Used Cars

New cars crossed the $50,000 average transaction price last month and is likely to stay there for a while. Fortunately, we could always turn to the used market as the escape hatch. It isn't anymore.

While vehicle prices typically only move in an upward direction, many have noticed that the automotive inflation witnessed over the last several years seems to be outpacing previous eras. But this is hardly limited to new models, as there is a surplus of data showcasing that used models are actually outpacing new cars.

There are cars that follow history. Then there are machines that look at history and attempt to rewrite it with a complete disregard for subtlety. 

Speed Academy is a website and YouTube channel based on making things go fast and enjoying cars. Peter Tarach and Dave Pratte are the forces behind Speed Academy.

The average price of a used vehicle jumped to its highest level in three years in May as reduced inventory levels pushed the amount paid toward $27,000.

It's been a minute since we snagged Mazda's "zoom zoom" machine for this feature -- but this 1997 Mazda Miata changes that.

Few products obey the laws of supply and demand like new and used cars, but the used car market is currently acting like a rebellious teenager. Despite a significant drop in supply, previously owned vehicles saw only a small price hike in March of less than one percent.

Today we have a 2018 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn.

Today we've got a clean-looking, twenty-year-old 2006 Jeep Commander for you.

Today we have a 1991 Mitsubishi Mighty Max pickup truck for you.

Today it's wagon time with this 2009 Volkswagen Alltrack SE.

Today we present to you a 2007 Honda Civic Si with a lot of miles on the clock.

Today we're going with big American muscle from two decades ago with this 2006 Chrysler 300. Twenty years ago? Why, it feels like just yesterday.

Today is a 1993 Toyota MR2 that's had an engine swap.

Today we have a 2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLI for you.

Folks, today we have a 2002 BMW 330i for you.

Today's UCOTD is a 2008 Volvo C70.

Today we bring you a 2001 Isuzu Trooper that runs rough.

Regular readers know they can't all be winners.

Today's UCOTD is a 2016 Hyundai Veloster Turbo.

Today we have a 1987 Mazda B2000 for you.

The 2001 Isuzu Vehicross was an odd duck -- and today we have a lifted version for you.

Today we've got a 2004 Cadillac XLR for you.

An oil-burning Bimmer? Why not? Today we give you a 2012 BMW X5 35d as our Used Car of the Day.

Today we have 1985 Honda CRX Si for you.

Today's Used Car Of The Day is a 1992 Volkswagen Corrado with an Audi engine swap.

Today we have another small sports that I once lusted after -- a 2006 Acura RSX.

Today we have a 2014 Chevrolet SS with a few modifications.

Today we have a 2002 BMW M5 for you.

Today's UCOTD is a 2011 Nissan XTerra Pro-4X.

Today we have for you a 1986 Dodge Omni GLHS. Apparently, number 177 ever made.

Today we have a 2017 Porsche Macan S for you -- one that is still under CPO warranty.

Today we have a 2008 Porsche Cayman for you.

Weekend-warrior racers, here's one for you. This is a 2005 Ford Focus that's prepped for rally racing and hill climbs.

Today's UCOTD is an extended-range electric that became a political football. In other words, a 2013 Chevrolet Volt.

Yet another year has passed with the Z4, now at 16 years old. Last we caught up, there were some water issues in the trunk that required immediate correction, subsequent to some new tires, a recall, and maintenance items. Let’s catch up and see how things have fared over the past 10 months.

Today we have a 1999 Isuzu Rodeo that clearly needs some work.

Today's UCOTD is a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel in Overland trim.

Today's UCTOD is one of only 1,000 built. It's a 1987 Dodge Shelby Charger GLHS.

Today's UCOTD is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 260E.

Today we have a 1999 Dodge Ramcharger SLT in Mexican-spec for you.

Today we have an auto journalist's dream car -- a manual-transmission wagon. More specifically, a 2007 Volkswagen Passat wagon.

Today we have a 2014 Porsche Cayman for you.

Today's UCOTD is a 2017 Volkswagen Passat R-Line.

Today's UCOTD is a clean-looking 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder.

Today's used car is project, there's no doubt. Remember, the point of this feature is for the car to be interesting, not a trailer queen. Anyway, if you have time, money, and a healthy enjoyment of pain, this 1999 Saab 9-3 might be for you.

Today we go with a 2016 Volkswagen Golf R.

Today we have a 2010 Hummer H3 for you.

Today we're going back to the early Aughts for some hot-hatch fun with this 2003 Ford Focus SVT.

Today we have a well-cared-for 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 for your perusal.

Today's UCOTD brings us some more van life -- it's a 1988 Chevrolet Astro Van.

Today's UCOTD is a 1993 Dodge Ramcharger LE.

Today we go between Minnesota and Florida for this 2014 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI.

Today we have for you a 1990 Mercedes-Benz 420 SEL.

Today we go to the East Coast for this 2016 Subaru WRX STI.

Today we have for you a 2000 Jaguar S-Type with the 4.0-liter engine.

Today's UCOTD is a 1989 Isuzu Trooper II LS.

I don't feature supercars a ton in this space, usually because the price is ridiculous. But today's 2014 Audi R8 has a dollar figure that seems a bit more attainable.

Today is another hot-hatch day with this 2003 Volkswagen Golf GTI VR6

Today we give you a 1971 Opel Kadett wagon.

We start our week off with a 2013 Volkswagen Touareg VR6.