<p>Consumer Reports has made almost a fetish out of touting used cars. That makes CR a reasonable place to consult for the used-car buyer.<br><br>The publication argues that in general Japanese cars are the most trouble-free, with Honda and Toyota far ahead compared with older vehicles made by other major manufacturers - especially 2006 (five-year-old) and earlier models. That said, Canada's roads are packed with used vehicle of all makes and models, including millions from Detroit's auto makers and from European manufacturers.<br><br>The good news is that buyers of relatively new vehicles have a good chance of enjoying a positive experience. CR's survey found that three-quarters of the three-year-old vehicles were reported problem free, as were two-thirds of the five-year-olds. The most problem-free five-year-old model was the 2006 Toyota Highlander V6, which had 19 problems per 100 vehicles. Only half of the nine- and 10-year-old vehicles had gone 12 months without a reported problem.<br><br>Every used car, however, is its own package of negatives and positives. With that in mind, here's a list of CR used-car best bets:</br></br></br></br></br></br></p>