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

by Gabrielle DeSantis

For customers who care about the environment, the Toyota Prius is a great, fuel-efficient option. That being said, the Prius can also be a great financial option, especially for gig workers. Here’s a look at the four used Toyota Prius models that are under $20,000 and are all extremely fuel-efficient. 

The regular 2016 to 2017 Toyota Prius

Toyota Prius models | Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

According to Consumer Reports, the regular Toyota Prius from the 2016 to 2017 model years are a great, used option that’s under $20,000. These model years of the Prius may cost about $17,000, and they provide quite a few perks. 

Off the bat, these model years of the Prius were when Toyota introduced some new features to the car. Chief among them was a new, larger engine, which Consumer Reports said was even more efficient than before, as it gets about 52 MPG overall.

While both are great, affordable options, Consumer Reports recommended that owners try to find the 2017 Prius. This is because that’s the model year when Toyota made a lot of smart safety features standard on the Prius. 

The 2016 to 2017 Toyota Prius V

Like Consumer Reports wrote, the Toyota Prius V from the 2016 to 2017 model years was similar in a few areas to the regular Prius, but it also made a few significant changes. The Prius V is a wagon version of the Prius, and as such, it’s larger and roomier than the regular Prius.

That size upgrade made the Prius V a better option for families than the regular model was, however, the Prius V’s larger size did hurt the car when it comes to fuel economy. The V model only gets about 41 MPG overall, according to Consumer Reports.

With that said, when it comes to price and quality, the Prius V is as good as the regular Prius from those model years. A used Prius V from those model years may cost about $17,000 as well, and Consumer Reports also gave it a good review overall.

The 2018 Prius C model

Unlike the Toyota Prius V, the Toyota Prius C is a smaller and more affordable version of the Prius. Consumer Reports said that a used 2018 Prius C may cost anywhere between $15,000 and $18,000. However, while the Prius C provided the same great fuel economy that a Prius is known for, it did fall short elsewhere.

For example, Consumer Reports said that while the Prius C gets about 43 MPG overall, the rear seats aren’t spacious and the interior used a lot of “cheap-looking materials.” Furthermore, it had a harsh ride, a loud and noisy interior, and a pretty weak engine overall. 

That said, Consumer Reports wrote that it had some standard smart safety features, including automatic emergency braking. And, due to its small size, parking is pretty easy with the Prius C. 

The 2017 Prius Prime

RELATED: Is the Toyota Prius Prime Better Than the Toyota Prius?

Last but not least, the 2017 Prius Prime made Consumer Reports list, but barely. A used version of this car costs between $19,000 and $23,000, but it’s well worth the price tag. 

Unlike the other Prius models on the list, the Prius Prime is a PHEV, which means that it can go on battery-only mode for quite a while. Consumer Reports said that the 2017 Prius Prime can go about 23 miles on battery power alone.

In hybrid mode, the Prius Prime gets 50 MPG overall, which is about average for a Prius. Furthermore, the Prius Prime also came with a lot of standard smart safety features.

That said, there are some drawbacks to buying a used Prius Prime. For example, Consumer Reports said that the Prius Prime could only seat four people, and it also had an “unintuitive infotainment system.” 

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Missing Component in Review Model Leads to Questions About the 2021 Volvo V90 R-Design

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Buying a new car usually takes a lot of time, effort, and money. Once you’ve picked out the perfect wagon and driven it home, it would be annoying to find out it’s missing a component. That’s exactly what happened to MotorTrend when it tested out the 2021 Volvo V90 R-Design. Luckily, the V90 has a lot to recommend it despite this odd issue.

The 2021 Volvo V90 R-Design’s missing switch

MotorTrend tested out a 2021 Volvo V90 R-Design and noticed something odd: it didn’t have a switch to turn on the rear wiper. The Volvo PR team let MotorTrend know that the missing switch was due to a messed-up repair done at the dealership. Mechanics had installed the stalk from a Volvo S90 into the V90.

MotorTrend was a little concerned that a nearly new vehicle would need such a basic part replaced already. However, the reviewer did joke that missing parts are more likely found in a British car or a Tesla rather than in a Volvo. While it’s an odd problem, it’s likely not one that buyers should be worried about.

The 2021 Volvo V90 R-Design trim

The Volvo V90 | Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty Images

RELATED: What’s New With the 2021 Volvo V90?

Despite the missing switch, MotorTrend’s review of the 2021 Volvo V90 R-Design is largely positive. This popular wagon has been around since 2018 and has few changes for the 2021 model year. Volvo says there are slight changes to the front and rear fascias plus new upholstery and interior trim. It does have a new wireless phone charger for 2021, though. MotorTrend reassures that the Volvo V90 has a “timeless” design and didn’t need new updates.

