Used Cars for Sale in Portland, OR (with Photos) (2024)

FAQs

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

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.

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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.

There is no sales tax on any vehicle purchased in Oregon. If you are buying a car in another state, make sure the dealer fills out paperwork for Oregon residents so that you do not have to pay sales tax.

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.

When shopping, is there a best age for purchasing a used car? 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.

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.

The average car gets in 10,000 to 12,000 miles per year, so used cars with an annual average lower than that can be considered as having good mileage. Simply divide the odometer number by the car's age in years to determine it's annual average.

Key Takeaways. The 50-30-20 budget rule states that you should spend up to 50% of your after-tax income on needs and obligations that you must have or must do. The remaining half should dedicate 20% to savings, leaving 30% to be spent on things you want but don't necessarily need.

At least three failed attempts to fix the problem must be made (at least one attempt if the problem is likely to cause injury or death), or the vehicle must be in the shop for a combined total of 30 or more calendar days (60 or more calendar days for a motor home).

Is there a benefit to buying a car in Oregon? ›

Avoiding sales tax can be incredibly beneficial to your car purchase, but it's only possible in some states. Alaska, Montana, Oregon, Delaware, and New Hampshire have no statewide sales tax.

About sales tax in Oregon. Oregon doesn't have a general sales or use/transaction tax. However, Oregon does have a vehicle use tax that applies to new vehicles purchased outside of the state. The tax must be paid before the vehicle can be titled and registered in Oregon.

Final words: What is the best age to buy a used car

Generally, cars that are between 3 and 8 years old are considered to be in their prime, as they have depreciated in value but are still relatively new and have a lower likelihood of major mechanical issues.

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.

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.

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.