In this CarGurus guide, we cover the best used cars to buy in Chicago, detail what Chicagoans specifically need to look out for when shopping for a used car, and provide data-backed pricing and inventory insights from CarGurus to support your shopping journey.
Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Used Car in Chicago
Chicago's used car market offers competitive pricing and strong selection, but midwest winters mean rust prevention and cold-weather reliability should be top priorities. The city's massive inventory gives you real negotiating power, and according to our data Chicago buyers enjoy better-than-average deal ratings across the board.
- Best Used Cars to Buy in Chicago
- Price Trends in Chicago
- Inventory Trends in Chicago
- Unique Challenges & Advantages of Buying Used in Chicago
- Why Shop on CarGurus?
Quick Answer: What Should You Know About Buying a Used Car in Chicago?
Chicago offers a robust used car market with competitive pricing and strong selection. Here's what Chicago buyers need to know:
- Top Sellers: Ford F-150, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Charger, Chevrolet Malibu, and Dodge Durango
- Price Advantage: Average used car price is 5% higher locally than nationally, but mileage is similar
- Deal Distribution: 51% of Chicago inventory rated Good or Great Deal (vs. 47% nationally)
- Clean History: 69% of listings are reportedly accident-free (vs. 67% nationally)
- Winter Readiness: Rust inspection is essential—Chicago winters and road salt take their toll
- AWD/4WD Preference: Snow and ice make all-wheel drive highly desirable for Chicago driving
Best Used Cars to Buy in Chicago
Based on CarGurus data, these are the five most in-demand used vehicles in Chicago right now:
| Vehicle | Chicago Avg. Price | vs. National | Good/Great Deals | No Accidents |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford F-150 | $27,394 | 12% lower | 64% | 73% |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | $23,381 | 9% higher | 54% | 63% |
| Dodge Charger | $27,387 | 1% higher | 44% | 59% |
| Chevrolet Malibu | $11,045 | 17% lower | 64% | 51% |
| Dodge Durango | $26,061 | 6% lower | 67% | 73% |
1. Ford F-150 – America's Best-Selling Truck, at a Chicago Discount
Average Price in Chicago: $27,394 (12% lower than the national average)
Typical Mileage Range: 70,000–135,000 miles
CarGurus Deal Rating Distribution: 64% Good/Great Deals
Accident-Free: 73% of Chicago inventory
The Ford F-150 leads Chicago's most-searched vehicles, and buyers here catch a meaningful break on pricing—Chicago's F-150 market runs 12% below the national average. This full-size truck delivers legendary capability, versatile bed configurations, and multiple powertrain options, from fuel-efficient turbos to robust V8s.
For Chicago drivers, the F-150 handles winter weather confidently with available four-wheel drive (4WD), and its truck bed proves invaluable whether you're hauling landscaping supplies or heading to the suburbs for a Home Depot run. Just be diligent about rust inspection—check the frame, wheel wells, and undercarriage carefully for any corrosion from road salt exposure.
Recommended model years: 2018–2021 offer the proven 13th generation with excellent reliability and modern features.
Read our complete guide to buying a Ford F-150
2. Jeep Grand Cherokee – Premium SUV Built for Four Seasons
Average Price in Chicago: $23,381 (9% higher than the national average)
Typical Mileage Range: 50,000–110,000 miles
CarGurus Deal Rating Distribution: 54% Good/Great Deals
No Accidents: 63% of Chicago inventory
The Jeep Grand Cherokee ranks second in Chicago searches, reflecting the city's strong preference for capable SUVs that handle winter weather. This midsize SUV combines premium interior appointments with genuine off-road capability and available V8 power for those who want both comfort and performance.
Chicago's Grand Cherokee market runs slightly above the national average, but the vehicle's winter credentials make it a smart investment for local drivers. The available Quadra-Trac and Quadra-Drive 4WD systems provide confident traction on snowy streets, and the elevated ride height helps navigate slushy intersections.
Recommended model years: 2018–2021 (fourth generation) balance modern tech with reasonable pricing.
