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Dependable Used Sedans Under a 2024 New-Car Price Benchmark: What the Evidence Shows

IIHS and Consumer Reports’ May 2024 recommendations included six sedan examples with dated KBB values from $8,400 to $19,200. Here is what those figures and criteria can—and cannot—establish.
Entry256 Date Time3 min MechanicCarCody Team
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There is no verified source or metric in the available evidence for the title’s “average price of a new car in 2024” threshold, and the original ten-car list could not be confirmed. A useful, clearly dated alternative is the sedan pricing published by IIHS and Consumer Reports in May 2024: six examples had Kelley Blue Book average U.S. values from $8,400 to $19,200, under specified condition, mileage, and private-party assumptions. Those figures are historical examples—not current asking prices or proof that each car falls below a particular new-car average.

What the 2024 figures can—and cannot—tell you

On May 22, 2024, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports (CR) published used-vehicle recommendations with average Kelley Blue Book values dated April 19, 2024. The estimates assumed good condition, typical mileage, a private-party purchase, the lowest trim, and the earliest applicable model year. The release does not establish the new-car price benchmark meant by “average” in the title, so these estimates cannot verify a specific below-average comparison.

The release grouped vehicles as “Best Choices” and “Good Choices.” The sedans below are examples from those recommendations, not a reconstructed ranking or a verified original top ten. Prices are dated averages under the assumptions above; an individual car’s value can differ with its year, trim, location, mileage, condition, and seller.

Dated sedan examples from IIHS and Consumer Reports

Model and model years KBB average U.S. value Source and price date
Toyota Corolla sedan (2017 or newer) $10,600 IIHS and Consumer Reports; April 19, 2024
Toyota Camry (2018 or newer) $9,600 IIHS and Consumer Reports; April 19, 2024
Honda Accord sedan (2020) $19,200 IIHS and Consumer Reports; April 19, 2024
Mazda 6 (2015–17) $8,400 IIHS and Consumer Reports; April 19, 2024
Honda Accord coupe or sedan (2015–17) $10,500 IIHS and Consumer Reports; April 19, 2024
Subaru Legacy (2017–18) $11,600 IIHS and Consumer Reports; April 19, 2024

These values should be read as historical reference points, not today’s market prices or guaranteed purchase costs. The release’s full criteria and category groupings are in IIHS and Consumer Reports’ May 22, 2024 announcement.

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How the recommendations assessed safety and reliability

IIHS and CR said their recommendations combined reliability and safety criteria. Listed vehicles had CR reliability scores of 4 or 5 out of 5 for a majority of the model years covered, emergency-handling scores of at least 3 out of 5, and dry braking distances of 145 feet or less. The release also applied IIHS crashworthiness and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration star-rating criteria. Its “Best Choices” and “Good Choices” labels are separate categories, not a single rank order.

CR’s broader used-car recommendation method considers road-test performance when a vehicle was new, consistently above-average reliability across multiple survey years, and standard electronic stability control for the model year. These model-level measures help screen candidates; they do not establish the condition or service history of the particular car for sale.

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Separate reliability evidence from the car’s condition

CR distinguishes predicted reliability from owner satisfaction. In its 2024 Buying Guide, predicted reliability is a forecast based on member survey reports; owner satisfaction is the share of surveyed members who say they would definitely buy or lease the vehicle again. One concerns reported reliability trends and the other owners’ willingness to repeat the purchase. Neither is an inspection of an individual used car.

A reliable nameplate can still have a neglected or damaged example. Before making an offer, evaluate the specific vehicle rather than treating a model’s reputation as a guarantee.

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How to evaluate a specific used sedan

  1. Confirm the exact vehicle. Match the model year, body style, trim, and equipment to the applicable reliability and crash-test evidence. Do not assume that results for one year or configuration cover every version.
  2. Check the current local price. Compare vehicles of similar year, trim, mileage, and condition in your area. The April 2024 KBB estimates above are not current listings or a substitute for a present-day valuation.
  3. Review the history and maintenance records. Look for gaps, inconsistent mileage, major damage, and evidence of regular servicing. A clean-looking car or a strong model reputation cannot fill missing records.
  4. Arrange an independent mechanical inspection. Have a qualified mechanic assess the vehicle before purchase. A diagnostic code reader can supplement that process by revealing stored codes, but it cannot certify reliability or replace an inspection.
  5. Decide whether the car fits your needs. Compare the specific car’s safety equipment, operating costs, space, and condition against your own priorities rather than relying on a single “dependable” label.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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