The internet was a game-changer in terms of auto sales, as it allowed consumers access to a wealth of information about cars that was previously scattered in a million different places. In the past, an interested car buyer might have been able to check a review in the local newspaper, but now shoppers can find thousands of opinions across the web at the click of a button.

That's changed, and before a driver goes to buy a car, they'll be able to read as many reviews of the vehicle as they like to get a well-rounded view of a vehicle's flaws and weaknesses. Yet the nature of reviewing means that most writers are usually giving their first impressions of a vehicle after driving it for a short time. There's simply no way that an automotive journalist could know how a vehicle will perform five or even ten years down the road. Almost every new car drives with no problems when it rolls off the showroom floor, but anyone who's owned a car knows that problems will crop up over time.

Another tricky idea to pin down is value. A car may represent a steal at its MSRP, but quickly lose most of its value as soon as it's driven off the lot. Car reviews also don't help once a driver begins searching for a used car, as every individual unit has a different service and drive history.

With that in mind, there are several factors that go into making a used car a great car to own. Reliability is key, as is the cost to repair and maintain the car should problems arise. The same is true of resale value, which will eventually determine what the driver gets in cash when he's looking to sell. Lastly, general satisfaction with a vehicle is something that many reviewers will not be able to predict, but is cataloged in numerous surveys over the lifespan of a car.

MSN factored in all of these variables when coming up with its picks for the best used cars to own in each class. These cars are not only great to drive, but also prove to be of value over many years based on statistical data.

Sedans are the most popular vehicle, and the news source highlighted three used cars in each size: the Hyundai Elantra for compacts, Honda Accord for mid-size and Mercury Montego for larger sedans.

The Elantra was praised for its value, as a used version will likely cost a driver less than $8,000. The Accord was no surprise in the mid-size slot, as it has posted dependable sales numbers year-in and year-out and holds its resale value remarkably well. Although the Montego and the Ford Five-Hundred are essentially the exact same car, drivers will end up paying more for the Ford simply because of the name, since the Mercury brand has lost a bit of prestige due to its discontinuation.

Those who like larger vehicles probably won't be surprised to find the Ford F-150 on the list, which has been a top seller for its entire 33-year lifespan. The news source recommends the models between 2004 and 2008 as a great range to target in order to get good value. That applies to the Toyota Highlander SUV as well, which had a number of additions in its 2004 facelift, like third-row seating and electronic stability control, that sets it apart from its earlier versions. 

There are hot cars, and then there are "hot" cars, or vehicles that were obtained through illicit means. While many auto analysts track sales figures, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) tracks vehicles using a different system – which are most likely to be stolen. This list of "hot wheels," released every year, details which rides tickled thieves' collective fancy the most.

Naturally, most of the used cars are on the list because they are popular and there are more of them on the road. Drivers shouldn't hesitate from buying these used cars simply because they're afraid of it getting stolen. In fact, the list is more an endorsement of the car's desirability than anything else. The FBI recently released a study showing that car theft was at its lowest point in twenty years, so drivers who pick up any of these hot rides – preferably at their local used car dealership – won't have to worry too much about it disappearing.

The numbers from 2009, released this month, show a picture very similar to the previous year. Once again, the 1994 Honda Accord was the most stolen vehicle in the country, followed closely by the 1995 Honda Civic. These two models are best sellers year in and year out, and it's a testament to their durability that there are still so many of them on the road.

Those vehicles were followed by two more popular models, the 1991 Toyota Camry and 1997 Ford F-150. All four of these vehicles are perennial top sellers and these four particular models have held the top spots on the list for several years running.

The bottom of the list saw a bit more of a shakeup. The 1994 Chevrolet full-size Pickup was the biggest mover, jumping onto the list for the first time at number 7. The most recent car to make the list is the 2009, Toyota Corolla, a somewhat surprising entry given the modern car security features on many newer vehicles. The 2002 Ford Explorer, ranked tenth in 2008, moved up a notch to number 9.

