If you’re car shopping on a budget, buying used is an excellent way to save a little cash. With a little research, you can even end up with a vehicle that’s almost as good as new, but at a fraction of its original price. Consumer Reports has compiled a list of the most reliable 3-year-old cars and SUVs — and the 2017 Toyota Camry tops the list.

The benefits of buying a 2017 model

It’s easy to become overwhelmed while shopping for a used car, but Consumer Reports has a simple solution: shop for three-year-old models. This is a wise decision for a number of reasons. Three-year-old cars are recent enough to have most of the same features you’d expect from a new car but with a much lower price tag.

In fact, according to Consumer Reports, a new car can depreciate by up to 30 percent within three years — but after that initial drop in value, it depreciates significantly slower. This means that if you opt for a three-year-old model, you’ll get the benefits of the first price drop with the assurance that your vehicle’s value will now remain fairly steady. 

What stands out about the 2017 Toyota Camry?

Despite all these benefits, you don’t want just any three-year-old vehicle. You’ll want to be sure you’re purchasing something you can depend on – a vehicle that offers reliability as well as affordability. For this year, none is more reliable than the 2017 Toyota Camry, which starts at around $16,225. 

In fact, Consumer Reports isn’t the only one raving about this vehicle: U.S. News ranks it as No. 1 in 2017 Affordable Midsize Cars, stating that “not only is the 2017 Toyota Camry one of the best midsize cars you can buy, it’s also one of the best-selling vehicles in the world.”

It’s easy to see why this sedan is so popular. The 2017 Toyota Camry, along with its hybrid sibling, is the only car in this class to receive a five-out-of-five predicted reliability rating.

In addition to this phenomenal score, the 2017 Camry offers a comfortable ride and a spacious interior filled with high-quality materials. It also gets fairly good fuel economy: a combined 28 miles per gallon with the standard four-cylinder engine, and a combined 38 miles per gallon in the hybrid model. 

The 2017 Toyota Camry also boasts improved crash-test performance, adding to its reliability. And although it’s an older model, Consumer Reports states that its touchscreen infotainment system is straightforward and easy to use.

The features and specs of the 2017 Toyota Camry

The 2017 Toyota Camry gets 178 hp with its base engine along with standard front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission. This sedan also offers a V6 engine that gets 268 hp, a preferable option for anyone who requires quicker acceleration.

It seats five, and it has a roomy backseat that can comfortably accommodate adults and children alike. Additionally, this vehicle boasts plenty of standard features, including an audio system with voice recognition, Bluetooth, and Siri Eyes Free iPhone capabilities. Optional add-ons include a larger touchscreen, dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, a moonroof, and wireless smartphone charging.

Additionally, the 2017 Camry has 15.4 cubic feet of trunk space. This is average for a midsize sedan — not ideal if you frequently need to carry large amounts of cargo, but it’s absolutely fine for regular daily use. U.S. News also notes that the trunk’s low liftover height and wide opening make it particularly easy to load.

The 2017 Toyota Camry is popular for a reason. Its stellar reliability rating, high-quality interior, and comfortable seating mean that this is a used car you can definitely depend on.