So, the question is which are the best used car to buy? The folks at Edmunds, an automotive data tracking and testing service, have complied a list of 15 best bets. This isn't just a beauty contest.  The selections were based on criteria including reliability, safety, value and, yes, availability.



The list includes a total of 11 different brands, but four marques appear twice, Ford, Honda, Hyundai and Toyota.  (Nissan is there twice, as well, if you include both the Nissan and Infiniti brands).  The editors' picks:


    Compact Sedan: 2005-2010 Hyundai Elantra
    Midsize Sedan: 2005-2010 Nissan Altima
    Large Sedan: 2006-2010 Hyundai Azera
    Coupe: 2005-2010 BMW 3 Series
    Convertible: 2005-2010 Mazda Miata
    Wagon: 2005-2010 Pontiac Vibe
    Compact SUV/Crossover: 2005-2010 Honda CR-V
    Midsize SUV/Crossover: 2005-2010 Ford Explorer
    Large SUV/Crossover: 2005-2010 Chevrolet Tahoe
    Minivan/Van: 2005-2010 Honda Odyssey
    Compact Truck: 2005-2010 Toyota Tacoma
    Large Truck: 2005-2010 Ford F-150
    Luxury: 2005-2010 Infiniti G35/G37
    Hybrid: 2005-2010 Toyota Prius
    Sport Compact: 2005-2010 Subaru Impreza WRX

   
How much you'll pay varies widely, not just on the age but also the condition of the vehicles listed here. Costs vary widely by region, and equipment levels play a major role, of course. Even vehicle color can be influential. Black cars tend to be hard to sell in Phoenix or Miami this time of year. All-wheel-drive models can command a premium in the Snowbelt  when winter arrives.