When it comes to car shopping in Denver, many drivers are rethinking the idea of buying new. With today’s market conditions, rising interest rates, and the general cost of living in Colorado’s capital, it’s no surprise that more people are seeing the benefits of buying a used car instead. Whether you’re commuting to downtown Denver, heading up to the mountains for a weekend adventure, or simply need a reliable daily driver, buying a used car might be the smarter financial and lifestyle choice. 

Let’s break down the top five reasons why Denver drivers prefer used and why it might be the right move for you, too. 

Reason 1: Buying a Used Car is Cheaper 

This is the most obvious benefit, but it’s worth saying loud and clear: used cars cost less, plain and simple. Not just a little less—thousands less, even when comparing the same make and model across different years. That lower price tag not only helps your wallet upfront, but it can also make a significant difference in terms of your monthly payment, down payment, or how much car you can afford without financing. 

For many Denver drivers, especially younger professionals or growing families, buying a used vehicle allows for greater financial flexibility. Instead of stretching your budget thin for a new car with every feature imaginable, you can focus on finding a quality used vehicle that fits your lifestyle and save or invest the difference elsewhere. 

In addition, cost is becoming a more and more important favor to consider now more than ever.  With tariffs on the horizon, many families and individuals in need of a used vehicle are concerned about increasing prices. According to Kelly Blue Book, the average used car was listed for $25,180 at the start of April 2025. That’s $169 more than a month ago, and down slightly from last year. Thus, not only is buying a used car cheaper than a new one, but if you buy a used car sooner rather than later, you’ll likely experience even more cost savings.  

Want the experience of a new car without the hefty price tag? Leasing a new car can offer a lower and more predictable cost of ownership than buying used, thanks to warranty coverage, fewer repairs, and access to the latest features with less risk of unexpected expenses.

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Reason 2: Used Cars Experience Slower Depreciation 

A brand-new car loses value the minute it leaves the lot. In fact, most new vehicles lose around 20–30% of their value in the first year alone. That depreciation hits hard, especially if you plan to trade in or sell within a few years. Used cars, on the other hand, depreciate at a much slower rate. 

By buying a vehicle that’s already taken the biggest depreciation hit, you protect your investment over time. Your used car will still lose some value each year, but not at the steep and immediate drop-off new vehicles face. This slower rate of depreciation can also translate into better trade-in value once you decide it’s time to upgrade again. 

Reason 3: Lower Insurance and Registration Costs 

Colorado isn’t the cheapest state for car ownership, especially when it comes to insurance and registration fees. Buying a used car can help you save on both. 

Insurance companies typically charge less to insure a used car because the replacement cost is lower. You may also be able to opt out of certain coverages like gap insurance or higher-tier comprehensive plans without risking too much. And when it comes to registration, Colorado bases its fees in part on a vehicle’s age and original MSRP. That means newer, more expensive cars come with higher fees, while older, pre-owned vehicles cost less to register year over year. 

AAA reported that in Colorado, the average yearly cost to own and operate a new vehicle in 2022 is $11,451 – 7% higher than the national average.  

It’s a win-win for cost-conscious drivers who still want a reliable ride for commuting, road trips, or mountain adventures. 

Reason 4: More Vehicle Options for the Budget 

Let’s say you have a set budget of $25,000. If you’re only looking at new cars, your options will be pretty limited—likely compact sedans or base model crossovers. But if you expand your search to include used vehicles and know what to look for, suddenly your buying power increases significantly. 

At Centennial Leasing & Sales, we help Denver drivers find gently used vehicles that meet higher standards. Often, our used vehicles include upgraded trims, technology packages, and luxury features that would be out of reach in the new market. Whether you want a third-row SUV for your family, a truck for weekend projects, or a sporty sedan for commuting down I-25, buying used opens the door to more choices within your price range. 

Reason 5: Less Stress Over Wear and Tear 

When you drive a brand-new car off the lot, every dent, door ding, or spilled coffee can feel like a disaster. With a used car, that pressure tends to ease up. One of the more underrated advantages of buying used is the peace of mind that comes with not being the first one to put miles on the vehicle. 

You’ll still want to keep your car clean and in good shape of course, but the stress of maintaining “like-new” condition isn’t quite as intense. Many Denver drivers also prefer the idea of buying a car with a bit of a track record. A pre-owned car that’s been well cared for, properly maintained, and has a clean history report can offer the same peace of mind as a new one—without the premium price tag. 

Use a Denver Auto Broker for Help Buying Your Next Used Car 

Shopping for a used car can feel overwhelming—especially in a competitive market like Denver’s. Luckily, Centennial Leasing & Sales makes all the difference and is one of the best places in Denver to buy a used car. Instead of being limited to one brand or dealership, our clients get access to an entire network of pre-owned vehicles across all makes and models. 

We don’t pressure you to buy what’s on our lot because, quite frankly, that’s not our vision. As brokers, we advocate for your needs, help you compare options, and guide you through the entire buying process from test drives to paperwork. And since we’ve been in business since 1984, we know how to find the hidden gems that deliver great value and long-term reliability. 

Our goal is to make buying a used car as smooth and stress-free as possible, whether you’re a first-time buyer or someone who’s been down this road before. Contact us here if you’d like our help on finding the perfect used car for you and your family.