Written by Luis Gomez, Happy Road Services, Jersey City NJ. Author Source. Updated November 11, 2026.
How The Stars Spread In Newark
54% of rated lots hold 4.5 stars or more, against 51% nationally. At the other end, 21% sit under 4 stars, against 23% nationally.
Review Counts Behind The Stars
Half of the rated lots here have 52 reviews or fewer. 35% have under 20, which is too few to trust the stars on their own. Just 11% have a record of 1,000 reviews or more.
The average lot in this metro gets 16% of its reviews at one star. A low share is good. A cluster of the same complaint is a warning.
Lot Types In Newark
Lot types rate differently. Here buy here pay here lots average the most stars at 4.78, while truck lots average 3.93.
| Lot Type | Rated | Avg Stars | 4.5 and Up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franchise dealers | 70 | 4.40 | 49% |
| Independent used lots | 620 | 4.26 | 55% |
| Buy here pay here lots | 24 | 4.78 | 92% |
| Truck lots | 31 | 3.93 | 26% |
5% of rated lots in Newark list Sunday hours, which helps if you want a weekend inspection.
Before You Sign In Newark
- 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.
- 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.
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.