Jose MartinezA friend of mine fell for a too-good-to-be-true online listing and showed up at this random used car dealership. The 2024 sedan he was eyeing turned out to smell like an old smoker inside, with stains on the seats, a missing radio, and brake repairs needed.
Stories like his are all too common. In fact, many of our researchers have experienced the same. Some even went on and bought the car, only to discover later about the hidden defects.
To save you from that misery, our El Paso Insider team took a closer look at the most reputable used car dealerships in the city. We checked their listings, visited their lots, and even test-drove some cars to find the best ones.
Here are the ones we found that provide a reliable set of wheels at fair prices!
How much does it cost to get a used car in El Paso?
It usually costs at least $10,000 to get a used car in El Paso. This price is just an estimate. The actual cost will vary depending on the car you get and where you purchase your car.
1. DriveTime Used Cars
Address: 8750 Gtwy Blvd E
Contact Details: +19152066846
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday & Wednesday – 11 AM to 7 PM
- Thursday, Monday – 10 AM to 7 PM
- Friday – 10 AM to 8 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 6 PM
DriveTime makes it easy for drivers to know their financing options upfront. We tested this by plugging in info into their for a red 2024 Jeep Compass Latitude into their online forms.
Within the day, we got an informative callback from their customer service team, listing out all our potential options.
Their online listings alone earned the trust of buyers because DriveTime lists everything. They don’t just tell people the mileage and MPG (miles per gallon), but also nitty-gritty details like owner history reports and all the car’s features.
We also appreciate how easy it is to reserve cars. It’s easy to choose a time and date online for an in-person visit. During the visit, the dealership lets clients test-drive as many cars as they want, helping them make a smart decision.
When we visited their El Paso lot, we liked that their sales rep didn’t hover. That said, he was still always ready to patiently answer all our questions about their cars on site.
We recommend bringing a trusted mechanic with you to check the cars, though. We’ve heard of cars developing mechanical issues within a few weeks of purchase, which is very common with used cars.
Given some solid options
“Adrian and Christian helped me breeze through my purchase. I test drove about 5 vehicles and they were courteous and professional. Financing was easy too. I was concerned about my credit but I was given some solid options. My vehicle also has a warranty. I will be back when I’m ready to purchase another vehicle!”
- Joseph Jones Google Reviews
The vehicle we purchased was in great condition
“The salesmen at Drive Time made our car buying experience easy, informative, and enjoyable. They were wonderful at answering all of our questions and concerns, and ensured that the vehicle we purchased was in great condition. Even took the time to look into mechanical concerns we had, such as brakes and rotors. I highly recommend them and would definitely buy a vehicle with them again.”
- Victoria Tarin Google Reviews
2. RightDrive
Address: 1791 Lee Trevino Dr
Contact Details: +19153447272
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday – 9 AM to 8 PM
RightDrive is a five-time CarGurus Top Rated Dealer, so their prices aren’t just competitive—they’re often below market. We compared a 2023 Hyundai to four rivals, and RightDrive undercut them by an average of $1,200.
But what we really love about RightDrive, though, is how fast their service is. Buyers in and out with their “new” car in under 60 minutes, so some even come during breaks from work.
The quick buying process is partly due to the fact that they pair buyers with a single sales rep throughout the process. Plus, they only sell cars with clean titles and no salvage-yard vehicles.
Their 21-point inspection reports give many people peace of mind too. All the cars we test drove were in excellent condition, and not a single engine check light came on.
The biggest complaint here was about their customer service on the phone. While the staff are approachable in person, people have complained about rudeness over the phone.
Knowledgeable and guided me through every step
“My recent vehicle purchase was an exceptional experience. While I have bought cars before, this was by far the best process. I highly recommend working with Angel R. at the Lee Trevino location. He was knowledgeable and guided me through every step of the process with remarkable professionalism. When the specific vehicle I wanted was not on the lot, he proactively located it for me. Angel R. is a kind, well-spoken, and highly competent individual.”
- Otis Dixon Google Reviews
Great selection of cars
“I had an excellent experience at Right Drive (Lee Trevino). They have a great selection of cars to choose from. No pressure to buy as Andres and Diana really helped me seal the deal. The staff has been super professional and honest throughout the enitire process. I highly recommend this location and will definitely consider for future reference. Thank you all very much!”
- Lisa Marie Google Reviews
3. Melendez Auto Sales
Address: 7712 Alameda Ave
Contact Details: +19157784014
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday – 9 AM to 7 PM
Melendez Auto Sales has a payment calculator that doesn’t make people want to throw their laptop across the room.
While browsing their site, we tested their calculator on a 2024 RAM 2500 Big Horn 4×4 Crew Cab. We plugged in “fairly good credit, (700)” and it spat out $1,000 down, $1,362/month.
