FAQs
Data shows that the average cost of a used vehicle nationwide is about the same as the average price in California.
What website has most used cars? ›
- Our Top Picks.
- CarGurus.
- Autotrader.
- CarsDirect.
- Hemmings.
- Autolist.
- AutoTempest.
- Cars & Bids.
How to sell a car on Craigslist in California? ›
Author(s)
- Step 1: Compile the documents needed to sell your car.
- Step 2: Clean and repair your car as best you can.
- Step 3: Determine your car's market value.
- Step 4: Take great photos of your car.
- Step 5: Create a detailed description of your car.
- Step 6: Publish your ad.
- Step 7: Be ready for potential buyers.
Are used cars sold as is in California? ›
In most cases, cars are only sold as-is if they're used. In California, all vehicle manufacturers and dealerships must offer warranties on brand new vehicles for the first few years after they're sold. Manufacturer warranties are transferred to the car's current owner as long as the warranty hasn't expired.
What is the number one selling vehicle in California? ›
The top three passenger cars sold in California in 2023 were the Tesla Model 3, the Toyota Camry, and the Honda Civic. The top three light trucks for the year were the Tesla Model Y, the Toyota RAV4, and the Honda CR-V. Toyota held its place as the top-selling brand in California again in 2023.
Where is the cheapest state to buy a new car? ›
New Hampshire is the best state in which to buy a vehicle. The unexpected fees when acquiring a car in New Hampshire are relatively minimal. Because of the lack of state sales taxes and minimal registration fees, you can save money upfront.
How many miles is too many for a used car? ›
There's no absolute number of miles that is considered too high for a used car. But consider 200,000 as an upper limit, a threshold where even modern cars begin to succumb to the years of wear and tear.
Who is better, CarMax or Carvana? ›
Both Carvana and CarMax advertise no-haggle pricing, but Carvana offers a seamless selling process that helps it come out ahead in our rankings. We give Carvana the edge over CarMax as a car selling website. Our team rates CarMax just slightly ahead of Carvana for its car buying services.
In what three states is it most expensive to own a car? ›
Car ownership costs vary significantly by state, with California, Nevada, Florida, New York, and Washington being the most expensive due to high costs of insurance, fuel, sales tax, and vehicle depreciation.
Can I sell my car for a dollar in California? ›
Can you sell a car for $1? In short, yes. But while selling a car for $1 will allow you to avoid capital gains and gifts taxes, the recipient of the car will have to pay whatever rate of sales tax your state charges on used vehicles when they transfer the title.
You'll need to:
- Fill out the official Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) transfer forms.
- Get a smog certification.
- Submit transfer forms.
- Complete the California certificate of title.
- Get an odometer reading.
- Collect any valid warranties or as-is documents.
- Collect all maintenance records.
How do I protect myself when selling a car in California? ›
On top of protecting your physical safety, consider taking these financial and legal safety precautions when selling your car:
- Ask for the driver's proof of insurance. ...
- Get everything in writing. ...
- Wait for the money to come in. ...
- Keep your car insured while it's yours. ...
- Complete the paperwork.
Do I pay tax when I sell my used car in California? ›
Vehicles sold through private party sales in California are subject to a use tax. Similar to a sales tax, this is collected for the storage, use, and consumption of personal property which includes vehicles. There are some instances where you may be exempt from a use tax.
What is a lemon car in California? ›
California Lemon Law
protects you when your vehicle is defective and cannot be repaired after a “reasonable” number of attempts. The Lemon Law applies to most new vehicles purchased or leased in California that are still under a manufacturer's new-vehicle warranty.
Will CA give you $1200 if your car doesn't pass smog? ›
Owners of model year 1996 or newer vehicles may receive up to $1,200 in emissions-related repairs. Owners of model year 1976 through 1995 vehicles may receive up to $900 in emissions-related repairs.
Which states have the highest used car prices? ›
Wyoming is the state with the highest average used car price of $41,405.
What is the best state to buy a used car in? ›
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. Iowa is also noteworthy for its affordable insurance rates, averaging less than $720 annually.
What state pays the most for used cars? ›
iSeeCars analyzed 8 million car sales to determine which states pay the most and least for used cars. Alaska is the state with the most expensive used cars with an average used car price of $29,656. SUVs are the most common vehicle type in Alaska, accounting for 45 percent of all used vehicle purchases.
Does California give money for old cars? ›
Consumers meeting the income eligibility requirement may receive $1,500 for each vehicle retired. All other vehicle owners may receive $1,000 to retire their vehicle at a BAR-contracted dismantler.