by Gabrielle DeSantis

Buying a used car doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavor. In fact, Kelley Blue Book reports that there are several affordable used cars worth your consideration. And the following models? Well, they are among Kelley Blue Book’s picks for the best used cars under $10,000. Let’s find out what they are.

These Toyotas are some of the best used cars under $10,000

2012 Toyota Camry | Toyota

RELATED: Consumer Reports Confirms the Toyota Camry Is Still the Midsize Sedan to Beat

When it comes to shopping for an affordable used car, you can’t go wrong with a used Toyota, reports Kelley Blue Book. Take, for example, the 2012 Toyota Camry. The 2012 model was recommended by Consumer Reports and was given an Excellent reliability rating. RepairPal added that the 2012 Toyota Camry boasts excellent ownership costs, experiences very few problems, and is among the most reliable used cars on the road today. 

And if the 2012 Toyota Camry isn’t quite your style? Kelley Blue Book also highlighted the 2012 Toyota Corolla as one of the best used cars under $10,000. Much like the Camry, Consumer Reports recommends the 2012 Toyota Corolla. It also gave it an Excellent reliability rating. Not only does the 2012 Toyota Corolla have excellent ownership costs, but major issues are also uncommon for this used Toyota Corolla, reports RepairPal.

A red 2012 Toyota Prius, one of KBB's picks for the best affordable used cars
2012 Toyota Prius | Toyota

RELATED: These 4 Used Toyota Prius Models Under $20,000 Are Consumer Reports-Approved

For a more fuel-efficient used car, Kelley Blue Book recommends the 2012 Toyota Prius. Not only is the 2012 Toyota Prius one of the best used cars under $10,000, but Consumer Reports also recommends it. Consumer Reports gave it an Excellent reliability rating too. The bad news is that RepairPal reports repairs are more frequent than average for the Prius. Fortunately, more often than not, the repairs are pretty minor.

Two Hondas made the cut for the best affordable used cars under $10,000

A silver 2011 Honda Accord parked by the waterfront
2011 Honda Accord | Honda

RELATED: The 2012 Honda Civic HF Is a Super Budget-Friendly Economy Car

Say you would prefer a used Honda instead. The good news is that Kelley Blue Book included both the 2011 Honda Accord and the 2013 Honda Civic among its picks for the best used cars under $10,000. Consumer Reports not only recommends the 2011 Honda Accord but, the organization also gave it a Very Good reliability rating. RepairPal, meanwhile, reports that the 2011 Honda Accord has excellent ownership costs and is extremely reliable.

The 2013 Honda Civic, on the other hand, is not recommended by Consumer Reports. However, Consumer Reports did give it an Excellent reliability rating. As it turns out, this used Honda Civic suffered from lower than average owner satisfaction ratings. Owners weren’t thrilled with the sedan’s driving experience or overall comfort, says Consumer Reports.

The good news is that RepairPal gave it much better ratings. In fact, according to RepairPal, the 2013 Honda Civic has excellent ownership costs. Both the severity and frequency of repairs are much lower than other vehicles too. All in all, this particular Civic is one of the most reliable used cars on the road, RepairPal reports.

Consider these SUVs for some of the best used SUVs under $10,000

A red 2013 Kia Soul parked, the 2013 Kia Soul is one of the best used cars under $10,000
2013 Kia Soul | Kia

RELATED: The Best Used SUVs According to Consumer Reports

For many used car shoppers, there’s nothing like an SUV that costs less than $10,000. Fortunately, Kelley Blue Book included two options for those on the hunt for an affordable used SUV under $10,000. These options include both the 2011 Subaru Outback and the 2013 Kia Soul.

First, let’s talk about the 2011 Subaru Outback. Unfortunately, this particular model year wasn’t recommended by Consumer Reports because of a lower than average reliability rating. RepairPal reports that the 2011 Subaru Outback has average ownership costs too. On top of that, the frequency and severity of repairs are both pretty average compared to other vehicles.

The 2013 Kia Soul, on the other hand, isn’t recommended by Consumer Reports but did earn an Excellent reliability rating. If that’s not enough to sell you on this used Kia SUV, RepairPal reports this model boasts excellent ownership costs. Both the severity and frequency of repairs are much lower than in other used cars too.

These used cars under $10,000 deserve your attention too

A red 2013 Mazda3
2013 Mazda3 Sedan | Mazda

RELATED: A Used Mazda3 Is the Perfect Option for a $5,000 Budget

If you’re the type of person that likes options, you’ll be pleased to know that Kelley Blue Book also included the 2014 Mazda3, the 2014 Hyundai Elantra, and the 2013 Ford Fusion in its list of the best used cars under $10,000. The 2014 Mazda3 is recommended by Consumer Reports, which also gave it an Excellent reliability rating. Unfortunately, RepairPal reports that many Mazda models have above-average ownership costs. 

The good news is that RepairPal reports the 2014 Hyundai Elantra is among the most reliable used cars on the road. While Consumer Reports didn’t recommend this particular Hyundai Elantra model year, it did award it with a Very Good reliability rating. 