The V90 comes with a 250-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine called the T5. Also available is a 2.0-liter super turbocharged inline-four, called the T6, that produces 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. In addition, there is a Polestar Performance upgrade that increases the output to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque (for an extra $1,200).

The interior of the V90 is nicely finished with high-quality materials and roomy seats, says U.S. News. It comes standard with a cooled glove box. It is worth noting that its nice shape and swooping roofline mean it doesn’t have that much cargo space. It has 19.8 cubic feet, which is actually less than the Volvo V60, a smaller car.

The tablet-style 9-inch touchscreen has a portrait orientation and a few quirks in using it. Standard tech features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth, a 14-speaker Harman Kardon stereo, navigation, satellite radio, wireless device charging, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

MotorTrend was impressed with the V90’s Pilot Assist, the driver assistance system. It provides adaptive cruise control and a lane-centering system. The system works well and is helpful. The V90 also includes a long list of standard safety features.

The 2021 Inscription and Cross Country options

RELATED: The 2021 Volvo V90 Cross Country Is an SUV Alternative That Looks Like a Snack

MotorTrend’s test model was the R-Design trim of the Volvo V90, but the V90 is also available in the Inscription trim as well. The R-Design has different suspension tuning from the Inscription trim, giving the R-Design sharper, more agile handling, says MotorTrend. The R-Design and Inscription both offer the T5 and T6 engines.

There is also the similar V90 Cross Country, which is a lifted wagon that comes standard with the T6 engine. The Cross Country provides a higher ride height plus it has hill descent control and an off-road drive mode.

While MotorTrend says the missing switch raises questions about how the 2021 Volvo V90 was built, it still finds the V90 to be “quick, posh, beautiful, good fun to drive, and every inch the anti-SUV.”

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1 Man’s Stolen Austin-Healey Was Found 42 Years Later

by Gabrielle DeSantis

What’s more heartwarming than a long-lost pet returning to its owner, or relatives reuniting after many years? If you’re a gearhead, you might get the same fuzzy feelings from finding your favorite car again. Sadly, stolen cars don’t get returned quickly, especially if it’s a rare find like an Austin-Healey.

Austin-Healey created many popular British sports cars at the time, including the Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. The car is valued at around $60,000 today, but restored models are sold in the $100,000-range. That makes it a good target for thieves, but it appears that even an Austin-Healey can be reunited with its owner, according to Mass Live.

What’s the hype about the Austin-Healey 3000?

The Austin-Healey 3000, still regarded as the most popular car from this automaker, first appeared in 1959 as the Mk I. It was available as both a two-seater or four-seater, with disc brakes on the front wheels and a 124-hp inline-six engine. When tested, it reached 0-60 mph in 11.7 seconds, which was considered quite fast at the time.

The Mk II was released in 1962 with a slightly lower top speed, only 112.9 mph compared to 115 mph. It was quicker on its road test, racing to 60 mph in just under 11 seconds. This was probably due to its bigger camshaft and new carburetors. 

The Austin-Healey 3000 debuted in 1964 with yet another new camshaft, bringing its hp up to 150. In addition to the best performance specs, it was known for having the most luxurious interior. It came with new vinyl upholstery, roll-up windows, and a burled wood dashboard.

The Austin-Healey 3000’s fame was short-lived, as it was discontinued in 1967. It couldn’t comply with the latest safety regulations at the time, and demand was too low to warrant an update. Only 17,712 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III roadsters were ever created, making it quite the prize for an automobile collector.

How one man’s Austin-Healey came home

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While the Austin-Healey 3000 fetches a premium price now, Bob Russell bought his from a friend in 1968 for $3,000. Two years later, the car was stolen from his apartment complex’s parking lot in Philadelphia. According to MotorAuthority, Russell didn’t carry insurance, so he wasn’t even compensated for his car’s disappearance.

Russell filed a police report, but the Austin-Healey was never located. He would continue to fruitlessly inspect every Healey he saw afterward on the street until eBay came along. There, he could easily check online auctions from around the country every day for his missing car.

42 years later, Russell’s missing Austin-Healey’s auction was finally posted by a California dealership. He told the dealership that the car was stolen, but couldn’t prove it without his original police report. Additionally, it appeared that either the police or Russell had misentered the VIN number into the FBI’s database.

Russell alerted the authorities about this error and police reopened the case. Los Angeles police seized the car from the dealership and eventually put it back in Russell’s possession.

Is there hope for your stolen vehicle?

Surprisingly, Russell isn’t the only one to find his lost car after many years. The Proctor Dealerships site recounts even more heartwarming stories, including the recovery of 1967 Jaguar XKE. The car was lost for 46 years before police found the vehicle and returned it to its rightful owner.

