The internet was a game-changer in terms of auto sales, as it allowed consumers access to a wealth of information about cars that was previously scattered in a million different places. In the past, an interested car buyer might have been able to check a review in the local newspaper, but now shoppers can find thousands of opinions across the web at the click of a button.

That's changed, and before a driver goes to buy a car, they'll be able to read as many reviews of the vehicle as they like to get a well-rounded view of a vehicle's flaws and weaknesses. Yet the nature of reviewing means that most writers are usually giving their first impressions of a vehicle after driving it for a short time. There's simply no way that an automotive journalist could know how a vehicle will perform five or even ten years down the road. Almost every new car drives with no problems when it rolls off the showroom floor, but anyone who's owned a car knows that problems will crop up over time.

Another tricky idea to pin down is value. A car may represent a steal at its MSRP, but quickly lose most of its value as soon as it's driven off the lot. Car reviews also don't help once a driver begins searching for a used car, as every individual unit has a different service and drive history.

With that in mind, there are several factors that go into making a used car a great car to own. Reliability is key, as is the cost to repair and maintain the car should problems arise. The same is true of resale value, which will eventually determine what the driver gets in cash when he's looking to sell. Lastly, general satisfaction with a vehicle is something that many reviewers will not be able to predict, but is cataloged in numerous surveys over the lifespan of a car.

MSN factored in all of these variables when coming up with its picks for the best used cars to own in each class. These cars are not only great to drive, but also prove to be of value over many years based on statistical data.

Sedans are the most popular vehicle, and the news source highlighted three used cars in each size: the Hyundai Elantra for compacts, Honda Accord for mid-size and Mercury Montego for larger sedans.

The Elantra was praised for its value, as a used version will likely cost a driver less than $8,000. The Accord was no surprise in the mid-size slot, as it has posted dependable sales numbers year-in and year-out and holds its resale value remarkably well. Although the Montego and the Ford Five-Hundred are essentially the exact same car, drivers will end up paying more for the Ford simply because of the name, since the Mercury brand has lost a bit of prestige due to its discontinuation.

Those who like larger vehicles probably won't be surprised to find the Ford F-150 on the list, which has been a top seller for its entire 33-year lifespan. The news source recommends the models between 2004 and 2008 as a great range to target in order to get good value. That applies to the Toyota Highlander SUV as well, which had a number of additions in its 2004 facelift, like third-row seating and electronic stability control, that sets it apart from its earlier versions. 

There are hot cars, and then there are "hot" cars, or vehicles that were obtained through illicit means. While many auto analysts track sales figures, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) tracks vehicles using a different system – which are most likely to be stolen. This list of "hot wheels," released every year, details which rides tickled thieves' collective fancy the most.

Naturally, most of the used cars are on the list because they are popular and there are more of them on the road. Drivers shouldn't hesitate from buying these used cars simply because they're afraid of it getting stolen. In fact, the list is more an endorsement of the car's desirability than anything else. The FBI recently released a study showing that car theft was at its lowest point in twenty years, so drivers who pick up any of these hot rides – preferably at their local used car dealership – won't have to worry too much about it disappearing.

The numbers from 2009, released this month, show a picture very similar to the previous year. Once again, the 1994 Honda Accord was the most stolen vehicle in the country, followed closely by the 1995 Honda Civic. These two models are best sellers year in and year out, and it's a testament to their durability that there are still so many of them on the road.

Those vehicles were followed by two more popular models, the 1991 Toyota Camry and 1997 Ford F-150. All four of these vehicles are perennial top sellers and these four particular models have held the top spots on the list for several years running.

The bottom of the list saw a bit more of a shakeup. The 1994 Chevrolet full-size Pickup was the biggest mover, jumping onto the list for the first time at number 7. The most recent car to make the list is the 2009, Toyota Corolla, a somewhat surprising entry given the modern car security features on many newer vehicles. The 2002 Ford Explorer, ranked tenth in 2008, moved up a notch to number 9.

This movement cleared the way for some cars to fall out of favor with crooks. The 1999 Ford Taurus and 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee both ended their runs on the list.

Even in older used cars, there are some prevention strategies that the NICB recommends so drivers can ensure their vehicle doesn't end up in a chop shop. First and foremost is common sense. The agency reports that many drivers would be surprised at how many thefts could be prevented by drivers simply locking their doors and taking their car keys with them.

Used cars might not have the best security systems, but most of the modern advances are easy fixes. A 1994 Honda Accord might not have an OnStar GPS system, but a LoJack or similar tracking device purchase can make it easy for police to track down a car. Authorities say that these devices shift the balance in drivers' favor of getting their car back.

