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The Most Reliable Used Cars to Consider in 2024

Five Toyota models earned segment awards in J.D. Power’s 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study. Here’s what that evidence can—and cannot—tell used-car shoppers.
Entry190 Date Time2 min MechanicCarCody Team
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For a 2024 U.S. used-car shortlist, the Toyota Corolla, RAV4, 4Runner, Camry and Highlander are evidence-backed candidates: each received a segment dependability award in J.D. Power’s 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study. Those awards are a useful starting point, not a guarantee about a particular car or a ranking of every used model year.

Which used cars stood out in the 2024 dependability study?

J.D. Power’s 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) named the following segment award recipients. Match the vehicle to the class and use you need; the study’s awards compare vehicles within segments, not all cars as interchangeable choices.

Model Study segment
Toyota Corolla Compact car
Toyota RAV4 Compact SUV
Toyota 4Runner Midsize SUV
Toyota Camry Midsize car
Toyota Highlander Upper-midsize SUV

Toyota Motor Corporation earned nine model-level awards, the most of any automaker in the study. The separate 2024 dependability ratings page also identifies the Corolla as highest-ranked in its compact-car category. J.D. Power’s study and award details and its dependability ratings provide the source context.

What the reliability evidence measures

The VDS surveyed 30,595 original owners of 2021 model-year vehicles after three years of ownership. Fieldwork took place from August through November 2023. Owners reported problems across 184 specific areas in nine categories: climate, driving assistance, driving experience, exterior, features/controls/displays, infotainment, interior, powertrain and seats.

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J.D. Power reports problems per 100 vehicles (PP100); a lower score indicates fewer reported problems in the measure. The 2024 industry average was 190 PP100, four higher than in 2023. Infotainment was the most problematic category at 49.1 PP100. These figures describe the study cohort and its owner reports, not the expected fault count for one car you might buy.

Powertrain-type averages in the study were 256 PP100 for battery-electric vehicles, 216 for plug-in hybrids, 191 for hybrids and 187 for gasoline vehicles. These aggregate results do not predict the reliability of every vehicle in a powertrain category and are not, by themselves, a reason to rule out a specific car. See the study methodology and results.

How to use the shortlist when shopping

Start with the right class and model year

Choose among the award recipients based on your needs—such as a compact car, midsize sedan or SUV—then check records for the exact model year and trim you are considering. The awards draw on original owners of 2021 vehicles; they are not a comprehensive ranking of older used cars or of every year and configuration.

Check the individual car, not just its nameplate

Ask for maintenance records and review the vehicle’s ownership and accident history. A history report can help identify events in the record, but it cannot establish that the car is mechanically sound or disclose every hidden fault. Arrange an independent pre-purchase inspection to assess the particular vehicle’s current condition.

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Use an OBD-II scan as one check

A diagnostic scanner may reveal trouble codes, but it cannot replace an inspection by a qualified professional. The VDS records owner-reported problems; it does not test or endorse scanners.

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What this ranking cannot tell you

The VDS is U.S.-specific owner-reported dependability evidence, not a controlled durability test or an inspection of cars currently for sale. It does not establish current prices or inventory, the maintenance quality of a particular example, its safety status, or the reliability of every model year. Consumer Reports also publishes used-car reliability and buying guidance, but no model ranking from that source is included here. Its used-car guidance is a separate resource to consult alongside model-year-specific records.

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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