ATLANTA -

Findings from a recent Autotrader survey released on Wednesday showed 70 percent of respondents expect to receive a tax refund this year.

Perhaps better yet for dealerships and finance companies, Autotrader’s survey conducted in February that included 550 U.S. adults contained information that might goose turns and originations. Site officials highlighted that of the 27 percent of survey respondents who plan to spend their refund on a car-related expense, 61 percent are looking to purchase a new or used vehicle.

“There's nothing like a sudden influx of cash to spur on big purchases, and tax refunds make for great down payments on new and used cars,” Autotrader senior analyst Michelle Krebs said. “However, it’s important for car shoppers to be smart about the purchase, being sure to get the right car for their needs that fits nicely into their budgets.”

If a shopper comes to your store’s website or showroom not ready to sign a contract for the most expensive vehicle in inventory, Autotrader’s editors recommended what they think are the 10 best used cars now available and easy to find for a retail price of $13,000 or less:

2012-2015 Chevrolet Sonic

2007-2012 Mazda CX-9

2010-2012 Ford Fusion

2003-2008 Nissan 350Z

2005-2010 Honda Odyssey

2005-2012 Nissan Frontier

2006-2011 Hyundai Azera

2010-2015 Subaru Outback

2010-2014 Kia Soul

2006-2012 Toyota RAV4