Where’s the best place to purchase a used car?
For buyers who want a more traditional experience, dealerships can be the best place to buy used cars, especially when you want to see the vehicle, take a test drive and negotiate price. You can get financing on site, although it’s always best to come with a preapproved auto loan for comparison. Used car dealerships typically offer more vehicle selection and flexible payment options compared to private sellers. Buying through a dealer may come with more buyer protections and transparency, including access to warranties and vehicle history reports.
What’s the oldest used car you should consider?
The ideal age for a used car is generally between 3 to 4 years, having clocked 30,000 to 40,000 miles. This ‘sweet spot’ offers a perfect balance of modern features, significantly reduced depreciation, and lower maintenance costs, making it a smart choice for savvy buyers. 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.