This movement cleared the way for some cars to fall out of favor with crooks. The 1999 Ford Taurus and 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee both ended their runs on the list.

Even in older used cars, there are some prevention strategies that the NICB recommends so drivers can ensure their vehicle doesn't end up in a chop shop. First and foremost is common sense. The agency reports that many drivers would be surprised at how many thefts could be prevented by drivers simply locking their doors and taking their car keys with them.

Used cars might not have the best security systems, but most of the modern advances are easy fixes. A 1994 Honda Accord might not have an OnStar GPS system, but a LoJack or similar tracking device purchase can make it easy for police to track down a car. Authorities say that these devices shift the balance in drivers' favor of getting their car back.

It's also worth noting that the NICB maintains a system that tracks stolen vehicles by VIN number. Drivers in the market for a used car should be sure to check their purchase against the database to ensure that they're working with a reputable dealer.
 

Buying a used car has several advantages over buying a new one – namely the price. Yet there's no denying that the peace of mind that comes with a manufacturer's warranty is a nice perk for those who buy new.

That's where Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles come in. Nearly all major automakers maintain some type of program that allows them to resell their used cars. Vehicles that are certified by the automaker are backed by a warranty. This allows the manufacturer to also offer financing for the vehicle, just like a new car.

To qualify, a used car must be subjected to an independent refurbishing process, where it's restored to "like-new" condition. So getting a CPO eliminates much of the worry that comes with used cars, as it's highly unlikely that the car will be a lemon, and if it is, it has the manufacturer's support behind it.

The trade-off is that these cars fetch a higher price than non-certified used vehicles. Yet because they're still cheaper than new cars, many drivers see CPO's as a great compromise.

Drivers should be careful, as some dealers often offer their own versions of CPOs. But this typically means that the car is inspected by the dealer's in-house repair shop, and while it may come with a warranty, its one that would only be honored by the dealer, not the manufacturer. There are also a few independent certification bodies that operate outside of manufacturers and dealers and could offer a better deal and possibly higher repair standards.

MSN Autos recently compiled the top 10 CPO sellers of the first half of 2010, according to data collected by the manufacturers. The list could provide drivers with some clues as to which vehicles have become popular because of the program and what they should keep their eye out for if they choose to go this route.

Honda had a strong showing on the list. The Odyssey, at number nine, was the top-selling minivan, while the Civic and Accord placed fourth and first, respectively. These cars hold their resale value well and are already known for their reliability. Yet the news source notes that drivers should beware, as CPOs from Honda with low mileage can come very close to the price of a new car.

Honda's chief rival Toyota also had three cars on the list, with the always popular Lexus RX crossover joining perennial best-sellers the Corolla and Camry. BMW took up two spots with the 3 and 5 Series sedans, and the news source notes that a several-years old 3 Series CPO makes a luxury car affordable for many drivers. 

Cars are diverse enough that when it comes to picking a vehicle, there is no clear “best.” For all the awards from major automotive sources that are handed out every year, nearly every car has strengths and weaknesses that make it suited for certain lifestyles and preferences. One driver may enjoy the off-roading capabilities of an SUV while another would rather have the crisper handling of a crossover. Another might worry about performance while parents will be more concerned with transporting their children comfortably and safely.

Whether shopping for a new or used car, what a driver ultimately wants out of a car will determine their purchase. But as subjective as buying a car can be, there are still some vehicles that are better than others at certain tasks. That’s why this year’s Motorist Choice Awards, compiled by auto analysts IntelliChoice, bucked the traditional categories like “sedan” or “crossover” and instead asked survey respondents about their favorite cars based on their lifestyle.

The awards, which have been handed out for five years, compile over 42,000 consumer surveys. This year is the first that the new categories have been introduced.

“From an emotional standpoint these awards are a reflection of how cars fit into people’s daily lives, the tasks they fulfill on a day-to-day basis and the image people have of their vehicles,” says Charlie Vogelheim, Executive Editor of IntelliChoice. “The cars in these categories not only represent tremendous value, they are also about the image you want to portray to other motorists as well.”