It's also worth noting that the NICB maintains a system that tracks stolen vehicles by VIN number. Drivers in the market for a used car should be sure to check their purchase against the database to ensure that they're working with a reputable dealer.
 

Buying a used car has several advantages over buying a new one – namely the price. Yet there's no denying that the peace of mind that comes with a manufacturer's warranty is a nice perk for those who buy new.

That's where Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles come in. Nearly all major automakers maintain some type of program that allows them to resell their used cars. Vehicles that are certified by the automaker are backed by a warranty. This allows the manufacturer to also offer financing for the vehicle, just like a new car.

To qualify, a used car must be subjected to an independent refurbishing process, where it's restored to "like-new" condition. So getting a CPO eliminates much of the worry that comes with used cars, as it's highly unlikely that the car will be a lemon, and if it is, it has the manufacturer's support behind it.

The trade-off is that these cars fetch a higher price than non-certified used vehicles. Yet because they're still cheaper than new cars, many drivers see CPO's as a great compromise.

Drivers should be careful, as some dealers often offer their own versions of CPOs. But this typically means that the car is inspected by the dealer's in-house repair shop, and while it may come with a warranty, its one that would only be honored by the dealer, not the manufacturer. There are also a few independent certification bodies that operate outside of manufacturers and dealers and could offer a better deal and possibly higher repair standards.

MSN Autos recently compiled the top 10 CPO sellers of the first half of 2010, according to data collected by the manufacturers. The list could provide drivers with some clues as to which vehicles have become popular because of the program and what they should keep their eye out for if they choose to go this route.

Honda had a strong showing on the list. The Odyssey, at number nine, was the top-selling minivan, while the Civic and Accord placed fourth and first, respectively. These cars hold their resale value well and are already known for their reliability. Yet the news source notes that drivers should beware, as CPOs from Honda with low mileage can come very close to the price of a new car.

Honda's chief rival Toyota also had three cars on the list, with the always popular Lexus RX crossover joining perennial best-sellers the Corolla and Camry. BMW took up two spots with the 3 and 5 Series sedans, and the news source notes that a several-years old 3 Series CPO makes a luxury car affordable for many drivers. 

Cars are diverse enough that when it comes to picking a vehicle, there is no clear “best.” For all the awards from major automotive sources that are handed out every year, nearly every car has strengths and weaknesses that make it suited for certain lifestyles and preferences. One driver may enjoy the off-roading capabilities of an SUV while another would rather have the crisper handling of a crossover. Another might worry about performance while parents will be more concerned with transporting their children comfortably and safely.

Whether shopping for a new or used car, what a driver ultimately wants out of a car will determine their purchase. But as subjective as buying a car can be, there are still some vehicles that are better than others at certain tasks. That’s why this year’s Motorist Choice Awards, compiled by auto analysts IntelliChoice, bucked the traditional categories like “sedan” or “crossover” and instead asked survey respondents about their favorite cars based on their lifestyle.

The awards, which have been handed out for five years, compile over 42,000 consumer surveys. This year is the first that the new categories have been introduced.

“From an emotional standpoint these awards are a reflection of how cars fit into people’s daily lives, the tasks they fulfill on a day-to-day basis and the image people have of their vehicles,” says Charlie Vogelheim, Executive Editor of IntelliChoice. “The cars in these categories not only represent tremendous value, they are also about the image you want to portray to other motorists as well.”

Fifteen categories were broken down into “popular” and “premium” choices to denote value and luxury. For example, the Hyundai Genesis was the popular choice for a “country club” car, while the Audi A6 was the premium winner.

Toyota was a big winner on the list, taking 10 of the 30 awards. According to the respondents, the Japanese automaker represented a good choice for fuel economic cars in the city. The company swept the city car category with the Toyota Yaris and Lexus LS taking honors, as well as the eco-friendly category for its Prius and Lexus RX Hybrid. In fact, the RX Hybrid won in multiple classes, also winning premium value and high tech vehicle awards.

Some drivers, however, want a bit more space with their vehicle, and this is where categories like “people mover” and “kid friendly” come into play. The Honda Odyssey was chosen as the best popular people mover, while Toyota’s Sequoia was deemed the most kid-friendly. The Mercedez-Benz GL was noted as the best premium car in both of these segments.

Consumers won’t find hard numbers on this list, but they will get some popular opinions on subjective categories like “sexy styling.” The winner in that category was the always-popular Chevy Corvette, while the Audi A5 turned heads in the luxury market.

Shopping for a deal is a smart way to buy a vehicle, but by heading to a used car dealership, drivers will likely be able to find a multitude of great prices on a range of vehicles. Once they’ve done that, they can pay a bit more attention to how that car will fit into their everyday lifestyle.