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.

Best State for Initial Cost

If you're looking for the lowest initial cost, no state can beat Florida. When it comes to used car sales, Florida tends to has the cheapest prices. Florida's low initial vehicle costs are due to a variety of factors. First, Florida has one of the largest populations of older people.

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. Whether you want to find your ideal pre-owned vehicle or find the right buyer for a car you're selling, these sites are easy to use and offer excellent customer support.

Online Sticker Prices Could Be Cheaper

“Online platforms, for example, may not have to pay for a big number of sales representatives or maintain vast physical lots, which allows them to pass those savings on to customers.” Of course, you'll still need to pay certain fees when shopping online.

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.

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.

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. The older the model, the lower the cost.

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%.

What is the sales tax on a car in Arizona by city? ›

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.

1. Tucson, AZ. Tucson tops our list as the best place to live in Arizona. Home to gorgeous weather, a world-renowned cycling race, and surrounded by four mountain ranges providing endless vistas and hiking trails, Tucson is truly an outdoor haven.