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Used Cars for Sale in Bountiful, UT
If your vehicle is nearing the end of its life span or your needs exceed what you can get from your ride, it's time to start thinking about your next vehicle. You don't need a brand-new car to improve your transportation situation — you can find plenty of used cars for sale that deliver great quality and reliability at Bountiful Mazda. Know what to look for so you can get a great deal on our used car inventory.
Understanding the Used Car Market
In April 2025, President Trump instituted a 25% tariff on imported cars. Though this doesn't apply directly to used cars, it's likely to increase car prices across the market. Nearly new vehicles are in short supply, and the average age of trade-ins is on the rise, as many buyers are holding onto their current vehicles as long as possible. If you're planning to purchase a used car in the current market, it pays to be savvy about your purchase.
You can increase your chances of getting a great deal if you shop at the end of the month or — better yet — at the end of a sales quarter. In March, June, September, and December, your used car purchase could make the difference between meeting or missing a quota, which results in better prices. Always start shopping before you absolutely need to upgrade your vehicle, so you have plenty of time to explore your options and wait for the right find.
Advantages of Buying a Used Car
There are plenty of compelling reasons to purchase a used car rather than a new one. Used cars are always cheaper than their newer counterparts. Some of this comes from the mileage, wear, and tear, but that's not the only reason you save.
A used car is free of many fees that apply to new vehicles, including shipping charges. While premium features such as sunroofs, heated and ventilated seating, and upgraded wheels come with a steep price tag on new vehicles, they only add a marginal upcharge when the car is used.
Vehicles experience the steepest depreciation when they first leave the lot. For the first five years of a vehicle's life, the depreciation exceeds the actual loss of use. For example, a Mazda that's just a year old is 25.4% cheaper than a newer model, yet it retains 91.7% of its usable lifespan. After two years, a Mazda is 30.8% cheaper with 83.3% of its life remaining. You can enjoy an impressive life span with the right used car.
Shop by Criteria: Making the Right Choice
When it comes to used vehicles, no two are alike. Even with the same year, make, and model, you'll find discrepancies in mileage and maintenance. It's important to know what you're looking for so you can narrow down your options on our used car lot.
Car Brand
While most vehicles on our lot are Mazdas, we also carry other used cars, including Honda, Ford, Subaru, Toyota, and others. Mazda's vehicles are ranked third for reliability, coming in above Honda, Dodge, Jeep, Acura, and Chrysler.
The most important thing to consider is whether a brand has the features, functionality, and fit you want. If you have a large family, you may need a minivan, which is an area where Toyota and Kia often shine. If you prefer a sportier SUV, Mazda's CX lineup offers several outstanding options. Consider how you'll use your vehicle, what type of terrain you'll tackle, and who you plan to transport, so you can find a vehicle that meets your needs.
Year
As mentioned, vehicles see the steepest depreciation in the first five years. After that, depreciation levels off until the vehicle's remaining value exceeds its life span. Most vehicle warranties last no more than five years, so staying under this marker can get you some added coverage. You shouldn't shy away from something older if the price is right. You can find outstanding deals with gently used older vehicles.
Mileage
The average vehicle's life span is about eight years or 150,000 miles. The mileage matters more than age. A car can keep chugging along if properly maintained over those miles, with many vehicles reaching 15 years or more and exceeding 300,000 miles. Always consider the vehicle history report and maintenance records to see if its care can offset its time on the road.
Securing Financing and Negotiating Deals
Though used cars for sale are cheaper than new ones, buyers still tend to finance this purchase. Unless you can pay for your vehicle in cash, you'll need to find good financing. You can offset some of the cost of your used vehicle with a trade-in. Put your previous vehicle forth as a down payment on your next car to reduce the purchase price. Using a trade-in as your down payment also reduces the amount you'll pay in sales tax.
Compare financing options if you can. Our Bountiful Mazda finance department can help you explore some highly competitive options for your purchase.
Finally, take your time with the test-drive and inspection so you can negotiate wisely on the sale. If you notice anything amiss, you can reasonably ask for a better deal on the car. Know what you can afford to spend before you arrive on the lot, so you're not encouraged to take a deal that will break your budget.
Find Your Next Preowned Vehicle at Bountiful Mazda
If you're in the Bountiful, Utah, area and are looking to buy used cars nearby, our team at Bountiful Mazda has what you need. Come explore our lot for great deals on reliable used cars. We can even help you find cars for sale under $20,000. Our dedicated team is committed to streamlining your purchase process and uncovering the best fit for your family.