Fifteen categories were broken down into “popular” and “premium” choices to denote value and luxury. For example, the Hyundai Genesis was the popular choice for a “country club” car, while the Audi A6 was the premium winner.

Toyota was a big winner on the list, taking 10 of the 30 awards. According to the respondents, the Japanese automaker represented a good choice for fuel economic cars in the city. The company swept the city car category with the Toyota Yaris and Lexus LS taking honors, as well as the eco-friendly category for its Prius and Lexus RX Hybrid. In fact, the RX Hybrid won in multiple classes, also winning premium value and high tech vehicle awards.

Some drivers, however, want a bit more space with their vehicle, and this is where categories like “people mover” and “kid friendly” come into play. The Honda Odyssey was chosen as the best popular people mover, while Toyota’s Sequoia was deemed the most kid-friendly. The Mercedez-Benz GL was noted as the best premium car in both of these segments.

Consumers won’t find hard numbers on this list, but they will get some popular opinions on subjective categories like “sexy styling.” The winner in that category was the always-popular Chevy Corvette, while the Audi A5 turned heads in the luxury market.

Shopping for a deal is a smart way to buy a vehicle, but by heading to a used car dealership, drivers will likely be able to find a multitude of great prices on a range of vehicles. Once they’ve done that, they can pay a bit more attention to how that car will fit into their everyday lifestyle.

Horsepower is the first thing that some drivers look at when shopping for a used car, but all the power in the world won’t matter if the entire car is vibrating as it climbs up to top speed. Beyond simple performance measurements, a vehicle should more than anything be comfortable and enjoyable to drive and ride in.

There are several factors that go into this – suspension, the platform, even what the seat is made of and the reclining options. Yet not all of them will be readily apparent on one test drive.

That’s why Kelley Blue Book, the company responsible for listing used car values, recently looked at some top choices in ride quality. Since luxury vehicles frequently focus on smoother rides, an upper limit of $30,000 was established so that the list wasn’t dominated by more expensive vehicles. Here are some of their choices.

Two cars from Toyota made the list, and one was the company’s flagship Camry Sedan. Kelley singled out the car’s plush seats as particularly enjoyable. Under the hood, the company found the car’s “soft yet supple” suspension as more than adequate for providing a great ride. In addition, creature comforts like dual zone climate control are great for long road trips or stretches of traffic. The retail price on the base Camry is $22,225, but 2009 and 2010 models with limited mileage can be found for under $20,000.

Drivers who want an even more comfortable ride can step up to the Camry’s larger brandmate, the Toyota Avalon. The model comes in at around $28,000 for the 2010 model, although if a driver opts for a used Toyota Avalon from 2005 or 2006 they can likely get below $20,000. Yet the increase in price is well worth it, according to Kelley, as the Avalon delivers “Lexus-like comfort on a Toyota budget.” Passengers will appreciate the spacious interior and amenities like reclining rear seats, which comes standard. And while in the past drivers may have had to sacrifice handling in order to get a larger vehicle, advances in suspension technology makes the Avalon maneuverable while still providing comfort.

Another larger sedan that made the list was the Ford Taurus, which will slot in between the Avalon and Camry at about $25,000 when bought new. As one of the few sedans that can comfortably seat five, the Taurus is a great choice for families. The presence of Ford’s Sync system makes driving less of a hassle, as drivers can control all their portable devices hands-free. Still, the Taurus delivers sporty performance and styling while providing a quiet and gentle ride.

Drivers should know that although Kelley’s upper limit of $30,000 meant that many luxury cars didn’t find their way onto the list, it’s likely that car buyers can find used BMWs or used Mercedes – two brands known for their ride quality – for under $30,000 on the used car market.

It’s back-to-school time, and while most teenagers will likely stamp around the house upon hearing the word, their temperament is likely to be tamed when Mom and Dad hand them the keys to a brand new car.

Well, maybe not brand new. Many families opt to purchase used cars for their children when the time comes, as they are less expensive than newer models and will likely only be driven for a few years at most. However, that doesn’t mean the car doesn’t have to be nice, and parents should carefully consider a student’s needs when it comes time to choose.

