Used Cars for Under $5,000 in Moscow Mills, MO (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.

The Bottom Line:

By using the 10% rule of thumb, you can quickly determine how much of your monthly income can be spent on car costs without jeopardizing any of your other financial goals. For most folks, buying a used car within the $10,000 – $25,000 range is a great way to proceed.

Peddle: Good Choice for Older Vehicles

Peddle is the best site if it's time for your old car to retire. The company takes old and junk cars whether they run or not. Peddle has a simple, easy-to-use website that guides you through the offer process.

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.

If you're shopping for a used car, the early months of the year — January and February — are a good time to ship. You may see more vehicles on the market then as people sell their old vehicles after buying new ones over the holidays. That increased supply can lower prices, making it a good time to buy.

When it comes to reliability, Lexus and Toyota take the crown with their consistent performance. Honda and Subaru are also well-known for their engineering excellence and ruggedness, making them great choices for used cars.

60,000 to 100,000 Miles

If you want to squeeze the most value out of your vehicle, this mileage bracket is probably the best time to sell.

What mileage should I consider when buying a used car? ›

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.

Down Payments on Used Cars

Experts suggest that around 10 percent of the used car's total cost is standard for a down payment. For example, if the vehicle you want to buy $15,000.00, $1,500.00 is a great starting point.

Sell your car to an individual or private party

Selling your car to an individual, also called a private-party sale, is typically where you can get the most money.

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.

Both Carvana and CarMax advertise no-haggle pricing, but Carvana offers a seamless selling process that helps it come out ahead in our rankings. We give Carvana the edge over CarMax as a car selling website. Our team rates CarMax just slightly ahead of Carvana for its car buying services.

Final words: What is the best age to buy a used car

Generally, cars that are between 3 and 8 years old are considered to be in their prime, as they have depreciated in value but are still relatively new and have a lower likelihood of major mechanical issues.

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.

Affordability: One of the primary advantages of purchasing a 10-year-old car is affordability. New cars experience rapid depreciation in their first few years, making older models more budget-friendly. Buyers looking for a cost-effective option may find that a 10-year-old car provides good value for the money.

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.