Used Cars For Sale in Santa Barbara, CA (2024)

FAQs

What city in California sells the cheapest cars? ›

Aliso Viejo, in southern Orange County, has been named the #1 most affordable city in the state of California in which to buy a car. According to a recent survey by Autolist.com, Aliso Viejo is approximately $1,160 less expensive for buying automobiles than anywhere else in the state.

The “sweet spot” for purchasing a used car is between 2 to 5 years old. This is the age range where the car has already gone through the steepest part of its depreciation curve, but it's still relatively new and in good condition.

It wouldn't be a best seller list without the Ford F-150 pickup topping it and 2023 is no exception. Making up 3.3% of the 9.2 million used car sales examined, the Ford F-150 retained its top spot for another year, not just in the used market.

Data shows that the average cost of a used vehicle nationwide is about the same as the average price in California.

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.

Cars over 10 years old can still be reliable. Most vehicles can last well over a decade with proper care and maintenance. In fact, the average car on U.S. roads is now 12.5 years old, according to a study from S&P Global Mobility. Furthermore, a car doesn't really stop depreciating until it hits that 10-year mark.

Older vehicles often require more frequent maintenance, and some components may need replacement due to age-related wear. The overall cost of ownership can increase significantly as the car ages, potentially outweighing the initial savings on the purchase price.

What is the best brand of used cars to buy? ›

Honda: Recognized for producing reliable cars with solid engineering, good fuel efficiency, and longevity. Subaru: Valued for its all-wheel-drive capability and strong reliability ratings across its lineup of cars and SUVs. Mazda: Often praised for its reliability, engaging driving dynamics, and well-built vehicles.

After comparing multiple car buying websites, our team found CarMax pays top dollar for used vehicles.

If you never bring the car into the state, and/or if you immediately have it transported (not driven) out of state, you never have to pay California sales tax or register it here, even if you made the deal in California. If you pay another state's sales tax, California will credit that amount.

Otherwise, expect the maximum possible price. Fees, taxes, and car insurance vary from state to state, but there is a pool of good overall picks: New Hampshire, Oregon, Florida, Ohio, Wisconsin, North Carolina, and Missouri. Based on numbers, the cheapest place to buy a car in the USA is New Hampshire.

The cheapest place to live in California is Fresno. It offers an affordable cost of living 21% lower than the state average.

Florida offers the lowest starting price for cars due to its large older population and good weather.

Topping this list are the five states that levy no car sales tax at all: Oregon, New Hampshire, Montana, Delaware, and Alaska. Buyers in these states can avoid a hefty addition to their car purchase costs, as they enjoy a 0% sales tax rate.

Best States to Buy a Car

First, let's explore the states that offer the most advantages when it comes to car buying. States like Alaska, Montana, Oregon, Delaware, and New Hampshire stand out due to their lack of statewide sales tax, as well as generally low unexpected fees.