And if the 2013 Ford Fusion sounds more your style? Keep in mind that while Kelley Blue Book reports it is one of the best used cars under $10,000, this affordable used car did not earn a Consumer Reports recommendation. RepairPal added that it has average ownership costs. The frequency of repairs is about average in this affordable used car too.

Choosing the best used car for your budget doesn’t have to be stressful

Shopping for a used car can be stressful, especially if you’re shopping for a used car on a budget. The good news is that Kelley Blue Book’s picks for the best used cars under $10,000 are a good place to start.

The post The Best Used Cars Under $10,000 According to KBB appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Porsche may be best known for its sports cars, but Porsche also makes some great SUVs. One of Porsche’s SUVs is the Cayenne, and it delivers to customers everything they want in a Porsche, but as an SUV. While the 2021 Porsche Cayenne isn’t a cheap SUV, customers seem to love buying them.

The Porsche Cayenne’s weak sales history

Since it’s a Porsche, the Cayenne was always going to be an expensive SUV. For example, the 2021 Porsche Cayenne starts at about $68,000, and customers who want to splurge on their Porsche can end up spending six figures on their Cayenne. Compared to a Bugatti, the Cayenne is cheap, but regardless, not that many people are going to be able to afford a $68,000 midsize luxury SUV.

Unsurprisingly, according to GoodCarBadCar, the Cayenne’s sales reflect that. For example, in 2005, Porsche only sold about 13,000 units of the Cayenne.

Sales declined afterward, and it wasn’t until 2012 that Porsche managed to sell more Cayennes than it did in 2005. After that, the model’s sales have remained relatively stable at or below 20,000 units a year. 

And of course, in 2020, the pandemic happened, and the sudden economic crash led to a lot of people not buying a car. However, as things calmed down, it became clear that the economic crash wasn’t really affecting the people who could afford the Cayenne. As a result, after a massive dip in sales in the early months of the pandemic, the Cayenne rebounded and finished not far from how it sold in 2019. 

The 2020 Porsche Cayenne Coupe | Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

That rebound has continued, and so far in 2021, the Porsche Cayenne is still selling strongly. For example, in the first three months of 2021, GoodCarBadCar says that the Cayenne has sold about 4,200 units, and that’s better than its numbers for the first three months of 2020. These current sales numbers are slightly below 2019’s numbers, but that can be explained by the fact that 2019 was the start of a new generation of the Cayenne.

If 2019’s sales numbers aren’t in the discussion, then the Cayenne has so far sold more units in the first quarter of 2021 than it has sold in the first quarter of many prior years.

This is good news for Porsche and the Cayenne, as it means that people are more than willing to buy a luxury SUV right now. If the Porsche Cayenne’s sales trends continue to hold, then overall, Porsche should be doing some great business in the near future.

An overview of the 2021 model

The Cayenne is a Porsche, so performance is one of the most important things about it. And, as far as performance goes, the Cayenne lives up to the Porsche legacy. It comes with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, and that engine gets about 335 hp. That powerful standard engine, along with its impressive handling, means that the Cayenne is a pretty fun car to drive.

Performance aside, however, it’s also an SUV, and it does what SUVs do really well too. Not only does it have a luxurious interior, but it’s also a comfortable and spacious one. On top of that, the Cayenne has plenty of standard features, such as a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking, just to name a few. 

When equipped with its standard engine, the Cayenne also gets 21 MPG overall, which is respectable for an SUV as big and powerful as the Cayenne. However, for more environmentally-minded customers, Porsche also offers some powerful hybrid engine options. These hybrid engines can get over 670 hp, but they won’t be cheap by any means.

RELATED: Consumer Reports Says the 2021 Porsche Cayenne Is the Most Satisfying Porsche Model

The post The 2021 Porsche Cayenne Is off to a Good Start This Year appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

We learned some potentially disappointing news right after we got very excited about the 2021 Ford Ranger Raptor. The new Ford Ranger Raptor Special Edition may be missing one crucial feature that other off-roading vehicles have. 

The 2021 Ford Ranger Raptor has one potential drawback 

2021 Ford Ranger Raptor | Ford

According to Autoblog, the 2021 Ford Ranger Raptor isn’t gaining more power. It will have the same twin-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine with 235 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque that the other models have. 

This isn’t to say that the Ford Ranger has a bad engine. However, as Autoblog noted, when a special edition rolls out, you expect it to have a little more power. For example, the Ford F-150 Raptor is getting a V8 next year to increase its power. 

What to expect with the Ford Ranger Raptor 

RELATED: The Ford Ranger Raptor Will Dethrone the Toyota Tacoma

The 2021 Ford Ranger Raptor isn’t getting an upgraded suspension. So, we aren’t sure if it will be better for off-roading than the Ranger Tremor. Also, the Ranger Raptor isn’t getting a set of unique wheels. 

So, what exactly is the Ranger Raptor getting? A few appearance upgrades. It has matte black stripes with red accents over the top and sides. You get red tow hooks that pop too. Plus, the interior received red stitching and a grey instrument panel. 

