5 used cars loaded with the latest tech
If your budget makes you a used-car shopper, you don't have to sacrifice up-to-date automotive technology. Features such as backup cameras, blind-spot warning and Bluetooth connectivity for cell phones are available in used cars costing thousands of dollars less than new models.
"Many shoppers will be surprised to learn how many used cars currently available are loaded with advanced technology," said Ron Montoya, senior consumer advice editor for automotive website Edmunds.com. Edmunds has researched five important techy features and what model years they first became widely available.
Knowing when these features first were offered lets you search for used cars that may have this technology. However, items that later became standard on many models started out limited to just the more expensive versions of those models. So, in doing your shopping, check the details of any advertised car to make sure it has the tech feature you crave.
Edmunds also identified for CBS MoneyWatch a selection of used cars currently for sale that represent early adoption of various technologies, often as part of a broader tech package. The prices are those quoted by sellers on Edmunds.com. Used-car prices can vary widely depending on the condition and mileage of a particular vehicle.
Click here to see more on the technology features and the used cars you can now find that adopted them.
Bluetooth: 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS
Bluetooth enables a wireless connection to your car's audio system that lets you make and receive phone calls and stream music from most mobile devices. Bluetooth first became widespread with 2009 models. Newly redesigned for 2010, this LaCrosse garnered reviewers' praise for performance, handling and a luxurious interior.
The 2010 six-cylinder engine is EPA-rated for 18 MPG in city driving and 28 on the highway. A CXS version with about 37,000 miles on the odometer is listed at $13,888. The equivalent 2015 LaCrosse lists for $36,825.
Backup camera: 2011 Chevrolet Equinox LT2
The backup camera is such an important safety feature that it will be required as standard equipment for all vehicles in the 2018 model year. It lets you see what's immediately behind the vehicle -- whether a small child, a pet or just another car. Backup cameras first became widespread with the 2010 model year.
A Chevrolet Equinox SUV from the following year, with about 53,700 miles is listed for $15,208. An equivalent 2015 Equinox starts at $30,635. The 2011 SUV is rated for 22 MPG in the city and 32 on the highway.
Blind-spot warning: 2013 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring
Blind-spot warning systems are among new safety-related technology that has spread swiftly -- starting with the 2013 model year. The system monitors the space around your car to pick up another vehicle moving up quickly to your side or rear. If your turn signal is on, a flashing light in the side-view mirror cautions you not to change lanes.
A 2013 Mazda CX-5 SUV with a blind-spot system and about 60,000 miles has an EPA rating of 26 MPG in the city and 33 on the highway. It's listed for $21,995, while a 2015 Grand Touring model starts at $29,100.
Adaptive cruise control: 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit
Adaptive cruise control is one of the technology stepping stones leading to the self-driving car. With cruise control turned on, it adjusts your speed to keep your car at a safe distance -- slowing you down, for instance, as another car changes into your lane just ahead of you. It became widespread with the 2013 model year, especially in luxury brands. But the feature also can be found in top-of-the-line versions of mainstream brands -- like the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit.
The four-wheel drive Grand Cherokee is rated for 21 MPG in city driving, 28 on the highway. A version of this car with about 32,300 miles is listed for $37,227. A 2015 Summit starts at a list price of $52,990.
Dual-zone climate control: 2010 Honda Accord EX-L
This feature isn't as high-tech as the earlier ones. But if you've ever had a conflict with your significant other over how hot or cool the car should be, you'll know how important it can be. It allows the driver and front seat passenger each get to set the climate controls separately.
Like most premium features, dual-zone climate controls started with luxury models as early as 2006. But we chose a newer, mainstream model -- the 2010 Honda Accord EX-L rated for 19 MPG city, 29 highway. A version of this car with about 85,000 miles is listed for $13,999. A 2015 EX-L starts at a list price of $31,465.