Used Cars For Sale in Charleston, SC (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.

In The Millionaire Next Door, Stanley and Danko had an entire chapter entitled “You Aren't What You Drive.” What do rich people drive? The authors noted that only 23.5% of millionaires owned a car from the current model year and only 55% of millionaires owned a car newer than 2 years old.

The state collects a 6 percent sales tax on all vehicle purchases. However, according to Sales Tax Rates, cities and/or municipalities in South Carolina can also collect their own rate on top of the state sales tax rate.

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.

Best Car Brands to Buy Used

Some brands simply feature more reliability and safer vehicles than others. That's why you might want to consider a used Lexus, Toyota, Mazda, Subaru or Kia as these topped the Consumer Reports listing of the most reliable brands.

#1 - Honda HR-V

With an average of just 34.4 days on the market, the Honda HR-V leads the pack as the fastest selling used car. Priced at $24,496 on average, this compact SUV offers a winning combination of versatility and affordability.

In 2021, Baby Boomers were the main new car buyers in the United States, representing around 36 percent of new car sales. By contrast, Gen X made up the majority of the used car buyers, at close to 40 percent of the sales.

“Some wealthy individuals prioritize practicality and functionality over luxury,” said Loretta Kilday, senior attorney and spokesperson for Debt Consolidation Care. “They opt for reliable, well-built cars that suit their lifestyle and transportation needs rather than flashy high-end vehicles.”

Under the changes in legislation, the sales tax has increased from 5% of the sale price, with a maximum of $300, to 5% of the sale price, with a maximum of $500.

What is the property tax on a used car in South Carolina? ›

Privately owned passenger vehicles: 6% of retail value. Business owned vehicles: 10.5% of retail value. Trucks with an empty weight over 9,000 lb or a gross weight over 11,000 lb: 10.5% of retail value (the weight used is provided by the manufacturer) including privately owned vehicles.

Max Tax is a form of Sales Tax applied to certain items, including cars, aircraft, and boats. The Max Tax rate is 5% but capped at a maximum of $500. Retailers of items subject to Max Tax must collect and pay the tax and file Max Tax returns.

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.