Why buy a used car? Finding the right balance between value and risk Two- and three-year-old used vehicles are often the best values. Not only is the price lower than a comparable new car's,but continuing ownership expenses such as collision insurance and taxes are lower,and a two- or three-year-old used vehicle has already taken its biggest depreciation hit. In addition,buying used is a way to get a nicer car than you'd be able to afford new. But buying a used vehicle means finding the right balance of value and risk. Following are some issues to consider. Reliability. One thing that has made used cars more appealing is their improved reliability. In an analysis of Consumer Reports' annual sub-scriber surveys over the past few years we found that five-year-old vehicles had one-third fewer problems than the five-year-old vehicles we looked at in 2007. Years ago rust and exhaust-system problems were common,but that's no longer the case,and major engine and transmissio ... Read more »