Written by Moses Shelton, Anytime Anywhere Mobile Repair, Phoenix AZ. Author Source. Updated November 11, 2026.
How The Stars Spread In Phoenix
Here 55% of rated dealers score 4.5 or higher. Meanwhile 21% score below 4 stars. The national figures are 51% and 23%.
Review Counts Behind The Stars
The median lot in Phoenix has 32 reviews, so half the rated dealers have fewer. Only 9% have 1,000 reviews or more, and 43% have fewer than 20. A score built on a short record can move a full star after a few rough weeks.
One star reviews make up 16% of the reviews on the average Phoenix lot. Read those first. Look for the same problem coming up again and again.
Lot Types In Phoenix
Lot types rate differently. Here franchise dealers average the most stars at 4.44, while independent used lots average 4.27.
| Lot Type | Rated | Avg Stars | 4.5 and Up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franchise dealers | 60 | 4.44 | 52% |
| Independent used lots | 701 | 4.27 | 55% |
22% of rated lots in Phoenix list Sunday hours, which helps if you want a weekend inspection.
Before You Sign In Phoenix
- Read the one star reviews first. One bad review is noise. Ten about the same thing is a pattern.
- Ask if an outside mechanic can see the car. A lot that says no to an inspection is telling you something.
- 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.
A Rating Rates The Lot, Not The Car
Even the best rated lot in Phoenix sells some cars it knows little about. Trade ins come in fast and go back out fast. An inspection is how you learn what the lot did not.
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.