This CarGurus guide covers the best used cars to buy in Los Angeles, what Angelenos specifically need to look out for, and data-backed pricing and inventory insights from CarGurus to support your shopping journey.
Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Used Car in Los Angeles
LA's year-round sunshine means less rust and corrosion than you'd find in other markets, California's strict emissions standards keep vehicles well-maintained, and the sheer size of the market gives you a leg up in terms of selection and negotiating power.
- Best Used Cars to Buy in Los Angeles
- Price Trends in Los Angeles
- Inventory Trends in Los Angeles
- Unique Challenges & Advantages of Buying Used in LA
- Why Shop on CarGurus?
Quick Answer: What Should You Know About Buying a Used Car in LA?
Los Angeles offers one of the largest and most dynamic used car markets in the country, with more than 70,000 vehicles currently listed on CarGurus. Here's what LA buyers need to know:
- Top Sellers: Tesla Model 3, Dodge Charger, BMW 3 Series, Toyota Camry, and Ford F-150
- Price Advantage: Popular models like the Model 3 (11% below) and Camry (10% below) beat national averages
- Deal Distribution: 48% of LA inventory rated Good or Great Deal
- Clean History: 77% of listings are reportedly accident-free (vs. 67% nationally)
- Climate Advantage: No rust or corrosion issues—but watch for sun damage on paint and interiors
- EV Infrastructure: 8,000+ public charging stations make LA ideal for used EVs
Best Used Cars to Buy in Los Angeles
Based on CarGurus data, these are the five most in-demand used vehicles in Los Angeles in early 2026:
| Vehicle | LA Avg. Price | vs. National | Good/Great Deals in LA Inventory | LA Inventory Accident-Free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 | $20,614 | 11% lower | 59% | 80% |
| Dodge Charger | $35,218 | 29% higher | 35% | 68% |
| BMW 3 Series | $19,061 | 5% lower | 59% | 76% |
| Toyota Camry | $16,417 | 10% lower | 59% | 68% |
| Ford F-150 | $32,200 | 4% higher | 50% | 81% |
1. Tesla Model 3 – The Most-Searched EV in LA, Now More Affordable Than Ever
Average Price in LA: $20,614 (11% lower than the national average)
Typical Mileage Range: 40,000–80,000 miles
CarGurus Deal Rating Distribution: 59% Good/Great Deals
Accident-Free: 80% of LA inventory
The Tesla Model 3 is the most-searched vehicle in Los Angeles, and for good reason. Used Model 3 prices have dropped significantly, making electric ownership more accessible than ever. With over 8,000 public charging stations across the metro area, range anxiety is virtually non-existent in LA.
The Model 3 offers exhilarating performance, minimal maintenance (no oil changes!), and California HOV lane access. While the upfront cost may be higher than on gas-powered equivalents, you'll save on fuel and maintenance.
Recommended model years: 2019–2022 offer the best balance of price and features. Focus on Standard Range Plus or Long Range variants for best value.
Read our complete guide to buying a used Tesla Model 3 in LA
2. Dodge Charger – A Performance Favorite with Strong LA Demand
Average Price in LA: $35,218 (29% higher than the national average)
Typical Mileage Range: 30,000–85,000 miles
CarGurus Deal Rating Distribution: 35% Good/Great Deals
Accident-Free: 68% of LA inventory
The Dodge Charger ranks as the second most-searched vehicle in LA, reflecting the city's love affair with performance sedans. This full-size muscle car delivers bold styling and powerful engine options, from the efficient V6 to the thunderous supercharged V8 of the Hellcat variants.
Keep in mind that LA's Charger market runs at a premium—prices here are nearly 30% above the national average. If you're set on a Charger, patience and deal hunting are essential.
Recommended model years: 2019–2021 offer modern tech with better value than the final production years.
Read our complete guide to buying a used Dodge Charger in LA
3. BMW 3 Series – Luxury and Performance in a Compact Package
Average Price in LA: $19,061 (5% lower than the national average)
Typical Mileage Range: 50,000–100,000 miles
CarGurus Deal Rating Distribution: 59% Good/Great Deals
Accident-Free: 76% of LA inventory
The BMW 3 Series continues to attract LA buyers seeking a blend of luxury, performance, and practicality. Good news for shoppers: Its strong local popularity seems to have contributed to a buyer's market. LA pricing on the 3 Series actually runs slightly below the national average, making it a relative value in this region.
The 3 Series is nimble enough for canyon carving yet comfortable for daily commutes. Just budget for higher maintenance costs compared to mainstream brands—BMWs require premium fuel and more expensive service intervals.
Recommended model years: 2018–2021 (F30/G20 generations) balance modern features with reasonable pricing.
Read our complete guide to buying a used 3 Series in LA
4. Toyota Camry – The Reliable Commuter Champion
Average Price in LA: $16,417 (10% lower than the national average)
Typical Mileage Range: 50,000–120,000 miles
CarGurus Deal Rating Distribution: 59% Good/Great Deals
Accident-Free: 68% of LA inventory
The Toyota Camry remains one of the most sought-after sedans in Los Angeles, and LA buyers get a nice advantage: Local prices run about 10% below the national average. This is the definition of a safe, practical choice—legendary reliability, excellent fuel economy, and strong resale value.
For LA commuters, the Camry is a bulletproof option that will handle years of freeway miles without complaint. When people ask "What is the most reliable used car you can buy?", the Camry is always in the conversation.
Recommended model years: 2018–2022 (current generation) offer the best blend of modern safety tech and value.
