Used Car Prices and Market Data

Start by understanding the market before you visit a dealership. Know the average price, typical mileage, and how long listings sit before selling for the vehicle you want. CarScout tracks all of this from real dealer inventory nationwide. Pick a make above to start researching, then compare pricing across model years and trims to find where the value is.

The general rule is 12,000 to 15,000 miles per year of age. A 5-year-old car with 60,000 to 75,000 miles is considered average. Below that is low mileage (and usually costs more), while above that opens up budget-friendly options. More important than the number itself is how the car was driven and maintained. Highway miles are easier on a vehicle than city stop-and-go.

Used car prices fluctuate based on supply, demand, and new-car production. Prices spiked during the post-pandemic shortage and have been gradually normalizing since then, but the pace varies by segment. The best way to know if a specific vehicle is getting cheaper is to watch its price trend over time. Each vehicle page on CarScout shows historical pricing so you can see which direction prices are moving before you buy.

Certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles come with manufacturer-backed warranties and pass multi-point inspections, but they cost more. Regular used cars are cheaper but carry more risk. CPO makes sense for newer vehicles where the warranty has real value. For older or high-mileage vehicles, the CPO premium often exceeds the warranty benefit. Either way, always get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic.

Every price on CarScout comes from live dealer inventory: real asking prices from franchised and independent dealers across the US, not algorithmic estimates. We aggregate thousands of listings weekly so you can see where prices cluster, not just a single number. Safety data comes from NHTSA recall and complaint databases, and fuel economy figures come from EPA testing.