Used Cars for Sale in Phoenix, AZ (2024)

FAQs

What city in Arizona is best to buy a car? ›

Buckeye Named Most Affordable City to Buy a Car

Buying a vehicle in Buckeye could save buyers $966 compared to the average cost in the rest of Arizona, according to a study by Autolist.com. That makes Buckeye the most affordable place in the state to purchase a new vehicle.

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.

Favorable Tax Rates

While Arizona does have a state sales tax, it is generally lower than in many other states with high costs of living, such as California. This potentially lowers the overall cost of buying a car in Arizona than in neighboring states.

Experts agree that the common rule of thumb on mileage for a used vehicle is roughly 12,000 miles added for each year of ownership. That means, for example, good mileage for a used vehicle that's five years old would be around 60,000 miles.

Cars.com, Carvana, Edmunds, CarMax and TrueCar are our top recommendations for used car websites.

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.

At what mileage should you sell a car? ›

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. While your car may need a couple of expensive repairs to run properly, it shouldn't entirely give up on you if it has been well-maintained.

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.

You want to find out as much as you can about any vehicle you're considering. That means getting a vehicle history report, taking a test drive and having it inspected by an independent mechanic to ensure that it's mechanically sound. The first step in evaluating a used car is getting a vehicle history report.

As of 2024, the base AZ state sales tax rate in Arizona is 5.6%. The highest county sales tax rate can be found in Yuma County at 1.0%, while the lowest is in La Paz County at 0.5%.

Best Cheapset State to Buy Used Cars

This is because Oregon has the lowest unexpected fees in the country, including document processing fees and dealer fees. Other cheap states for used cars are Alaska, Montana, Oregon, Delaware, and New Hampshire. However, there are some variations in the price tags.

Arizona has a state sales tax rate of 5.6 percent, but county and city governments can stack additional taxes. "That's why you pay a 7.95 percent sales tax in Scottsdale, 8.0 percent in Phoenix, 8.1 percent in Tucson, and 8.951 percent in Flagstaff.

Fuel Efficiency is Key: Arizona's hot climate makes fuel-efficient cars like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla strong contenders. Balance is Important: Consider sedans like the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry for a mix of size, efficiency, and performance.