What’s the best age to buy a used 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. The optimal time to purchase a used car is typically between 2 to 5 years old. Within this age range, the vehicle has already experienced the most significant depreciation, yet remains relatively new and in good condition.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.A good age for a used car is between 2 and 5 years because, by that time, the steep part of the depreciation curve has passed while the vehicle can still be considered fairly new.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.
What is the best time to buy a used car?
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. The end of the calendar year — specifically October, November and December — is typically one of the best times for car shoppers to get deals on vehicles. Cars sold during this time usually come with higher discounts and incentives than those sold during other times of the year.
What is the best car brand according to Consumer Reports?
For the second straight year, the EV automaker Rivian, with its R1S and R1T, sits at the top of our brand satisfaction list. It’s joined by the same luxury automakers who populated last year’s top 10: BMW, Tesla, Porsche, Lexus, and Genesis. This year, Subaru is joined in the top 10 by Chevrolet, Lincoln, and Ford. 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.A predicted reliability score of 92 out of 100 makes the Lexus LC the most reliable car on the market. To find other highly-reliable models, don’t miss the Most Reliable New Cars in 2025.The most dependable models—such as those from Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, and Toyota—have received high reliability ratings in various categories. Notably, the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Hyundai Elantra Hybrid, and Lexus NX Hybrid rank among the most reliable vehicles in the 2025 Consumer Reports survey.A new study from iSeeCars. Toyota, Lexus, Honda and Acura, in that order – have a solid edge. Of course, Lexus is Toyota’s luxury brand and Acura fills that role at Honda, so connections are there. The four brands’ vehicles are more likely to hit 250,000 miles than the industry average.
What is the oldest car you should buy?
A vehicle older than 8-10 years is cheaper but riskier, as breakdowns might be more frequent depending on its driving and maintenance histories. Cars 15-20 years old are nearing the end of their service lives. While they’re the cheapest to buy, unexpected and costly repairs can upend the lower initial cost. 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.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.Identifying the “Sweet Spot” The optimum age range for purchasing a used car is commonly recognized as falling between 2 to 5 years old. Within this timeframe, a car has traversed the steepest part of its depreciation curve while still maintaining relatively new and well-maintained conditions.
What car is ranked #1 in reliability?
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. Lexus, Subaru, and Toyota Make the Most Reliable Vehicles In recent years, Toyota has seen its share of models with lower reliability ratings following a redesign. For example, the midsized Camry sedan’s rating dropped to average in last year’s survey after a redesign for the 2025 model year.