Read our complete guide to buying a Jeep Grand Cherokee
3. Dodge Charger – Full-Size Performance Without the Premium
Average Price in Chicago: $27,387 (1% higher than the national average)
Typical Mileage Range: 40,000–90,000 miles
CarGurus Deal Rating Distribution: 44% Good/Great Deals
No Accidents: 59% of Chicago inventory
The Dodge Charger holds strong appeal in Chicago, offering full-size sedan space with performance credentials. Unlike some markets where Chargers command steep premiums, Chicago pricing runs nearly identical to the national average, making this an accessible choice for buyers seeking bold styling and available V8 power.
The Charger's rear-wheel-drive (RWD) architecture means you'll want winter tires if you're planning to daily drive through Chicago winters, or consider the AWD-equipped models available from 2013 onward. This sedan offers spacious rear seats and a massive trunk—practical considerations that matter for Chicago families.
Recommended model years: 2019–2021 offer modern tech with better value than the final production years.
Read our complete guide to buying a Dodge Charger
4. Chevrolet Malibu – Affordable Midsize Reliability
Average Price in Chicago: $11,045 (17% lower than the national average)
Typical Mileage Range: 60,000–130,000 miles
CarGurus Deal Rating Distribution: 64% Good/Great Deals
No Accidents: 51% of Chicago inventory
The Chevy Malibu represents exceptional value in Chicago's used car market, with local pricing running 17% below the national average. This midsize sedan delivers comfortable highway cruising, good fuel economy, and low-cost maintenance—exactly what commuters navigating the Kennedy or Dan Ryan need.
The Malibu may not offer the prestige of imports, but it excels at being a practical, affordable daily driver. The current generation (2016+) brought significantly improved refinement and technology. For Chicago winters, front-wheel drive (FWD) provides adequate traction with proper winter tires.
Recommended model years: 2018–2022 offer the best balance of modern features and value.
Read our complete guide to buying a Chevrolet Malibu
5. Dodge Durango – Three-Row Power and Capability
Average Price in Chicago: $26,061 (6% lower than the national average)
Typical Mileage Range: 50,000–110,000 miles
CarGurus Deal Rating Distribution: 67% Good/Great Deals
No Accidents: 73% of Chicago inventory
The Dodge Durango rounds out Chicago's top five with compelling appeal for families who need three-row seating but want more performance than typical SUVs deliver. Chicago buyers benefit from below-national-average pricing and an impressive 67% of inventory rated as Good or Great Deals.
The Durango's available V8 engines and standard RWD (with available AWD) make it a confident highway cruiser that can also tow up to 8,700 pounds when properly equipped. The third row is genuinely usable for kids, and the aggressive styling stands out in school drop-off lines.
Recommended model years: 2018–2022 offer strong value with proven reliability.
Read our complete guide to buying a Dodge Durango
Price Trends in Chicago
Chicago's used car market offers competitive pricing despite being a major metropolitan area. Understanding local trends helps you time your purchase and negotiate effectively.
Pricing vs National Average
The average used car price in Chicago is $29,972, which is 5% higher than the national average of $28,646. However, average mileage for Chicago's inventory is nearly identical identical to nationwide, meaning you're not paying a premium for lower-mileage vehicles—you're simply facing metropolitan market pricing.
How individual models compare to national pricing varies significantly:
| Model | Chicago Avg Price | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Malibu | $11,045 | $13,389 | 17% lower |
| Ford F-150 | $27,394 | $31,065 | 12% lower |
| Dodge Durango | $26,061 | $27,819 | 6% lower |
| Dodge Charger | $27,387 | $27,195 | 1% higher |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | $23,381 | $21,491 | 9% higher |
The takeaway: While Chicago's overall market runs at a modest premium, the most popular models—especially trucks and domestics like the F-150, Malibu, and Durango—are actually priced below national averages, creating genuine opportunities for value-focused shoppers.