We also think it’s neat that their customers can factor in trade-in value and adjust the payment term length from 48 months to 84 months.
Several people also told us how easy it was for them to get a car with Melendez, even though their credit scores were below 640. Their sales staff really worked with them to put together an affordable financial plan.
Others raved about the quick and efficient test drives. Buyers can drive beyond the lot and onto the streets to get a feel for how the engine runs.
Their trade-ins run just as smoothly. The paperwork is done within the hour, and many told us they get the market value for their old cars.
Our only complaint? They lag with phone calls.
Really good cars at low prices
“2nd van I purchase from Melendez auto sales with Gabby and Jessica the finance manager. I’m super impressed by their communication and service, that I will be back for more vans. Very hard to find a great used vehicle dealership with really good cars at low prices. Seriously. This dealership is honest and trustworthy.
Thank you guys !!”
- Quin Tana Google Reviews
Great customer service
“Went to Melendez auto to look for a work truck, Sergio greeted us and proceeded to show me different trucks that were around my budget he was very helpful and knowledgeable about all the trucks he was showing us. He provided great customer service and got me into my new titan if anyone is looking for a new vehicle or truck i definitely recommend Sergio at Melendez auto sales.”
- Alex Lopez Google Reviews
4. Lucky Motorsports Inc.
Address: 9821 Montana Ave
Contact Details: +19155001566
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 6 PM
Lucky Motorsports cuts through the noise of oversized dealerships by focusing on what matters: clarity and value.
While their online inventory is modest (65 cars when we last checked), their listings are packed with detail. The 2018 Audi A4 Premium we looked at instantly showed a payment estimate alongside a free CARFAX report confirming the vehicle’s full history.
In person, we appreciate being shown the service history and that their cars have clean titles. The sales staff are also patient when guiding buyers through all the paperwork needed to take the car off the lot.
Other customers raved about how the team approved their loan in 90 minutes despite their “thin” credit file. We think it’s neat that they don’t push their customers into a longer term if it’s not necessary.
That said, bargain hunters eyeing sub-$15k cars for newer cars might leave disappointed. All of their newer models still have that marked-up rate despite being pre-owned.
Whole process smooth and stress-free
“Thad an excellent experience at Lucky Motorsport From the moment I walked in, the staff was friendly, professional, and genuinely helpful. Josh and Yessica made the whole process smooth and stress-free, answering all my questions without any pressure or gimmicks.”
- Ashlyn Martinez Google Reviews
No nonsense upfront price
“This might sound cliche, but I received the exact car buying experience I was looking for at Lucky Motorsports! No nonsense upfront price, APR, Extended Warranty options, Car Fax Report and reasonable prices(no massively inflated prices like you see at mega car lots). Also they went above and beyond when I was having issues purchasing Auto Insurance(called a number on Google and almost got scammed right in the showroom), they were able to get me in touch with a LOCAL agent and was covered in minutes! Also local financing! I can only say.. “I got lucky when I found Lucky Motorsports”!
- Shawn Mercer Google Reviews
5. SOUTHWEST AUTO GROUP OF EL PASO
Address: 9420 Montana Ave
Contact Details: +19157710911
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 8 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 6 PM
Southwest Auto Group stands out by turning the tedious parts of car buying—like hunting down availability—into a few clicks. Once buyers click “Check Availability”, a pop-up asks for contact info and preferred time.
When we tested their response time, a sales rep called us in 30 minutes to confirm the truck we were eyeing was on-site and even texted us videos of the car. Their customers who go on-site also said approval for test drives is quick.
Now, while most of their cars have no issues, some people have complained about low tire pressure and mechanical problems after leaving the lot. Southwest Auto Group doesn’t provide a full inspection report, so keep that in mind.
That said, the staff themselves are organized and not overwhelming. All the paperwork needed is explained in easy terms for buyers to understand the financial terms and all the warranty options available.
Buyers we spoke to appreciated that the staff worked with them to secure low monthly payments within their budget, without having to sacrifice the car they liked.
Sales process was easy, smooth
“I had an amazing experience from the meet greet, to the test drive, and all the way till delivery of my new Hellcat. The sales process was easy, smooth, and we got to the right deal quickly. Luna my sales representative was more than helpful and accommodating! I highly recommend asking for her if anyone decides it’s time for something new/newer. My finance guy Alex Lira was pumped for me the whole process , and knowledgeable when it came to the paperwork. He offered the best rates he could find and made sure I had warranty options to cover my new purchase! Great overall experience.”
- UpperKutz Barber Salon Google Reviews
Very informative and quick to answer
“Had an amazing experience working with Luna sales rep. Went in one morning to look around and by the next morning I drove off in the truck of my dreams!! Very informative and quick to answer all my questions and concerns. Recommend dealer group to anybody who is looking to get treated with respect and dignity.”
- Juan Beck Google Reviews
