Michigan Internet Marketing Club: Used-car must-haves

Used-car must-haves

Need a slightly newer set of wheels? The smart money is on a late-model used car. It will offer some of the comfort and safety tech found in new cars, but at a more checkbook-friendly price.

Start with recommended models from our April Auto issue—ones that tested well when new, plus have proven reliability and good crash-test results. Find vehicles in your price range and the best condition. Then focus on some of these features:

One benefit that used-car shoppers can reap is the rapid depreciation of high-end features. The price gap between basic and top-trim models can shrink substantially after a few years. And with premium versions, you often get advanced safety gear in addition to the nicer furnishings.

Heated seats are a near-necessity for people who live in the snow belt. They’re common on newer high-trim versions of cars that are midsized or larger, as well as on all luxury nameplates. And you’ll never forget your first heated steering wheel on a winter day.

Tire-pressure monitoring has been mandatory since 2007. We much prefer systems that display an individual pressure reading for each tire rather than making you guess which tire is low or by how much.

Electronic crash-prevention systems such as forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning have been available on luxury cars for several years. But they have only recently started trickling down to the mainstream. Those features are worth seeking if the car fits your budget and meets your other requirements.

Visit our used-car buying guide.

We’ve never seen a huge benefit from high-end audio systems because road noise tends to drown out the subtle differences that make them stand out from more entry-level systems. (Read: “How do CDs, MP3s, and streaming music compare for in-car audio quality?”)

What we do like, though, is being able to play music from our own digital devices. So look for a USB input or, at the minimum, an auxiliary jack, and at least two 12-volt power points. Newer vehicles with Bluetooth connectivity offer even greater versatility.

See our guide to infotainment systems.

These basic features should top the list: side and head curtain airbags, antilock brakes, and electronic stability control. ESC, which became mandatory in 2012 but was widely available before then, is credited with being a lifesaver, especially in SUVs.

Rear cameras can prevent back-over accidents, and they’re a must-have in SUVs and pickups. In addition to helping you maneuver into or out of tight parking spaces, they make hitching up a trailer almost goof-proof.

Parents should look for a vehicle with low windowsills so that your kids can see out with ease. It will keep them looking at the scenery rather than provoking each other. Check that there’s room to easily install child safety seats, and look for convenient cup holders and storage nooks.

Shorten cleanup time by choosing fake or real leather seats; they’re easier to clean than fabric seats. And any family vehicle should have a generous cargo compartment.

—Gordon Hard

This article also appeared in the June 2015 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.