Used Cars For Sale in Atlanta, GA (2024)

FAQs

Where is the best place to search for used cars? ›

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.

A wary buyer should use as a general rule of thumb that most cars are driven 12,000-15,000 miles per year. If a vehicle is 10 years of age, it should have between 120,000 miles and 150,000 miles on the odometer.

Cars.com is our top pick for selling a used car, while Edmunds tops our rankings for buying a used car online. We recommend doing plenty of research on the used car market and comparing offers and quotes from multiple sites before making your decision.

Before You Buy

Before you can register, you must have a valid Georgia driver's license or ID. You must apply for a Georgia driver license and register your vehicle within 30 days of becoming a Georgia resident. For license assistance, visit the Georgia Department of Driver Services website.

Georgia Vehicle Purchase Tax, Title and License Fees

Tax, title and license fees charged when purchasing a vehicle in Georgia are: Tax: 7% of the vehicle's Fair Market Value. Title: $18. License Registration: $20.

The dealer will not be responsible for any problem with the car. If the car breaks down, you will still have to make the payments. Generally, you will not be able to return a car to the dealer for a refund or free repair if it is purchased “as is.” There is no 3-day return rule unless the contract specifically says so.

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.

When buying a used car, what mileage is best? ›

As a general rule, you should assume that the average car owner puts 12,000 miles on a car each year. To determine whether a car has reasonable mileage, you can simply multiply 12,000 by its age. That means good mileage for a car that's 5 years old is 60,000.

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.

Today, many shoppers negotiate for a used car by requesting a car dealer quote online or texting the car's owner. Get the numbers: Look up the car's current market value. Make the right opening offer: Keep your offer low, but realistic. Make a counteroffer: Sweeten the deal, but not too much.

Start saving ASAP and consider using cash for the purchase

That's because the more you can pay up front in cash for that first car, the smaller your monthly payments will be. Don't use all your savings, though — remember you need a cushion for some emergencies or unexpected expenses that may come up!

Negotiate the Final Price

Just make sure to back up your offer with compelling facts. For example, if you want to offer $5,000 less than the vehicle's MSRP, come prepared with information indicating that the vehicle's fair market value is slightly lower than what the seller is charging.

Since 1926, Kelley Blue Book has been one of the most trusted names in the auto industry. You might say we literally "wrote the book on car values". And today there's no better place to find the value of your current car than KBB.com.