Used Cars For Sale in Kalamazoo, MI (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.

What is considered high mileage on a car? Often, 100,000 miles is considered a cut-off point for used cars because older vehicles often start requiring more expensive and frequent maintenance when mileage exceeds 100,000.

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.

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.

Today, many shoppers negotiate for a used car by requesting a car dealer quote online or texting the car's owner. Get the numbers: Look up the car's current market value. Make the right opening offer: Keep your offer low, but realistic. Make a counteroffer: Sweeten the deal, but not too much.

How to afford a car if you are broke? ›

Start saving ASAP and consider using cash for the purchase

That's because the more you can pay up front in cash for that first car, the smaller your monthly payments will be. Don't use all your savings, though — remember you need a cushion for some emergencies or unexpected expenses that may come up!

Negotiate the Final Price

Just make sure to back up your offer with compelling facts. For example, if you want to offer $5,000 less than the vehicle's MSRP, come prepared with information indicating that the vehicle's fair market value is slightly lower than what the seller is charging.

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.

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.

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.

Today, buying 10-year-old used cars definitely makes sense, provided you keep a few parameters in mind. Why buying a 10-year-old used car is a good idea? Budget is the primary reason why you should consider a 10-year-old vehicle. In its first year, a new vehicle loses almost 20% of its initial dollar value.

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.