Written by Jacob Barwick, Owner, Barwick's Mobile Auto Repair LLC, Bradenton FL. Author Source. Updated November 11, 2026.
How The Stars Spread In Miami
58% of rated lots hold 4.5 stars or more, against 51% nationally. At the other end, 20% sit under 4 stars, against 23% nationally.
Review Counts Behind The Stars
Half of the rated lots here have 20 reviews or fewer. 50% have under 20, which is too few to trust the stars on their own. Just 7% have a record of 1,000 reviews or more.
The average lot in this metro gets 15% of its reviews at one star. A low share is good. A cluster of the same complaint is a warning.
Lot Types In Miami
Lot types rate differently. Here buy here pay here lots average the most stars at 4.50, while truck lots average 4.27.
| Lot Type | Rated | Avg Stars | 4.5 and Up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franchise dealers | 53 | 4.49 | 70% |
| Independent used lots | 765 | 4.30 | 57% |
| Buy here pay here lots | 11 | 4.50 | 55% |
| Truck lots | 10 | 4.27 | 40% |
27% of rated lots in Miami list Sunday hours, which helps if you want a weekend inspection.
Before You Sign In Miami
- Check the VIN for open recalls. It is free and takes a minute. NHTSA recall lookup.
- Do not let the stars stand in for the car. A great lot can still sell a car with a problem nobody has found yet.
- 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.
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.