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CBS MoneyWatch thinks a three-year-old Toyota model is a better choice than alternative makes in three different vehicle segments, according to recently posted commentary.

CBS MoneyWatch’s Jerry Edgerton also doesn’t have much faith in a pair of used Volkswagen models. The site’s auto columnist offered an alternative over what VW has in two segments, small car and midsize car.

Edgerton explained that he reviewed owner surveys to see which vehicles “look like trouble,” centering on five separate categories. He focused on 2008 models — the year ranked in the latest dependability study from J.D. Power and Associates.

“Even though auto manufacturers have greatly boosted quality and reliability, buying a used car can still be a process fraught with anxiety,” Edgerton began. “In addition to worrying about the honesty of the seller, you also want to be sure to avoid vehicles with poor reliability records.

“Buying a three-year-old used car also lets you shop after the biggest new-car depreciation already has taken place. Because used-car prices have risen so sharply this year, one- and two-year-old used models can make worse financial sense than buying new,” he went on to write.

As a result of his analysis, Edgerton arrived at the following recommendations:

—Small car: A Hyundai Elantra instead of Volkswagen Beetle.
—Midsize car: A Ford Fusion instead of a Volkswagen Passat..
—Midsize SUV: A Toyota 4Runner instead of a GMC Acadia.
—Large SUV: A Toyota Sequoia instead of a Ford Expedition.
—Minivan: A Toyota Sienna instead of a Chrysler Town & Country.

“Despite Toyota’s recent recall problems and lagging sales this year, its dominance of numerous categories in three-year-old used cars is a reminder of what a strong record of reliability it has achieved,” Edgerton surmised. “Domestic companies certainly should not count out Toyota as a strong competitor.”

To make the list of what Edgerton called “used-car rejects,” a model had to get the minimum two out of five in the J.D. Power “circle ratings” for dependability. It also had to be ranked below average as a used vehicle by Consumer Reports in its annual April car issue and online car rankings.

Edgerton expanded on why each vehicle received the nod it did.

Small Car

—What to Avoid: Volkswagen Beetle

“The Beetle’s cute looks and all-around appeal don’t save it from being on the least reliable list,” Edgerton wrote. “Owners of the 2008 model told Consumer Reports that they had trouble with the climate control system and power equipment, both of which can lead to expensive repairs. The convertible model is selling for $19,350 on dealer’s lots according to Kelley Blue Book.”

—Alternative: Hyundai Elantra.

“Hyundai has had a remarkably strong sales year for new cars this year,” Edgerton noted. “But even in 2008, the company was making quality cars backed by its 10-year, 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. The Elantra got the maximum five circles in the J.D. Power reliability ratings and is ranked an above-average used car by Consumer Reports, where survey respondents reported no major problems. This model Elantra is selling for $12,435.”

Midsize Car

—What to Avoid: Volkswagen Passat

“Volkswagen strikes out again,” Edgerton declared. “Despite being praised by reviewers when new, the Passat gets the minimum J.D. Power two circles and a below-average rating from Consumer Reports. Readers there report problems with the fuel, electrical and climate systems and the power equipment. The 2008 Passat is selling at dealers for $18,515, according to Kbb.com.”

—Alternative: Ford Fusion.

“Ford’s first real contender in years against mid-size leaders Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, the Fusion won the reliability award in this year’s J.D. Power survey,” Edgerton recapped. “Consumer Reports gives it a top much above average used car rating. Readers there reported no major problems with their 2008 Fusions. Dealers are offering the Fusion for $17,365, according to Kbb.com.

Midsize SUV

—What to Avoid: GMC Acadia

“Though its quality has improved in recent models, the 2008 Acadia is a repeat loser in this category,” Edgerton conceded. “With the minimum two circles in the J.D. Power survey, it gets a worse than average used car ranking from Consumer Reports. Readers there reported problems with the suspension and audio system. The Acadia SLE model is selling for about $25,000 at dealerships, according to Kbb.com.”

—Alternative: Toyota 4Runner.

“This 2008 Toyota stalwart won the J.D. Power reliability award and is rated much better than average as a used car in the Consumer Reports ratings, where readers reported no serious problems,” Edgerton highlighted. “Reviewers praise its capability both on the highway and off-road. The 2008 4Runner SR5 version is selling at about $27,730."

Large SUV

—What to Avoid: Ford Expedition

“Even if you need large-capacity hauling and can ignore the lame mileage numbers (the Expedition is rated at 12 mpg in city driving, 18 highway), look elsewhere,” Edgerton recommended. “The big boy of the Ford SUV line (whose model names all start with the letter ‘E’) gets the minimum two circles from J.D. Power and a worse-than-average Consumer Reports rating, where readers report problems with the transmission and the audio system. The used 2008 Expedition sells for $23,530 in the XLT version, according to Kbb.com.

—Alternative: Toyota Sequoia.

“In a category with no clear winner, the Toyota entry again looks like the best bet,” Edgerton suggested. “It gets four out of five circles in the J.D. Power rating and an above-average rating from Consumer Reports. Reviewers praise its roomy seating and comfortable ride for long highway trips. The 2008 Sequoia SR5 version is selling at $31,265 at dealerships.”

Minivan

—What to Avoid: Chrysler Town & Country

“Chrysler originated the minivan and in most years has sold more than other companies,” Edgerton acknowledged. “But sometime around 2008, manufacturing quality began to lag. This Chrysler van got the minimum two circles from J.D. Power and a much-worse-than-average used-car rating from Consumer Reports. Readers there reported problems with the suspension, brakes, climate system and power equipment. The 2008 Town & Country LX version is selling at about $16,000 from dealerships.”

—Alternative: Toyota Sienna.

“As it did last year, the Sienna wins the reliability award for minivans from J.D. Power, and it gets a better-than-average rating from Consumer Reports,” Edgerton pointed out. “Reviewers praise its comfort and seating; it holds up to eight people. The Sienna CE version is selling for an average $20,130, according to Kbb.com.

The original story by CBS MoneyWatch can be found here.