for car buyers on a budget for a long time. Ford has recently stopped making the Focus. You might be tempted to get an even better bargain by picking up a used one. But even for the price, they underperform consistently. One of the main issues is poor reliability.
“Skip the Ford Focus,” said Musson. “It’s a budget car to begin with, so at least you’re not spending a ton on the purchase price. However, it’s the kind of car that just has a lot of annoying problems like window electronics that stop working and a noisy ride.”
You might get a great deal upfront, but the high likelihood of costly repairs and low resale value make it a poor choice.
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