Used Cars for Sale in Salt Lake City, UT

Peterson Auto Sales - family-owned since 1965 and a two-time Utah Quality Dealer of the Year (1989 and 2023) — is south Salt Lake's family-owned alternative to the corporate State Street dealership row. We stock used vans, sedans, SUVs, hatchbacks, and commercial vans, all with a free CARFAX, a flat $289 documentation fee, and no commission salespeople.

Finding the right used car in Salt Lake City shouldn't feel like navigating Parley's Canyon in a snowstorm. Our dealership is located at 8498 South State Street, just 15–20 minutes south of downtown SLC. We offer a convenient and trustworthy option. With over 40 lender relationships, including subprime channels, a First-Time Buyer program, and a Commercial Auto Loan program, we have many repeat customers and love welcoming second - and third-time buyers from the same families. Browse our full used-car inventory below, or jump to the body type, price tier, or financing program that fits how you shop.

Salt Lake City's used-car market moves fast — and for good reason. The area's rapid growth, combined with Utah's terrain, creates consistent pressure on inventory. All-wheel drive and four-wheel drive vehicles routinely sell faster here than in other markets. According to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, the Wasatch Front grew to over 3.55 million Utahns in 2025, driving sustained demand. The average used vehicle listing price was approximately $25,730 in late 2025 (Cox Automotive), while the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index ended 2025 at 205.5 (Cox Automotive). With the average new-vehicle transaction price exceeding $48,000 in 2025 (Kelley Blue Book / Cox Automotive), more buyers are turning to the used market.

Peterson Auto Sales has been in business since 1965 — long enough that we sell to second - and third-generation customers from the same families. We're 15–20 minutes south of downtown SLC, with a different operating model than the high-volume State Street dealerships:

• Family-owned since 1965 — not corporate-owned, not part of a national chain
• Two-time Utah Quality Dealer of the Year (1989 and 2023)
• Flat $289 documentation fee vs. the regional norm of $400–$799+
• No commission salespeople — the person helping you isn't trying to upsell you
• Free CARFAX on every vehicle, no upcharge
• 40+ lender relationships including subprime, commercial, and first-time-buyer channels

Our inventory rotates through used cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, hatchbacks, and commercial vans, and to help you in your car search, we created pages for the most-searched categories. Use these to narrow your search:

We work with 40+ lenders - including subprime, commercial, and first-time-buyer channels - to structure financing for almost any credit situation. Whether you're just starting your credit journey, recovering from a setback, or buying a used vehicle through a business, we can usually find a path.

Options we structure include:

• Traditional bank or credit union loans — best rates for scores above 680
• Dealer-arranged financing — convenient, and often with your current credit union
• Co-signer loans — unlock better rates when a qualified co-borrower applies
• First-Time Buyer program — built for thin-file buyers without an established credit history
• Commercial Auto Loan program — built for self-employed buyers, LLCs, and small businesses

Every used vehicle comes with a free CARFAX, and the only fee is a flat $289 documentation fee - other dealers charge $400–$799+ for the same service. Getting pre-approved before visiting the lot is a practical move that establishes a real budget and strengthens your negotiating position. You can also trade in your current vehicle to simplify the process — even a small trade-in can meaningfully shift the math on what you can purchase.

Stop by 8498 South State Street, Monday through Friday 9–6 or Saturday 9–5, or call (801) 561-2727 to schedule a test drive. Don't see what you're looking for? Through our network, we can usually source the right vehicle for our Salt Lake City customers at no extra cost.

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