Used Cars For Sale in Greensboro, GA (2024)

FAQs

How old of a used car is the best deal? ›

The “sweet spot” for purchasing a used car is between 2 to 5 years old. This is the age range where the car has already gone through the steepest part of its depreciation curve, but it's still relatively new and in good condition.

It wouldn't be a best seller list without the Ford F-150 pickup topping it and 2023 is no exception. Making up 3.3% of the 9.2 million used car sales examined, the Ford F-150 retained its top spot for another year, not just in the used market.

A wary buyer should use as a general rule of thumb that most cars are driven 12,000-15,000 miles per year. If a vehicle is 10 years of age, it should have between 120,000 miles and 150,000 miles on the odometer.

When buying a car that's 10 years old or older, your primary concerns are purchase price and reliability. Don't pay more than the fair market value for that decade-old car. Additionally, pick a vehicle with a solid reputation for dependability. No car is really too old if you follow those rules.

The average car gets in 10,000 to 12,000 miles per year, so used cars with an annual average lower than that can be considered as having good mileage. Simply divide the odometer number by the car's age in years to determine it's annual average.

Pre-Purchase Inspection

This is arguably one of the most important steps to take when buying a used car. In addition to doing your own preliminary check, a professional pre-purchase inspection ensures that the used car you are considering is exactly what it claims to be.

Poor – condition means that the vehicle has severe mechanical and/or cosmetic defects and is in poor running condition. The vehicle may have problems that cannot be readily fixed such as a damaged frame or a rusted-through body.

What used car has the least amount of problems? ›

According to a recent study by Consumer Reports, Toyota and Lexus were the most reliable vehicles in 2022. After Japanese cars, BMW was ranked third, while Mercedes' reliability was rated the lowest.

The Best Time to Buy a Used Car

Purchasing a used vehicle that is 2-3 years old means that you are getting a relatively new car in good condition without being affected heavily by depreciation.

Summer & Winter—During the hottest and coldest seasons, it's always a great time to buy a used car. It's typically slower during those months, so not only can you expedite your experience, but there won't be as many people shopping for a car. You may even be able to find some great discounts.

If your goal is to save on a pre-owned vehicle, it's advisable to seek one that has already undergone most of its depreciation. This entails finding a car that is at least two years old, but ideally between three and four years old.

When shopping, is there a best age for purchasing a used car? 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.

Additionally, maintenance costs can quickly add up as cars age. Parts are harder to find, and labor is more time-intensive. If these concerns make you uneasy, avoid cars over 20 years old. This rule of thumb may help ensure your vehicle choice is still safe, reliable, and affordable.

Firstly, you can safely assume that a car between 2-5 years old is still incredibly reliable. Overall, that's because the vehicle will likely have low mileage. Therefore, its components haven't had enough time to experience too much natural wear and tear and are less likely to fail.