Last year, the pandemic wreaked havoc on the automobile industry. It saw breaks in supply chains, production plant closures, and decreased sales. More than a year later, a chip shortage is affecting new-car production, causing an inventory reduction. As automakers scramble to meet consumer demand, shoppers are looking at used cars. And two used Honda CR-V models under $20,000 can meet buyers’ needs during this difficult time.

Global chip shortage might affect your new car purchase

Sometimes a pre-owned car is better than a new one. Not only is there substantial cost savings, but drivers can get more bang for their buck with advanced safety features and luxury options that may not be affordable in a new model.

The chip shortage is affecting new vehicle production and delivery. Consumer Reports explains, “With the pandemic-related, global shortage of chips needed for car safety and infotainment systems, shipments of new cars are often delayed or coming in at lower-than-expected volumes.”

The result, CR says, “means supply is short and new-car dealers are charging a premium.”

Consumer Reports’ ‘Best Used Cars and SUVs for $15,000 to $20,000’ 

Because of the increased demand for used cars, it’s helpful to reference Consumer Reports’s “Best Used Cars and SUVs for $15,000 to $20,000.”

Safety is a primary concern for consumers. Most of the listed vehicles provide active safety features such as blind-spot warning, automatic emergency braking, and forward-collision warning. All the cars on the list also have electronic stability control.

The selected used cars also performed well on the Annual Auto Survey, with better than average predicted reliability scores.

Recommended vehicles in the small car category include the 2017 and 2018 Chevy Bolt, Honda Fit, Mazda3, Volkswagen Beetle, and Toyota Corolla. Consumer Reports also considers the 2016 and 2017 Toyota Prius and Prius V, 2017 Prius Prime, and 2018 Prius C good choices.

Midsize vehicles include the 2015 and 2016 Toyota Avalon and Honda Accord, the 2016 and 2017 Toyota Camry, and the 2017 and 2018 Mazda6. In the luxury segment, the 2011 and 2012 Lexus LS, 2013 to 2015 Lexus ES, 2013 Lexus GS, 2014 and 2015 Infiniti Q50, and 2015 and 2016 Acura TLX are CR’s picks.

The small SUV class includes the 2016 to 2018 Honda HR-V, 2016 and 2017 Mazda CX-5, and 2018 and 2019 Hyundai Kona. Midsize SUVs include the 2011 and 2012 Toyota 4Runner, and the 2013 and 2014 Lexus RX and Toyota Highlander.

Then there are two Honda CR-V model years.

CR recommends these 2 Honda CR-V model years

Consumer Reports recommends the 2015 and 2016 Honda CR-V among the best used cars from $15,000 to $20,000.

This used compact crossover SUV costs around $15,825 to $21,475. Receiving a refresh in 2015, the CR-V received a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a smooth-shifting continuously variable transmission. Also, its fuel efficiency improved to an estimated 24 mpg to 27 mpg combined.

The 2015 model update includes technological updates with a standard backup camera. A touchscreen infotainment system comes standard in the EX trim level and above, along with Honda’s Lane Watch safety feature.

And the 2016 Honda CR-V received a vast array of advanced safety features. They include forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.

With so many good used car options on the market, the chip shortage may not be a problem after all. But keep an eye on used-car prices, because they could climb too.