Optimal Age for a Used Car Purchase
By Motor Match • 03/11/2025
With used cars being quite a sought after way of car buying, we break down what the optimal age a car should be if you are choosing to buy used!
How Old Should a Used Car Be?
Buying a used car is an exciting experience, you’re getting more for your money, a wider choice of models, and the chance to find something that really fits your lifestyle. But one question comes up time and time again, how old should a used car be to make it a smart buy?
Whether you’re browsing our Motor Match used car range, or considering new models at one of franchised dealerships, here’s how to decide on the optimal age for your next used car.
Why Car Age Matters
When it comes to used cars, age plays a big part in everything from price and performance to reliability and running costs. A brand new car starts to lose value as soon as it’s driven off the forecourt, in fact, most new cars can lose around 15%-35% of their value in the first year alone. That means if you buy a car that’s just a few years old, someone else has already taken the biggest depreciation hit, leaving you with better value for money.
The Sweet Spot: 3-5 Years Old
For most buyers, the sweet spot for a used car tends to be around three to five years old and here’s why:
- Depreciation Slows Down - The biggest drop in value has has already happened, meaning your car’s likely to hold its price while you own it.
- Modern Features, Lower Costs - Cars in this age range still benefit from the latest technology, safety features and fuel efficiency, without the brand new price tag.
- Manufacturer Warranties May Still Apply - Some brands, like Kia or Toyota, offer extended warranties that can still cover a three or four year old car.
You’ll find a great range of cars in this age bracket at your local used car market, many of which come with low mileage and a full service history for extra peace of mind.
Younger Used Cars (Under 3 Years Old)
If you like that “new car” feel, but want to save money, a used car under three years old could be ideal. These are often ex-demonstrator models, nearly new cars, or approved used vehicles that have had just one previous owner.
They usually come with:
- Very low mileage
- A full manufacturer warranty
- The latest technology and styling
Of course, they’ll still cost a bit more upfront, but you’re essentially getting a new car for less.
Older Used Cars (6+ Years Old)
A well maintained older car can still be a fantastic buy, especially if you’re working with a tighter budget or looking for a reliable second car.
Modern cars are built to last much longer than they used to, and with regular servicing, a six or seven year old car can still have plenty of life left in it. Just make sure to check:
- The service history
- MOT records
- Signs of wear and tear
Mileage vs Age: What’s More Important?
At trusted used car markets, every car goes through a thorough multi-point check, so you can drive away with confidence no matter the car’s age. Mileage often tells you more about a car’s condition than its age. A well maintained five year old car with 25,000 miles may be in better shape than a two year old car that’s clocked 60,000 miles on the motorway.
When choosing your next used car, it’s worth balancing both factors, look for a good mix of low mileage and sensible age to get the best long term value.
Find Your Perfect Used Car Today
Whether you’re looking for a nearly new car or a trusted pre-owned model, Swansway Motor Group and Motor Match have hundreds of quality used cars ready to browse online. From compact town cars, to family SUVs and premium brands, you’ll find great value, reliable performance and the peace of mind that comes from buying from a family run retailer you can trust.
You may also like…