It does have wider wheel arches and has a 51 mm taller ride height, which may improve its ride quality. The front and rear bumpers, door handles, and radiator grille are finished in matte black to add contrast with the red tow hooks. You can get the Ranger Raptor Special Edition in shades of Performance Blue, Conquer Grey, and Frozen White. The bucket seats with Raptor badging provide a sportier feel.

If you like the way the Ranger Raptor looks, then go for it. The Ford Ranger Raptor will be built in limited numbers to ensure exclusivity. It’s expected to go on sale later this fall, and pricing hasn’t been announced yet. 

Is the Ford Ranger Tremor better? 

A white 2021 Ford Ranger Tremor parked in sand
2021 Ford Ranger Tremor | Ford

Both the Ford Ranger Tremor and the 2021 Ford Ranger Raptor have their off-roading benefits. The Raptor was expected to be beefier than the Tramoer package, but this might not be the case. 

The Tremor package includes all-terrain tires, an upgraded suspension, an electronically locking rear differential, skid plates, mixed metal side steps, Tremor graphics, and six auxiliary power switches for off-roading equipment and accessories. 

The Ranger Tremor has stronger upper and lower front control arms, 2.0-inch Fox dampers, and rear dampers with external reservoirs. The ground clearance is increased to 9.7 inches, which is 0.8 inches taller than the standard Ranger. 

You’ll find that the front suspension travel is increased to 6.5 inches, and the rear suspension travel is upgraded to 8.1 inches. It has an approach angle of 30.9 degrees, a departure angle of 25.5 degrees, and a break-over angle of 24.2 degrees. 

Unless you want the stripes and diesel engine, the Ford Ranger Tremor may be the better package to choose. It includes more upgrades for an enhanced off-roading experience, even though it doesn’t have the Raptor badge.

The post The 2021 Ford Ranger Raptor Lacks 1 Crucial Feature appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Consumer Reports has compiled a list of the best cars and SUVs for 2021 that might be on the higher end of some budgets. The Lexus RX, Tesla Model 3, Kia Telluride, and the Subaru Outback are some of the best cars for 2021. If you need a little extra room for passengers, check out the options below.

What is the best SUV for around $55,000?

The Toyota Lexus RX 350L SUV is one of Consumer Reports best cars for 2021 | Troy Harvey/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The 2021 Lexus RX might not be the most exciting SUV on the planet, but it is actually pretty loaded with features for the price. Consumer Reports says it is comfortable, the cargo area is spacious, and you can’t beat the safety features. It has the rugged nature of a Toyota SUV, but with the luxury we expect from Lexus. The 2021 model gets an EPA estimated 29 miles per gallon.

The regular-length RX has room for five, but the L version has a small third-row seat optional. Blindspot warning and rear cross-traffic warning are standard this year.

Price Range: $45,220 – $57,310

The Consumer Reports best cars for 2021 include Tesla

RELATED: Tesla Model 3: What Is the Range for This Electric Vehicle?

All of the conversation surrounding the Tesla Model 3 is due to the innovative product offered. Tesla offers three trim options for the Model 3. The Standard Range Plus model starts at $33,690. The estimated range was 263 miles. The Long Range Model 3 is an all-wheel-drive option. It starts at $42,690 and gets an estimated 353 miles.

The Performance option starts at $51,690. This one gets an estimated 315 miles and has a top speed of 162 miles per hour. Even if you have a long commute to work, it is unlikely you will need more than 250 miles per day. Consumer Reports calls it a green choice and notes that owners have been satisfied with the vehicle overall. While some are not ready to plunge into an electric vehicle, it might be the right time for others.

Price Range: $39,490 – $56,990

What is the best 2021 SUV to buy?

RELATED: Is the 2021 Kia Telluride Recommended by Edmunds?

The 2021 Kia Telluride a top-rated SUV. The 2021 Telluride has a few trim options. The LX trim starts at $32,190. It comes with automatic emergency braking and warning, blind-spot detection technology, and cruise control.

As far as range, the EPA-estimated mileage for the front-wheel-drive Telluride is 20 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined. The Telluride has room for seven and has two captain chairs in the second row. The Telluride is covered by Kia’s 10 years, 100k mile warranty program.

Price Range: $32,190 – $44,390

What is the best-rated small SUV for 2021?

If you are interested in the 2021 Subaru Outback already, you likely won’t be disappointed with your choice. This isn’t your typical big-SUV, but it is just as capable. It can go off-road if you need to, or it can simply go to and from the store. Consumer Reports notes it has a comfortable interior, a roomy backseat and cargo area, and a roof rack that comes standard.

The Outback has pretty solid fuel economy and is a fun choice for those who don’t want the usual large SUV situation.

Price Range: $26,795 – $39,945

Overall, these options will offer a lot of upgraded safety features and will not totally break the bank. If you have a bigger family and need a little extra room, one of the SUVs or or cars on the list should fit the whole crew.

The post Consumer Reports Best Cars and SUVs for 2021 Under $55k appeared first on MotorBiscuit.