How I Buy a Used Car in Honolulu — And Why I Recommend the Two-Year, 20,000-Mile Rule

By Dr. Anton Anderssen

When I give friends advice about buying a used car in Honolulu, I always begin with a confession: my approach is based on logic, not fun and excitement.

If your heart is set on buying a brand-new Lamborghini because it sparks joy, thrills your soul, and looks great online — go for it. Life is short, and fun is a perfectly valid measure of value.

But for people who, like me, prioritize reliability, practicality, and smart spending in an expensive island market, this method works beautifully.

My Golden Rule: Buy a Car That’s About Two Years Old With Less Than 20,000 Miles

This is the sweet spot.
By the two-year mark, a car has already taken the steepest depreciation hit, yet it’s still modern, lightly used, and usually under warranty. Under 20,000 miles means minimal wear and tear — something especially important in Hawaiʻi’s humid, salty air.

It’s not glamorous, but it’s smart.

I Favor Toyota and Honda for Hawaiʻi

In our climate, these brands shine. They are:

• reliable

• easy to maintain

• inexpensive to repair

• well supported by local mechanics

Given the limited inventory and higher repair costs in Honolulu, choosing a car known for longevity just makes sense.

Dealer Reputation Absolutely Matters

One thing I’ve learned is that the car itself is only half the equation — the dealership matters just as much.

When I was shopping this week, I eliminated several cars from my short list simply because the dealerships had poor ratings. I don’t want drama, pressure tactics, misleading pricing, or after-the-fact surprises. I only consider dealers with 4.5 stars out of 5 or better, and it makes the entire process calmer and more predictable.

Good dealers stand behind what they sell.
Bad dealers sell you a story, not a car.

Filtering by reputation protects your sanity and your wallet.

I Strongly Recommend Certified Pre-Owned (CPO)

If you're already shopping within the two-year, low-mileage window, Certified Pre-Owned adds even more security.

CPO vehicles typically offer:

• a thorough manufacturer inspection

• extended warranty coverage

• roadside assistance

• better-maintained inventory

In a place where cars age quickly, these protections matter.

I Use Cars.com to Check Whether the Price Is “Great,” “Good,” or “Fair”

Cars.com labels listings based on real market data:

• Great Price

• Good Price

• Fair Price

• Overpriced

Because Honolulu sometimes has “island pricing,” these labels provide a reality check — and negotiation strength.

I Only Negotiate One Number: The Out-The-Door Price

Instead of debating every fee and line item, I simply ask:

“What is your best out-the-door price?”

This keeps things honest and straightforward. It’s also easier to compare offers between dealerships.

I Decline Dealer Add-Ons — Including the One They Tried on Me This Week

Dealers often try to sell:

• fabric and paint protection

• nitrogen tires

• VIN etching

• “environmental packages”

• sanitation fees

When I bought a car this week, the contract included a $199 fee for “sanitization.”
I told them I expect a car to be clean when it's sold — that shouldn’t be an add-on. I asked them to remove the fee.

They did.
No debate, no hesitation.

This is why I always encourage buyers to question dealer add-ons. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t pay for it.

I’m Careful With Extended Warranties

On a two-year-old, low-mileage Toyota or Honda — especially if Certified — extended warranties rarely make financial sense for me. Some people feel better having them, which is fine. I prefer sticking to math and probability.

After I Buy, I Protect the Car As Best I Can

Hawaiʻi is paradise, but it’s tough on vehicles. I try to:

• park in covered areas

• run the A/C periodically

• pay attention to early signs of wear

• disconnect the battery when leaving the islands for long periods

Small habits add up and keep the car in better shape.

Final Thoughts

This is the system that works for me — a calm, logical, value-driven approach designed for Honolulu’s unique market. It may not be thrilling or glamorous, but it produces reliable results and avoids unpleasant surprises.

If you’re looking for a smart, dependable way to buy a car in Honolulu, especially with our challenging climate and limited inventory, I’m happy to share this strategy. It’s simple, steady, and it has never let me down.

Photo: Marco Airaghi loves our new (to us) 2023 Honda Accord. Thanks to Johnathan Shaughnessy at Honda Windward in Kaneohe for a smooth experience.