Written by Eric Peterson, Owner, CARFIX Mobile Automotive Repair & Service, Arvada CO. Author Source. Updated November 11, 2026.
How The Stars Spread In Denver
58% of rated lots hold 4.5 stars or more, against 51% nationally. At the other end, 16% sit under 4 stars, against 23% nationally.
Review Counts Behind The Stars
Half of the rated lots here have 58 reviews or fewer. 33% have under 20, which is too few to trust the stars on their own. Just 15% have a record of 1,000 reviews or more.
The average lot in this metro gets 13% of its reviews at one star. A low share is good. A cluster of the same complaint is a warning.
Lot Types In Denver
Lot types rate differently. Here franchise dealers average the most stars at 4.41, while independent used lots average 4.39.
| Lot Type | Rated | Avg Stars | 4.5 and Up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franchise dealers | 76 | 4.41 | 43% |
| Independent used lots | 559 | 4.39 | 60% |
2% of rated lots in Denver list Sunday hours, which helps if you want a weekend inspection.
Before You Sign In Denver
- Weigh the count with the stars. A 4.9 from 15 reviews says less than a 4.6 from 2,000.
- Run a title check. Look for salvage, flood and junk brands before you talk price. NMVTIS title check.
- Read the Buyers Guide sticker. Federal rules make dealers post it on the window. It says if the car is sold as is or with a dealer warranty. FTC Buyers Guide basics.
- Get every promise in writing. A spoken promise about a repair after the sale is hard to enforce. FTC used car guide.
A Rating Rates The Lot, Not The Car
Stars describe how past buyers felt about the sale. They do not tell you whether this car has a weeping head gasket or a patched frame rail. An independent check looks at the car itself, and it is the one step a rating can never replace.
PPI Auto checks 122 points on the car for $225, including a computer scan and a road test. The inspector goes to the lot, and you do not need to be there.