Used Cars for Sale in Tempe, AZ

Getting here from Tempe

From Tempe, take the US 60 (Superstition Freeway) east about 15 miles to the Recker Road exit, then head north roughly a mile to Main Street. Door to door it is around 20 minutes to 6608 East Main Street in East Mesa.

Close to Arizona State University (Tempe campus), Mill Avenue District, Tempe Town Lake.

Tempe questions, answered

I'm an out-of-state student at ASU. Do I have to register my car in Arizona?

Not automatically. If you stay a resident of your home state and keep the car registered and insured there, Arizona generally lets out-of-state students attend ASU on their home-state plates. It is once you establish Arizona residency, say you take a job here or get an Arizona driver license, that the state expects you to title and register the car in Arizona. When the line is unclear, ADOT MVD is the authority, and any car you buy from us is titled so you can register it here without a snag.

Does a car registered in Tempe need an emissions test?

Tempe sits in Maricopa County, which is Arizona's Area A emissions region, so most cars need a passing emissions test before they can register. Buy from us and state law puts that on the dealer, so a valid emissions certificate comes with the car at the sale. If you instead bring a car from back home and register it here after becoming a resident, the emissions test is on you, which is worth weighing before you ship a car across the country.

What used cars make the most sense for the ASU and Tempe commute?

For the stop-and-go between campus, Mill Avenue, and the 101, the smart buy is something easy on gas and known to run past 150,000 miles without drama. Our lot usually has compact sedans and small SUVs that fit exactly that, and the inventory on this page is sorted cheapest first so the budget end is up top. Subaru and MINI turn up here more than at most lots too, if you want all-wheel drive for road trips home or something small for tight Tempe parking.

Can I get financed if I'm a student or first-time buyer with thin credit?

Often, yes. A short credit history is normal for students and recent grads, and we work with lenders who look at more than a long file. Start the pre-approval online before you make the drive so you walk in already knowing your number. Bring proof of income, proof of address, and a valid license, and know that limited credit can mean a larger down payment, or that a co-signer helps the rate.

Can I trade in my current car when I buy from Tempe?

Yes. Trading in the car you drove to ASU, or the one you are replacing, is the easiest way to shrink what you finance, because the trade value goes straight against the price. You can get a number started online, then we confirm it in person when you bring the car over. An out-of-state title on a trade is no problem, just bring the title and the lien details if you still owe on it.

What paperwork do you handle, and what do I do at the MVD?

At the sale we take care of the title transfer and the bill of sale and set the car up with the paperwork you need to register it in your name. From there, finishing the registration or transferring plates is a quick step at ADOT MVD, either at a Tempe office or online through AZ MVD Now. We do not deliver cars locally, so plan on the easy drive east to our East Mesa lot to sign and pick it up.