Kelley Blue Book, the company that sets most used car values, recently revealed their picks for back-to-school cars. While some of the picks were new, half of them were older models that parents can likely easily find at their local used car dealer or auto auction. Here’s a few that made the grade.

Coming in at number 8 was the used Ford Crown Victoria from 2006. While Kelley acknowledges that the Crown Vic isn’t the first car that comes to mind when one thinks of the youth demographic, it defends the decision, citing the Crown Vic’s utility (it is the top choice of cab drivers and police officers) and roomy interior compared to many budget compact cars. Safety, another big concern for parents, generally improves with larger cars, and the Crown Vic’s long wheelbase and wide body offer that in spades.

In the fourth spot was the 2008 Pontiac Vibe. Kelley recommended this hatchback for students involved in lots of extracurricular activities, as the extra trunk space allows students to transport sports equipment and band instruments. It also helps for students that it looks sleek and stylish. Parents should be aware that the Vibe was co-developed by Toyota and GM, and drivers will find almost the exact same features on a used Toyota Matrix.

But the top spot was reserved for a perennial best seller, a used Honda Civic from 2006. Kelley called the model “the smartest car purchase you can make,” reasoning that the Civic has everything a student wants – affordability, reliability, space for cargo and books, stylish while also being extremely easy to sell once the kid heads off to college (yet it’ll still be around to hand down to younger siblings).

As Labor Day weekend approaches, many dealers will be offering incentives on 2010 models in order to make way for the new 2011 stock. That means that late-model 2010 vehicles will soon be hitting the used car market.

Crossovers are a popular vehicle among those shopping for used autos, and most companies now offer multiple crossover models. The mix of an SUV’s utility with the fuel economy and drivetrain of a smaller passenger vehicle has enticed a number of buyers.

Drivers shopping for a crossover will probably be looking at used Hondas, Fords and Nissans, among other brands. Yet because drivers are shopping on the used car market, they might opt to step up into a luxury crossover.

There are a number of luxury crossovers, but Cars.com recently listed a few of the better ones on the market. The Acura MDX, Buick Enclave and Lincoln MKT all have their fair share of followers, but the news source broke down the cars feature by feature.

In terms of price, buyers will find the Enclave as the cheapest of the three, with the MDX and MKT slightly higher. Yet the MDX and MKT both offer all-wheel drive, while the Enclave only has front-wheel drive.

The MKT blew away the competition in the horsepower department, with a turbocharged V6 engine and reactive transmission. The MKT’s handling was also praised.

However, the news source named the MDX as the best-handling vehicle, calling its ride experience “flat-out fun.” The MDX also won points for its recently redesigned exterior styling.

While all three models sport large interiors with three full rows of seats that fit seven passengers, they differed in cargo space, legroom and headroom. The Enclave took the cake on these fronts, with the roomiest experience. In the end, the website preferred the Enclave because of its cheaper price but competitive features.

Yet these aren’t the only three luxury crossovers in the game. Those looking for used autos will find options from several other manufacturers in regard to the luxury crossover, many of which can be found for quite a bit cheaper than the MDX, Enclave and MKT.

U.S News and World Report ranked Nissan’s Infiniti EX as the top crossover in the segment, beating out a host of other vehicles. Although the car’s engine may not be as powerful as some of it’s competitors and its interior is a bit more constrained, the car took top marks in safety features for around $35,000 new. A used Nissan Infiniti EX could most likely be found for quite a bit cheaper.

Mercedes-Benz offers two options for luxury crossovers. The company has the slightly smaller GLK-Class, which also retails in the $30,000 range, or the more expensive but also more spacious R-Class. The two models are considered to be top of the line in terms of engines, and come with the added prestige of the Mercedes name.

Finally, drivers should consider a used BMW X3 and X5. If buyers don’t need the extra space, the X3 offers great safety features and sporty handling. Those who want a slightly larger vehicle can instead opt for the X5, another solid choice for a crossover.