A 1968 Corvette, missing for 37 years, was found by police just as it was about to be shipped overseas. Despite a 30-year absence, one Ferrari was found with only 45,000 miles on the odometer. You might have to wait decades, but sometimes a stolen car can find its way back to its owner.

The post 1 Man’s Stolen Austin-Healey Was Found 42 Years Later appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

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The Best Used Cars Under $10,000 According to Consumer Reports

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Finding a good used car under $10,000 isn’t always the most straightforward process. Typically, once a car is in this price point it’s either an older model or it’s high mileage. It can help put a car shopper’s mind at ease to narrow down options by doing a little research. Here are the best used cars under $10,000 according to Consumer Reports.

Volkswagen Beetle | Volkswagen U.S. Media

Every so often, Consumer Reports updates consumers with new options for good used cars in several price brackets. This new list differs from the last Consumer Reports recommendation we reported on for the best used cars on a budget. Let’s take a look at the small cars, midsized, large, and luxury sedans on the new list of the best used cars for buyers on a budget.

Small cars for a small budget according to Consumer Reports

For shoppers looking for a small car, there are several recommendations for good used cars under $10,000. The Honda Fit is first on the list. Consumer Reports recommends the 2011-2013 Honda Fit. This small hatchback offers generous interior and cargo space, gets about 31 MPG, and is priced from $7,7575-$8,525.

A blue 2011 Honda Fit parked outside in the city.
2011 Honda Fit | Honda

Shoppers on a budget might also want to check out the 2012-2013 Mazda3. This model costs between $7,425-$10,800. The Mazda3 gets about 30 MPG and Consumer Reports recommends it as one of the best used cars under $10,000.

In addition to the Mazda3 and the Honda Fit, Consumer Reports also recommends the Nissan Leaf from the model years 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2016. This small EV hatchback has a range of 75 miles, with and MPGe estimate of 106 miles. A used Nissan Leaf from these model years typically runs between $3,050-$10,625.

However, if Japanese engineering isn’t what you are looking for Consumer Reports also includes the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (26 MPG). Used car shoppers can find the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle between $9,025-$13,225. It’s a little more pricey, but the Beetle is still doable for under $10,000.

No good used car list is complete without a host of Toyota models

A white 2012 Toyota Corolla coming off the assembly line.
Toyota Corolla | YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/AFP/GettyImages

Nearly any list of used cars out there has at least one Toyota model on it––if not a host of them. In fact, on this Consumer Reports list of the best used cars under $10,000 there are five Toyota models. Unsurprisingly, the Toyota Corolla made the cut. Priced between $8,425-$9,275, the 2011-2013 Toyota Corolla models get about 30 MPG.

Three different Prius models are on the list too. The 2011-2012 Toyota Prius costs around $9,000 and gets 45 MPG. On the other hand, the 2012-2014 Toyota Prius C goes for about $9 grand as well. This model gets 48 MPG. The 2012 Toyota Prius V (40 MPG) generally costs just a few hundred dollars more, and Consumer Reports also recommends it as one of the best used cars under $10,000.

There’s one more used Toyota model on the list. However, we will talk about that one below. It’s one of the best midsized, large, and luxury used sedans for under $10 grand.

Midsized, large, and luxury used sedans for under $10,000

If none of those options are your speed, Consumer Reports still has a few more to recommend. First up, the legendary Honda Accord. Model years 2011-2012 generally cost between $8,075-$10,400. The Accord gets about 25 MPG.

For those looking for a little luxury, the 2011-2012 Infiniti G models are good used cars under $10K. The G25 option runs a 2.5 liter V6, but for more power buyers should opt for the Infiniti G37 with its stronger 3.7 liter V6 power plant ($8,875-$9,500). The Infiniti G cars get an average of about 21 MPG.

A silver 2012 Toyota Camry driving at speed on a scenic road near an evergreen forest.
2012 Toyota Camry | Toyota Motor Corp.

The next good used car recommended by Consumer Reports is Toyota’s midsize sedan––the tried and true Toyota Camry. This model has a great reputation for longevity and reliability. A 2011-2012 Toyota Camry costs $8,600-$9,850 and gets about 26 MPG.

What are best used cars under $10,000?

This list shows shoppers the Consumer Reports recommendation for the best used cars under $10,000 according to Consumer Reports. While this list is great for informing research, it does not mean that these used sedans and small cars are the only good used cars for a small budget. Smart car buying takes some time and effort.

While Consumer Reports is a great place to start, other places like Kelley Blue Book and J.D. Power also put out similar lists. Cross-referencing multiple sources is the best way for used car shoppers to learn about the models they are interested in. That said, the models that Consumer Reports recommends do have high reliability ratings and fit under the $10,000 price bracket.

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