Dealers and car buyers find 'sweet spot' with 3-year-old cars

As consumers continue to keep their vehicles for longer periods of time, it pays for used car dealers to know which models excel in reliability, especially in today’s affordability-conscious market.

The three-year advantage

• Models made three years ago are now entering the “sweet spot” when it comes to used vehicle age, according to Consumer Reports, having declined enough in price to attract buyer attention while still sharing most of the safety and entertainment features new car owners enjoy.

• Since most leases last for three years, there also happens to be an influx of reliable, 2021 model-year cars in good condition hitting the market, making this an ideal time to ramp up your preowned sales strategy.

Let’s take a look at some key takeaways from this year’s list of reliable models from 2021.

• Small cars: As you might expect, Honda and Toyota continue to outperform other brands in terms of reliability and quality, especially when it comes to sedans. The 2021 Civic and 2021 Corolla are obvious choices for those looking for smaller vehicles, which data suggests is a growing number of shoppers.

• SUVs: SUVs are still one of the most popular choices when it comes to used car buyers. Mazda’s 2021 CX-5 makes this year’s list of reliable SUVs, coming equipped with a unique infotainment system while offering a pleasant driving experience. Hyundai and Kia also make an appearance, receiving high marks for the 2021 Tucson and Sportage.

• Trucks: Ford’s 2021 Ranger is a solid choice for those looking for a reliable used pickup. Although Consumer Reports warns buyers of the vehicle’s handling, a solid fuel economy matched with modernized features make this a good bargain. While more expensive than some of its peers, the 2021 Toyota Tundra is also included, due to its solid towing capacity and outstanding durability.

Bottom line: Whether you’re a buyer looking for something to last a long time or a dealer hoping to capitalize on off-lease inventory, the 2021 lineup offers some excellent choices. Knowing how models from this year compare in terms of reliability can help you plan accordingly.

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