Used Mini Cooper For Sale

Compact cars are automobiles that are smaller than midsize cars but larger than the smallest subcompact cars. Typically, the size of their wheelbase lies in the range of 100 to 105 inches, and the interior volume in the range of 2800 to 3000 liters. Before you start searching for display advertisements announcing 'Used Mini Cooper for Sale' or 'Used Mustangs for Sale', it is advisable to know a little bit about the various used compact car models (e.g. used Mini Cooper, used Honda Accord, used VW Beetle, used Acura, used Camry, used Monte Carlo) available in the market and their relative performance.

Information about compact cars

The convertible Rambler was one of the first compact cars made available by Nash Motors in 1950. This was built on a 100-inch wheelbase to which a Station Wagon, Hardtop, and Sedan versions were added. Within a short span of 8-10 years, new compact car models like Studebaker-Packard's Lark, Chevrolet Corvair, Ford Falcon and Plymouth Valiant entered the market held by the Rambler. The next few years saw the emergence of a new class of compact cars, the pony car, which was built on a Falcon chassis and named after the Ford Mustang.

Today the term compact car has come to describe smaller versions of SUV's (Sports Utility Vehicles) such as the Ford Escape. These compacts are sometimes also called 'cute-utes' or 'soft roaders'.

If you think that a compact car is nothing more than a small 'econobox' on wheels that just helps you save on fuel, you are far from truth. Nowadays, compact cars are coming with more and more features of standard large cars, e.g., si de curtain airbags, antilock brakes, telescoping steering wheel, higher horsepower, and more, incorporated into them. And along with the performance closely matching the standard cars, they offer a wide range of chic designs and cool looks to choose from.

Top-rated 5 compact cars of 2006

The Internet's best and the most unbiased resource for information about any used car is Consumer Reports (.org). It buys the cars it tests and refuses any kind of sponsorship or surrogate ads on their site. It has earned great respect over the years and here are the top 5 compact cars as per the Consumer Reports:

Honda Civic

The redesigned Honda Civic has been rated as the best compact car for 2006 by Consumer Reports. It is also rated as the best economy car, fetching 30 miles per gallon (MPG) in the city. Honda Civic is available as coupe, sedan, or hybrid car. Moreover, Honda civic is roomy and comfortable too.

Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 is a compact sporty car and would have got the top slot if the Hon da Civic weren't around. It has a solid build, a quality feel, and a great riding experience as compared to other compact cars. In fact, it was top-rated by the Money magazine. The Mazda 3 gets an average 26 MPG in the city.

Subaru Impreza

The Subaru Impreza tops the safety ratings amongst the compact car category. It features an all-wheel drive and great crash-test records, but is more expensive than other compact cars. Even the Insurance Institute of Highway safety has rated the Subaru Impreza as the safest compact car. The fuel efficiency is around 26 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway.

Ford Focus

This is a fun car to drive because the quality of the ride and the feel you get while driving a Ford Focus are just great. Though it loses out to other compact cars in any category, experts have given it a No. 4 rating merely because it is fun to drive. It loses out in other areas too such as the quality of the materials used and on space issues. A Ford Focus averages 26 MPG in the city.

Chevrolet Aveo

This car is the least expensive (under $ 10,000) of all compact cars, and to top it, it features standard equipment with side airbags.

Apart from being inexpensive, it is quite safe too as it has received good crash test reviews. The mileage is not too great though - just 24 MPG in the city. It is the price factor, which has landed this compact in the top 5 ratings.

When we talk about compact cars, the discussion won't be complete without talking about hybrid compact cars. Hybrid compact cars pair up gasoline engines with battery-powered motors. Honda was the pioneer to introduce compact hybrids with its Honda Insight that at 66 MPG remains the most fuel-efficient car. Nowadays, it is the Toyota Primus that has taken over as the "green car", but Honda is hoping to fight back with its Civic Hybrid. Only time will tell which brand will win - but the result is out: Hybrid compact cars will rule.

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Best Buys On Used Compact Cars