What is the best age for a used car?

All in all, the best age to buy a used car is around the 5-year mark, as this minimizes depreciation and maximises reliability for the price you’ll pay, meaning you’re less likely to have any problems or need to pay any more money for later on which is a common problem with really cheap or much older vehicles.

Is 10 years too old for a car?

New cars are so reliable that, on average, one could be expected to remain trouble free for years at a time. A five-year-old car may encounter a problem every three years. Even 10-year-old cars would only be expected to have a problem every 18 to 20 months on average.

What should I look for in a 10 year old used car?

If you’re looking for a 10-year-old used car, you should focus on models that offered those features and make sure the example you’re considering has them. If you want the widest selection of cars with the most important safety features, consider cars starting from the 2012 model year.

Is buying a used car that’s too old a good idea?

Buying a used car that’s even just a few years old can mean significant savings. We must, however, consider that older vehicles may require more maintenance and repair. Wear and tear inevitably takes its toll. So, the question arises, what is the sweet spot for buying a used car?

How reliable is a used car?

Reliability does depend on the vehicle and how many miles it’s covered. We wouldn’t go too far beyond the mid- to late-1990s for any car, as parts can be harder to find once a car crests 20 years of age.

Is it worth it to buy a car that is 2-3 years old?

After that, depreciation still happens, but at a slower rate. Taking these figures into account, buying a vehicle that’s 2-3 years old means you’re getting a nearly new vehicle while taking none of the depreciation hit yourself.