Here Are the Top 5 Cars You Should Buy New—and 5 You Shouldn’t

The auto experts at iSeeCars—a site that ABC News has called “the Kayak.com for people in the market to buy a car”—did some comparison shopping of new and used cars and put some surprising findings in a new study. While on average a new car costs 30.2 percent more than the one-year-old used version of the same model, they found a group of vehicles that only cost a few thousand more to buy new versus used. Here are their top picks for cars worth shelling out a few thousand to nab that new-car smell. You may also want to check out these incredible cars deals for under $18,000.Honda HR-VDifference between new and used: $2,260

According to Car and Driver, when it comes to cargo hauling, this is the best small SUV on the market, noting, “Its ingenious second-row Magic Seat is borrowed from its corporate cousin, the subcompact Honda Fit hatchback; when folded, the seat creates class-above cargo space.”BMW X1Difference between new and used: $4,194

The experts at Edmunds.com love this car, explaining, “The X1 has a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that produces 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. That’s near the top in power for the segment.” In terms of handling, the reviewers write that the X1 is “closer to a sport sedan than its more sluggish competitors.”Subaru CrosstrekDifference between new and used: $2,978

For ratings, U.S. News & World Report gives the Subaru Crosstrek high grades, noting that it boasts tons of cargo space and has a very user-friendly entertainment and guidance interface. Testers summarized the driving experience owners can anticipate: “It delivers a comfortable ride, allows for light off-roading, and provides plenty of passenger and cargo space. It also feels more upscale than many rivals and offers plenty of tech features.” Learn these 34 tricks car dealers know that you don’t.Honda CR-VDifference between new and used: $3,230

In its five-star rating, Car and Driver gushed about this vehicle: “The Honda CR-V is a triple threat: It packs a host of high-tech equipment, impressive fuel economy, and copious cargo space. As if that’s not enough, it also boasts contemporary styling and excellent road manners.” If you’re in the market for a crossover SUV, Car and Driver‘s reviewers believe you’ll have a hard time finding a better vehicle.Toyota TacomaDifference between new and used: $3,891

Reviewers at cars.com were happy to see that the 2019 Tacoma TRD Pro upgraded its styling features from previous models: The TRD logo on the new aluminum front skid plate and three cool colors (Super White, Midnight Black Metallic, and Voodoo Blue). In terms of handling, the 2019 Tacoma, according to cars.com, has upgraded suspension and comes standard with the Toyota Star Safety System, which includes stability and traction control, anti-lock brake system and smart-stop technology.