Read our complete guide to buying a used Camry in LA
5. Ford F-150 – America's Best-Selling Truck, Even in Urban LA
Average Price in LA: $32,200 (4% higher than the national average)
Typical Mileage Range: 70,000–135,000 miles
CarGurus Deal Rating Distribution: 50% Good/Great Deals
Accident-Free: 81% of LA inventory
The Ford F-150 rounds out LA's top five most-searched vehicles, proving that trucks have their place even in urban Southern California. Whether you need hauling capacity for work, have weekend adventures to the mountains planned, or just prefer the commanding driving position, the F-150 delivers versatility and capability.
LA's F-150 pricing is only slightly above national averages, and the local inventory shows an impressive 81% with clean accident histories.
Recommended model years: 2018–2021 offer the proven 13th generation with excellent reliability and modern features.
Read our complete guide to buying a used F-150 in LA
Price Trends in Los Angeles
The LA used car market is one of the largest in the country. Understanding local pricing trends can help you time your purchase and negotiate effectively.
Pricing vs National Average
As of January 2026, the average used car price in Los Angeles is $42,171, which is 47% higher than the national average of $28,646. This premium reflects LA's position as a major metropolitan market with high demand, but there's good news: LA inventory also averages 8% lower mileage than the national average, meaning you're often getting fresher vehicles.
How individual models compare to national pricing varies significantly:
| Model | LA Avg Price | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 | $20,614 | $23,256 | 11% lower |
| Toyota Camry | $16,417 | $18,272 | 10% lower |
| BMW 3 Series | $19,061 | $20,016 | 5% lower |
| Ford F-150 | $32,200 | $31,065 | 4% higher |
| Dodge Charger | $35,218 | $27,195 | 29% higher |
The takeaway: While the overall LA market runs at a premium, certain popular models—especially the Tesla Model 3, Toyota Camry, and BMW 3 Series—are actually priced below national averages, creating real opportunities for savvy shoppers.
Inventory Trends in Los Angeles
CarGurus currently lists over 70,000 used vehicles in the Los Angeles metro area—one of the largest selections in the country. This massive inventory means you have leverage as a buyer: more options, more competition among sellers, and better chances of finding exactly what you want.
| Metric | LA Market | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Total Inventory | Over 70,000 listings | — |
| Clean Titles (No Accidents) | 77% | 67% |
| Financing Available | 75% | 69% |
Good/Great Deals vs National Average
CarGurus listings offer unbiased, data-based deal ratings as part of our effort to bring transparency to the car shopping experience.
Of the vehicles currently listed in Los Angeles, 48% are rated as Good or Great Deals—slightly above the national average of 47%. Breaking that down:
| Deal Rating | Percentage | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Great Deal | 17% | Priced well below market value |
| Good Deal | 31% | Priced below market value |
| Fair Deal | 28% | Priced at market value |
| High Price/Overpriced | 8% | Priced above market value |
What does this mean for you? Despite LA's overall premium, you're not stuck paying inflated prices. With nearly half of LA's inventory offering good or great value, you have real negotiating power and genuine deals to choose from. The data shows that it's worth spending the time to hunt down a good (or great) price.
Unique Challenges & Advantages of Buying Used in LA
Traffic & Commute Patterns
LA drivers face stop-and-go gridlock mixed with long freeway commutes, a combination that makes reliable, fuel-efficient vehicles a must for most. That's why many LA-area shoppers find themselves looking for hybrids, EVs, or proven commuters like the Toyota Camry.
For heavy traffic, you want reliability above all else. Vehicles engineered to handle constant acceleration and braking—like the Camry or Model 3—hold their resale values in LA because everyone here knows they're solid choices.
Climate Considerations
Here's some good news: LA's year-round sunshine means you won't find the rust and corrosion issues common in snowy states. A 10-year-old used car in LA is typically in much better structural condition than the same model from the Midwest.
However, intense UV exposure can cause its own problems. LA's relentless sun beats down on paint, dashboards, and upholstery. When inspecting used cars, pay close attention to faded or cracked dashboards (especially on older vehicles parked outside), paint oxidation (dull, chalky finish instead of glossy), and worn leather or vinyl (cracking and discoloration from heat exposure).
Look for vehicles that have been garaged or treated with UV-resistant coating for better cosmetic condition.
Emissions & Regulations
California's stringent emissions standards make it one of the most highly regulated markets in the US. The upside is that the average used car in LA should run cleaner and is likely better maintained overall than vehicles you'll find elsewhere. Every used car sold in the state must comply with CARB (California Air Resources Board) regulations, which are stricter than federal EPA standards.
Used-car shoppers in California should be aware that out-of-state vehicles may not be eligible for California registration if they're not CARB-compliant. Smog checks are required for most used car sales (the seller typically handles this), and older vehicles may have trouble passing California's strict emissions tests.
EV Infrastructure
Los Angeles is one of the most EV-friendly cities in America, with more than 8,000 public charging stations across the metro area. This dense network makes LA a great place to go electric.
Used EVs like the Tesla Model 3, Nissan Leaf, and Chevy Bolt are increasingly affordable and practical for LA drivers. You'll find charging stations at shopping centers, parking garages, and even alongside street parking in many neighborhoods. Plus, California offers HOV lane access for eligible EVs—a huge perk for dealing with LA traffic.
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 LA area with real customer reviews |
| Detailed Vehicle History | Accident reports, service records, and ownership history on every listing |
| Massive Inventory | Over 70,000 used vehicles in LA 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 Los Angeles
Los Angeles offers one of the most dynamic used car markets in the country, with over 70,000 vehicles to choose from and excellent infrastructure for everything from traditional commuters to EVs. The key advantages for LA buyers: 77% of local inventory is accident-free, 48% is rated as Good or Great Deals, and popular models like the Tesla Model 3 and Toyota Camry are actually priced below national averages.
Ready to start your search? Browse LA'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.
