Buying a Used Car: The Best Age and Mileage To Get Great Value
Car shopping? Whether it's buying a used car from a dealer or private party seller, finding out the best ways to save money on the deal will put your best foot, or rather tire, forward. Sometimes, it takes a bit more than just checking the vehicle's age, sale price and the number on its odometer to ensure you're getting the best value possible.
According to Autotrader, the best used vehicle should be between four and six years old and have less than 50,000 miles. However, outside the model year, it's a good idea to consider how the owner drove the car, whether it was mainly driven in the city, highway or a mix and how well the car was maintained.
It's time to test drive your expectations when car shopping and find out what other considerations to bear in mind to before you sign the bill of sale and drive your new, used wheels off the car lot.
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What To Expect When Buying a Used Car
When looking for a used car, there are a few different things to keep in mind. In some cases, you'll find a fairly new-looking car with a low number of miles on the odometer, but the vehicle is much older than you'd expect. In other cases, you'll find a used car with average miles that costs thousands of dollars less than one comparable with many more miles.
You'll also need to be aware of the current used car market and what to expect when it comes to prices. Here are a few takeaways:
At the end of 2024, the average used car in America was listed at $25,574, according to Kelley Blue Book (KBB) parent company, Cox Automotive.
In 2025, that number has already increased to $25,721.
The nationwide inventory of used cars for sale is down 5% from this time last year which could create a price hike due to shortages or supply and demand.
KBB noted the least expensive vehicles for sale are difficult to find. In many cases, dealers only have a 33-day supply for older, high-mileage used cars priced below $15,000.
Are Some Brands More Reliable Than Others?
According to Autotrader, some brands, including Honda and Toyota, have a reputation for being more reliable than others. Jeep also has a loyal following among drivers who keep them for extended periods of time. Trucks are also known for their durability and build.
Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda and Nissan were the top five used car brands purchased last year, accounting for 49% of all used cars sold at an average price of $23,089. This was 9% below the average listing price for all vehicles sold.
But not every model from these brands will outperform competitors, Autotrader said. Be sure to check for reviews and ratings for the specific model and year of the vehicle that you're considering.
Final Take: Get Your Used Car Inspected Before Purchasing
When looking for a new car, you'll likely encounter deals that are too good to be true. But no matter what, KBB and Autotrader both said you'll need to perform your own research and vehicle inspection before committing.
Here are a few considerations to keep in mind:
Research the car model and check for recalls.
Research the car's model history online and check for recalls to see if the model experiences repetitive issues. Fixing some issues can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Get a vehicle history report.
Ask the owner or dealer for a vehicle history report. This should show you accident history, repairs, maintenance schedule, recalls and sometimes even oil changes. You can also purchase these reports online from websites like AutoCheck and Carfax.
Look for rust.
Check under the hood and the underside of the vehicle for rust, especially in states that use salt to melt snow or in hurricane and flood-prone regions, KBB reported.
Inspect susceptible age-related components.
Check the components that are the most susceptible to wear and tear, including brake rotors and pads, tires, shock absorbers, radiators, heater cores and others.
Ask about the vehicle's driving history.
Autotrader noted that some miles may be harder on one car than others. For example, if a car was driven primarily in the city with stop-and-go traffic, it may have more wear and tear on the brakes and transmission than vehicles that mostly drove on the highway.
Keep safety features in mind.
Safety features and technology have improved significantly over the years. Older models may not offer as many or lack important upgrades.
Get it inspected by a certified mechanic.
You have the right to a pre-purchase inspection before purchasing the vehicle. This is a detailed inspection by a certified mechanic or specialist to assess mechanical, aesthetic and safety conditions, according to J.D. Power.
Consider buying a certified pre-owned vehicle (CPO).
A CPO is a vehicle that has undergone inspection and has been repaired as necessary.
Josephine Nesbit contributed to the reporting for this article.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice.
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