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    Talking Cars 452: Best Used Cars of the Year—10 Top Picks

    Plus, buying advice and the brands with the most reliable used cars

    We hear you! New cars are expensive these days, and most people in the U.S. opt for used cars over new ones. So for this podcast episode, we’re straying a bit from our typical format of covering a new vehicle and instead focusing on used cars. 

    We discuss the clearest advantages and disadvantages of buying used cars and the best ways to shop. 

    We’ve launched an all-new used car hub. This page provides selections for the most reliable recommended cars at several prices, backed by a redesigned used car buying guide with all the essentials, from car selection to inspection and financing. 

    The panelists discuss the used car brand rankings, focused on the reliability of 5- to 10-year-old models. 

    Plus, they share highlights from CR’s first-ever Best Used Cars of the Year: 10 Top Picks, a curated list of standouts. Each offers a great starting point for shoppers. 

    Ready to shop? Go to CR’s Used Car Marketplace.

    Talking Cars 452 panel
    “Talking Cars” panelists (from left): Jen Stockburger, Jake Fisher, and Alex Knizek.

    Photo: Consumer Reports Photo: Consumer Reports

    How to Listen

    “Talking Cars With Consumer Reports” episodes are available through Apple Podcasts (audio or video), audio on Spotify (log-in required), video on YouTube, and on CR’s video hub.

    Engage in the Talking Cars community.

    Recent Episodes

    Driving the Honda Prologue, episode 451
    Driving the New Mini Countryman, episode 450
    • Driving the Toyota Tacoma, episode 449
    • Driving the Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid, episode 448
    • Driving the BMW X2, episode 447

    Have a Question?

    Send a text or video message to TalkingCars@iCloud.com. Please include your first name and where you’re from, and we might feature it in a future episode.

    Talking Cars

    Browse the complete podcast archive for past shows.


    Jennifer Stockburger

    Jennifer Stockburger, who worked at CR from 2000 to 2026, was the director of operations at the CR Auto Test Center, focusing on the day-to-day operations of CR’s 327-acre testing facility as well as overseeing the child seat and tire test programs and contributing to CR’s comprehensive vehicle ratings.