Consumer Reports rate some Japanese used cars as 'more reliable'

In the market for a used car? Here's some good news. Consumer Reports today released its list of used cars that rate as more reliable than their brand-new counterparts.

The Consumer Reports' Annual Auto issue lists 11 2008 models with about the same or even fewer problems than comparable 2010 models. That list includes the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser and Yaris with a reported 11 and 12 problems per 100 vehicles, respectively. Although Consumer Reports reveals the average 2010 car had 13 problems per 100. Consumer Reports did not rate the FJ Cruiser and Yaris with high in road tests. The Honda CR-V and Fit did rate highly, making them better overall choices.

"Knowing a brand's reputation for reliability can aid the used-car shopper, but it's not foolproof. You're buying just one model from that brand. So it's important to check out the specific model's reliability ratings and learn about other factors like performance and safety," David Champion, Sr. Director, Consumer Reports Auto Test Center.

Two of the Toyota models had a higher problem rate: More than one in four owners of the 2009 four-cylinder Toyota Tacoma pickup reported a problem with the radio in the 12 months, the survey said. That problem is being fixed free of charge under Toyota's basic 36,000-mile warranty.

Cars up to five years old are usually safe bets, but cars older than that may have more issues. Only half of the 9- and 10-year-old vehicles had gone 12 months without a reported problem, Consumer Reports said.

The "Best of the Best" list is as follows:

Best Used Small Car: Honda Fit

Best Used Family Car: Toyota Prius

Best Used Upscale Car: Lexus ES

Best Used Luxury Car: Acura RL

Best Used Sport & Sporty Car: Mazda MX-5 Miata

Best Used Minivan: Toyota Sienna

Best Used Small SUV: Honda CR-V

Best Used Midsized & Large SUV: Toyota Highlander

Best Used Pickup Truck: Honda Ridgeline

Consumer Reports also publishes a "Worst of the Worst" list.

(Source: Consumer Reports)