Is it smart to buy a certified used car?
There is always some risk involved in buying a used car, but with a CPO vehicle, it is typically lower. Mechanics who are trained to spot trouble have inspected it. A manufacturer backs it with a limited warranty — and maybe a powertrain warranty, too. Buyers must compare the lower cost of a standard used car to the greater peace of mind that comes with a CPO vehicle. CPO programs include valuable benefits, such as extended warranties and favorable financing, that standard used cars don’t have.
What is the best mileage to buy a second hand car?
To assess a used car’s mileage, multiply its age by 10,000. For example, a five-year-old car should have no more than 50,000 miles. If it’s significantly higher than this, investigate the car’s service and MoT history. Keep in mind that “high mileage” can vary depending on the car’s make, model, and condition. As a general rule, you should assume that the average car owner puts 12,000 miles on a car each year. To determine whether a car has reasonable mileage, you can simply multiply 12,000 by its age. That means good mileage for a car that’s 5 years old is 60,000.A ten-year-old car, therefore, would typically have around 142,630 miles. Understanding this baseline helps you assess whether a car’s mileage is high, low, or just right. For example, a 10-year-old vehicle with only 71,315 miles is usually what is considered low mileage on a car and potentially a good deal.It raises concerns about usage and potential wear. Maintenance history is crucial in assessing the impact of mileage. Driving conditions influence wear; city driving may result in higher mileage.
What’s the most reliable used car to buy?
In the face of high new-car prices, tariffs, and inflation, buying a used model from a brand with a good reliability record can help owners save money on their next vehicle. Of 26 brands, Lexus and Toyota top the list with a commanding advantage over third-ranked Mazda. Of 26 brands, Lexus and Toyota top the list with a commanding advantage over third-ranked Mazda. All three brands have consistently earned average or better reliability ratings over the years. Honda and Acura round up the top five.Consumer Reports places Subaru, Lexus, and Toyota among the top brands for overall reliability, particularly for hybrids and SUVs. Specific models like the Toyota RAV4, Corolla, and Camry repeatedly appear on Canada’s most reliable car lists for 2025.Based on the experiences of readers who own a car made in the last five years, Honda is the most reliable car brand, closely followed by Mini, Suzuki and Toyota. At the other end of the chart sit Nissan, Fiat and Jaguar, while MG is considered the least reliable car company.
What’s the oldest used car you should buy?
A car that is more than 10 years old may lack modern safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, or advanced airbag systems, which are becoming standard on newer models. If safety and technology are priorities for you, then a vehicle older than a decade might not meet your needs. A car’s age matters as much as its mileage. Even a car with low mileage can have issues if it’s old. Over time, parts like rubber seals, belts, and electronics degrade, even if the car isn’t driven much. An older car may also lack modern safety features found in newer cars, which can affect its long-term usability.Cars are usually reliable for up to five years if they’ve been looked after. But a well-maintained 10-year-old car could be a better investment than a newer model that hasn’t been cared for as well. Budget is also a major factor. The older the model, the lower the cost.For reliability, you probably want to avoid anything that is too old as age will decrease a vehicle’s overall reliability. Mileage will also play an important role in determining a vehicle’s reliability. For vehicles with more than 150,000 miles on the odometer, try to find something newer than the late ’90s.
What is the best age to buy a second hand car?
For most buyers, the sweet spot for a used car tends to be around three to five years old and here’s why: Depreciation Slows Down – The biggest drop in value has has already happened, meaning your car’s likely to hold its price while you own it. Used cars are usually at their lowest prices from October through December, covering both late fall and early winter. This is a time when demand drops and dealerships aim to move vehicles off the lot.For most buyers, the sweet spot for a used car tends to be around three to five years old and here’s why: Depreciation Slows Down – The biggest drop in value has has already happened, meaning your car’s likely to hold its price while you own it.It would be better if you can confirm the reason for the sale. People may think of selling a less-used car due to accidents or repeated defects. Buying from a trusted used car dealer is the suggested way to prevent buying the wrong car. Buying a second-hand car that is up to five years of age might be preferable.Not only do you get good prices on used cars toward the end of the year, but you also get a great selection. These opportunities exist because of the influx of trade-ins that dealerships often see toward the end of the year, with drivers buying new cars and trading in their old ones.