Read. Shop. Buy smart.
Thinking of trading in that old car for a new model? That’s a big commitment. Before you head to the dealership check out CRs April issue, devoted to making the right selection. Start by reading what they have to say about their “10 Top Picks.” These are the vehicles that came out on top in “road-test performance, predicted reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety.” Four selections from Toyota and two from Subaru earned top marks, along with others from Mazda, Ford, Tesla and BMW.
“The Best and Worst Lists” identify vehicles that do (and don’t) make the cut in categories like destination charges, (which CR notes can be quite costly if they’re wrapped into the vehicle financing), gas milage, EV range and reliability. Be sure to read: “Airbags Are a Lifesaver” to understand how your car is equipped to keep you safe in an accident.
If you’re trying to keep the costs down, don’t miss “The Best Buys Right Now” for tips on great cars priced below $27,000, and “Where to Find the Good Deals” for guidelines on getting a good deal no matter what kind of vehicle you want to buy. Then turn to the “New Car Ratings” and make a list of your own top picks.
If you aren't planning to buy a new car right away, learn what to expect in a couple of years with “What’s New … What’s Next?” This article is all about “The Hot Hybrid Everyone’s Talking About” - a plug in EV that can switch to gas for longer trips. These are called “PHEVs” and CR rates them by comparing them to gas, hybrid or EV counterparts.
Take a look at the detailed ratings and reports for cars, trucks and SUVs by accessing CR Online and selecting "cars" from the menu options.
Consumer Reports magazine is available free in print and online to Fauquier Public Library card holders, providing access to articles, reviews and ratings on over 8,000 products and services. The library has copies of Consumer Reports dating back to 2022.
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