Inventory Trends in Chicago
CarGurus currently lists more than 67,000 used vehicles in the Chicago metro area, providing substantial selection and real buyer leverage. This deep inventory means more choices and a better negotiating position.
| Metric | Chicago Market | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Total Inventory | Over 67,000 listings | — |
| Clean Titles (No Accidents) | 69% | 67% |
| Financing Available | 74% | 69% |
Good/Great Deals vs National Average
Chicago's deal distribution offers excellent news for buyers. Of the vehicles currently listed in Chicago, 51% are rated as Good or Great Deals—notably above the national average of 47%. Breaking that down:
| Deal Rating | Percentage | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Great Deal | 19% | Priced well below market value |
| Good Deal | 33% | Priced below market value |
| Fair Deal | 28% | Priced at market value |
| High Price/Overpriced | 6% | Priced above market value |
What does this mean for you? Chicago's competitive dealer environment creates real opportunities—more than half the inventory offers favorable pricing. This data suggests you should hold firm on negotiating and wait for the right deal rather than settling for fair-market pricing.
Unique Challenges & Advantages of Buying Used in Chicago
Winter Weather & Rust Concerns
Chicago's harsh winters create the single biggest challenge for used-car shoppers: rust and corrosion from road salt. Illinois uses aggressive salt treatment on winter roads, and vehicles driven through multiple Chicago winters will show the effects. When inspecting used cars, pay special attention to the frame and undercarriage (look for bubbling rust or structural deterioration), wheel wells and rocker panels (common rust starting points), and the exhaust system (salt accelerates corrosion here). Consider getting a pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic who can put the vehicle on a lift—rust damage is often hidden from view. Vehicles garaged during winter or recently moved from warmer climates will typically be in significantly better condition.
The upside: Chicago sellers understand these concerns, so rust-free examples often command premium prices, creating negotiating opportunities on vehicles with minor surface rust that can be treated and prevented from spreading.
Traffic & Commute Patterns
Chicago drivers face some of the nation's worst traffic congestion, with the average commuter spending significant time in stop-and-go conditions on the Kennedy, Eisenhower, and Dan Ryan expressways. This reality makes fuel efficiency and reliability paramount concerns.
For heavy urban traffic, consider vehicles with proven reliability records that can handle constant acceleration and braking without costly repairs. Hybrids and efficient four-cylinder engines become especially attractive for daily Loop commuters.
AWD/4WD Preference
Chicago's winter weather drives strong demand for all-wheel-drive (AWD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles. This preference is reflected in the top five most-searched vehicles—four of the five offer AWD or 4WD configurations.
The practical reality: Front-wheel drive (FWD) with proper winter tires handles Chicago winters adequately for most drivers, but AWD provides extra confidence on unplowed side streets and during lake-effect snowstorms. If you're shopping for AWD, expect to pay a premium, but rest assured that the investment pays dividends in winter traction, and often in resale value as well.
Parking & Urban Considerations
Chicago's urban environment creates particular vehicle considerations. Street parking is tight, garage clearances can be low, and parallel parking is a daily reality for city residents. This makes vehicle size a real factor—full-size trucks and SUVs offer capability but come with urban compromises.
If you're primarily driving in the city, consider how the vehicle will fit your lifestyle. Compact and midsize vehicles navigate narrow streets more easily and fit into tight parking spots. Conversely, if you're in the suburbs with a garage and driveway, these constraints matter less.
Why Shop on CarGurus?
CarGurus is not just a listings site; it's a comprehensive research platform that empowers you to shop confidently. We know that buying a car is a big deal. You need the most trustworthy used car site to support your decision with data-backed insights.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Transparent Deal Ratings | Know at a glance if you're looking at a good price |
| Verified Sellers | Find trusted dealers in the Chicago area with real customer reviews |
| Detailed Vehicle History | Accident reports, service records, and ownership history on every listing |
| Massive Inventory | Over 67,000 used vehicles in Chicago alone |
| Advanced Filtering | Search by price, mileage, features, accident history, and more |
Whether you're looking for the most reliable used car or a specific make and model, CarGurus gives you the data to make smart decisions.
Find Your Next Car in Chicago
Chicago offers a competitive used car market, with more than 67,000 vehicles to choose from and deal ratings that exceed national averages. The key advantages for Chicago buyers: 51% of inventory is rated as Good or Great Deals, 69% is accident-free, and popular models like the F-150, Malibu, and Durango are priced below national averages.
Ready to start your search? Browse Chicago's used car inventory on CarGurus today—compare deals, check prices, and find the right car for your commute with transparent ratings and verified dealers.
The proprietary CarGurus market data that informs this guide is current as of January 2026.
