Buying used? Which vehicle gives you most bang for your buck

Consumer Reports asks subscribers for reviews of their vehicles

SAN ANTONIO – Buying a car is a big investment, and purchasing a used vehicle could help with the cost.

Those savings, however, don't mean anything if the car isn't reliable.

Consumer Reports polled more than 2,000 subscribers to see how satisfied they are with their vehicles and whether they'd buy them again.

There are some exceptions to the rule. For example, the Toyota 4Runner consistently scores high marks from owners, but its unsettled ride and clumsy handling hurt it in Consumer Reports tests.

Besides the initial price of the car, Consumer Reports said people need to take a hard look at maintenance costs to see if the vehicle will work for your budget.

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"We broke down out data to look at 3- and 10-year-old vehicles. The 3-year-old models are a little more expensive, but they'll have the latest safety and comfort features,” Jon Linkov, with Consumer Reports, said. “On the other hand, while a 10-year-old model is less expensive to buy, you have to figure in the cost of repairing it."

For example, a mid-sized favorite -- the Toyota Camry Hybrid -- will cost you about $13,500 to $18,000 and about $55 in maintenance and repairs by year three. At year 10, drivers in the car market can expect to pay around $6,500 to $7,800, but $370 in annual maintenance costs.

READ MORE: Research key to buying used car

There is an option for the environmentally and budget conscious.

Consumer Reports found the Toyota Prius was among the most satisfying cars for both 3- and 10-year-old models, for its combination of fuel efficiency and reliability.

No matter the age, Consumer Reports tests and satisfied owners alike found people probably can't go wrong with either of the following small SUV's -- the Honda CRV or Toyota Rav-4.

Need a minivan for the family? Consider the Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna, both of which are likely to make it to 200,000 miles or more.

Finally, subscribers liked the Toyota Tundra pickup truck for its driving and reliability.

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