Used Cars Under $3,500 - iSeeCars.com (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.

Check Market Price

Checking the market price from an outside source, such as Kelly Blue Book can help you know the fair market value of the car you're considering. Once you know the fair market price, you'll be able to tell if the car you're considering is reasonably priced or not.

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.

In conclusion, while it's a good idea to consider both the age of a vehicle and the mileage on the odometer, how it was maintained is the key. A 10 year old car with 100,000 miles may have received more maintenance and upkeep then a 5 year-old car with 50,000 miles.

Examples of vehicles in poor condition are ones with severe mechanical issues, substantial cosmetic defects, a branded title (such as salvage or flood) and so on. Learn how Kelley Blue Book determines vehicle price information.

Wintertime: One of the Best Times to Buy a Used Car

The change of the year also means that many car lots are changing out their inventory—out with the old and in with the new, meaning you can probably get a good deal on a car that's heading out.

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.

In reality, there is no concrete answer for this – it all depends on the car. A well-maintained 10-year-old car could possibly be a better investment than a newer model which hasn't been looked after. As a very general rule of thumb, a car is usually reliable up to 5 years providing it has been maintained.

Cars over 10 years old can still be reliable. Most vehicles can last well over a decade with proper care and maintenance. In fact, the average car on U.S. roads is now 12.5 years old, according to a study from S&P Global Mobility. Furthermore, a car doesn't really stop depreciating until it hits that 10-year mark.

Is 20 years too old for a used car? ›

Cars older than eight to 10 years will be a riskier option, depending on the driving and maintenance history, while vehicles over 15 to 20 are usually nearing the end of their service lives.