7 On Your Side: Consumer Reports has tips on getting best deal on used cars

Roughly half of all cars purchased in the United States are used.

Diane Diblin bought her 2012 Toyota Corolla used from a dealership and she loves the money she saved.

"I did really got a good price, and I could afford it," she said.

Consumer Reports' used-car buyer survey shows haggling on the price really pays.

"Most of our survey respondents asked for a lower price on the used car they bought and were successful 80 percent of the time. The median savings was about $900," said Mark Rechtin, the Chief Cars Editor with Consumer Reports.

The most effective haggling method is simply asking for a lower price.

In the past five years, the median price for a used car, model year 2011 or newer, is $20,000, although you pay less from a used-car dealer and chances are even less if you buy privately.

"We recommend buying the most recent model year available with the widest array of safety and technology features," said Rechtin.

Consumer Reports says some of the best used car choices are the 2012 Toyota Camry, the 2012 Honda Accord and the 2011 Toyota Rav4.

They cost around $10,000 less used than they did new.

Before you buy, Consumer Reports says look for a vehicle that has less than 50,000 miles and be sure to have any used car inspected by a mechanic you trust.

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Consumer Reports is published by Consumers Union. Both Consumer Reports and Consumers Union are not-for-profit organizations that accept no advertising. Neither has any commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor on this site.

(All Consumer Reports Material Copyright 2014. Consumers Union of U.S. Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)