Used Cars For Sale in Atlanta, GA (2024)

FAQs

Where is the best place to search for used cars? ›

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Kelley Blue Book ^® Price Advisor shows you what you should pay for a new or used car based on what others have paid in your area. And how can you be sure you're getting good deal? Aim for the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price and Fair Market Range as your target price.