Used Vehicles for Sale near Grandville, MI 49418 | U-Haul (2024)

FAQs

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

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.

There's no rule to how many miles on a used car is too much, but by attempting to stick to the 12,000 miles per year rule is a great place to start. Find out how old the car is, multiple the number of years by 12,000, and if the number on the odometer is significantly higher than that, some concern might be warranted.

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.

Toyota is considered to be the go-to vehicle for reliability, while brands like Honda, Mazda, Subaru and Hyundai are also highly ranked for their quality and cheap maintenance costs. Brand recognition isn't the only factor for choosing what's a reliable vehicle.

The Toyota Yaris is ranked as the most reliable used car from the 2024. Now on its fourth generation, this data covers only the third-generation version that launched in 2011 that remained on sale until 2019.

Lexus and Toyota top the list of 26 brands, with a commanding advantage over third-ranked Mazda. All three brands have had consistent average or better reliability ratings over the years. Acura and Honda round up the top five brands.

Carmax offers the best prices for used vehicles when selling a car online. CarBrain is our top recommendation for selling an old or damaged car online.

What adds the most value to a car? ›

Distribution of new and used car buyers by age group in the U.S. 2021. In 2021, Baby Boomers were the main new car buyers in the United States, representing around 36 percent of new car sales. By contrast, Gen X made up the majority of the used car buyers, at close to 40 percent of the sales.

Listen for odd sounds: Any unusual noises coming from the engine, brakes, or transmission should be checked out by a mechanic. Rough transmission shifts are also a red flag. Check for water damage: If the interior has a musty smell, it could be a sign the car has flood damage or leaky windows.

Car shopping? Buying a used car can save you money, but you'll want to check the vehicle's age and the number on its odometer to get an even greater value. According to Autotrader, the best used vehicle should be between four and six years old, and have less than 50,000 miles.

Parking the vehicle in a way to conceal defects

For example, if the car has dents or scratches on the bumper they may park it right up against a wall so you cannot see the extent of the damage. Before you buy, tell the salesperson that you want the car moved so you can take a full look around.

Buyers looking for a cost-effective option may find that a 10-year-old car provides good value for the money. Depreciation Slows Down: By the time a car reaches the 10-year mark, the initial depreciation has likely slowed down. While it continues to depreciate over time, the rate is generally more gradual.

The automotive industry has undergone significant technological advancements over the past two decades. Features such as advanced safety systems, infotainment, and fuel efficiency may be lacking in a 20-year-old car, potentially compromising the overall driving experience and safety.

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. However, you stand a chance to save even more if you purchase an older car.