I wanted to read an online article listing the most reliable used cars*, but didn't want to re-up my subscription to Consumer Reports. My library doesn't have an online subscription, but I checked with my mom and her local library did. I logged in with her library card number and password (thanks, Mom!) and was able to read and download the report for free.
Not only did her library have CR, but it had a lot of other memberships to paid research services. YMMV, but it may be worth checking what your library has online.
*the article was really helpful, listing the most reliable cars for each type (compact, SUV, etc) by price range and model year.
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2013/04/used-cars-for-every-budget/index.htm. The data comes from their annual member survey. It was last updated over a year ago, but since we are looking at older models, that wasn't an issue.
