The 10 Best Used Cars To Buy In 2011: Kiplinger List

According to Kiplinger rankings , they picked ten vehicles — seven sedans, two SUVs and one convertible — that received top scores for performance, value and safety, got high marks for reliability, and won't drain your wallet at the gas pump.Dealer and private-party prices are based on actual transactions reported by Edmunds.com for previously owned vehicles considered to be in "clean" condition and driven an average of 12,000 miles a year. Also included are the certified used price of each vehicle, based on actual sales. Certified vehicles pass a rigorous inspection and include a warranty that goes beyond the car's original warranty.

1. 2008 Honda CR-V LX

Price when new: $21,370
Dealer used price: $16,438
Private-party price: $15,359
Certified used price: $17,556
MPG (city/hwy): 20/27

2. 2009 Ford Fusion SE

Price when new: $21,775
Dealer used price: $16,055
Private-party price: $14,352
Certified used price: $16,843
MPG (city/hwy): 20/28

3. 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Price when new: $33,135 (base model)
Dealer used price: $20,553
Private-party price: $19,059
Certified used price: $22,371
MPG (city/hwy): 28/25

4. 2007 Volvo S60 2.5T

Price when new: $31,580
Dealer used price: $15,051
Private-party price: $13,550
Certified used price: $17,243
MPG (city/hwy): 19/28

5. 2008 Hyundai Elantra SE

Price when new: $17,845
Dealer used price: $12,026
Private-party price: $10,969
Certified used price: $13,317
MPG (city/hwy): 25/33

6. 2009 Nissan Altima 2.5 S

Price when new: $22,260
Dealer used price: $16,259
Private-party price: $14,791
Certified used price: $17,316
MPG (city/hwy): 23/31

7. 2008 Honda Fit

Price when new: $14,620 (base model)
Dealer used price: $11,051
Private-party price: $10,276
Certified used price: $11,667
MPG (city/hwy): 28/34

8. 2008 Toyota Prius

Price when new: $21,610 (standard model)
Dealer used price: $15,231
Private-party price: $14,257
Certified used price: $16,677
MPG (city/hwy): 48/45

9. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport

Price when new: $23,500 (manual, soft top)
Dealer used price: $18,501
Private-party price: $16,967
Certified used price: $20,197
MPG (city/hwy): 22/28

10. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E350

Price when new: $54,075
Dealer used price: $34,155
Private-party price: $32,710
Certified used price: $36,437
MPG (city/hwy): 17/24

West Valley Auto Plaza’s goal is to get you back on your feet in a good reliable pre-owned vehicle that you can afford at a fair price regardless of your credit situation. This is what we’ve done for over 11 years now, and this is what we’ll do for you. Feel free to shop around and see what others have to offer. We know you’ll end up choosing us, because we are the best out there, and we won’t jerk you around!