Used Cars For Sale in Edmonton, AB (2024)

FAQs

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

The optimal time to purchase a used car is typically between 2 to 5 years old. Within this age range, the vehicle has already experienced the most significant depreciation, yet remains relatively new and in good condition.

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.

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.

According to J.D. Power's 2023 Vehicle Dependability Study, Lexus topped the list of rankings and the RX model was named the most dependable vehicle on the market (tied with Toyota's C-HR). For 2024, the luxury brand led its segment and the overall industry for the second year in a row.

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.

Looking up a vehicle's safety rating, recalls, and full history report is a good place to start. In addition to online research, you should have a checklist of features you want in a used car and a mechanic lined up who can fully inspect the vehicle before purchasing.

According to Autotrader, the best used vehicle should be between four and six years old, and have less than 50,000 miles. But you'll also want to consider how the owner drove the car, whether it was mainly driven in the city, highway or a mix — and how well the car was maintained.

Cars.com is our top pick for selling a used car online. The company sets itself apart from other sites by offering a private sale option. Edmunds leads the way for buying a used car online since it makes it easy for consumers to research, buy, sell and appraise used cars.

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.

According to Autotrader, the best used vehicle should be between four and six years old, and have less than 50,000 miles. But you'll also want to consider how the owner drove the car, whether it was mainly driven in the city, highway or a mix — and how well the car was maintained.

What is the best age to buy a second hand car? ›

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.

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.

The first year faces the most significant depreciation hit to the car's market value, with most vehicles losing about 20% or more of their original value. The loss continues to decline from there. Cars often shed about 60% of their original purchase price within the first five years.