So many American consumers are shopping only used cars that Consumer Reports just added a review category for the segment.

The nonprofit researcher and tester said a survey it conducted in June showed 40% of people looking to buy a vehicle in the previous year were browsing only used models, compared to 31% shopping for new cars and 24% considering both.

It comes as no surprise that still-elevated new-car prices following the pandemic vehicle price inflation, in addition to price pressure in other areas, are pushing some consumers to the used market.

Consumer Reports’ new used-car ratings and recommendations are designed to help the biggest chunk of shoppers with the process. They include a ranking of 5- to 10-year-old vehicles based on reliability.

“… buyers shouldn’t have to sacrifice safety, reliability, or fuel economy to stay within their budget,” said its associate director of auto test development, Alex Knizek. “The trusted reviews and resources now available on CR.org will help used car shoppers make the smartest choice for their needs, much like we’ve done to inform new car buyers for decades.”

The used-vehicle guidance also includes ratings on tires, batteries, insurers and more.

Consumer Reports’ reliability ranking puts Lexus and Toyota at Nos. 1 and 2, a long way ahead of third-place Mazda. It says the top three have consistently demonstrated average or above average reliability over the years. For the ranking, it reviewed its members on problems they experienced with their 2014- to 2019-model vehicles over the previous year.

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