The "best" state to buy a car depends on whether you value low taxes, low upfront prices, or overall ownership costs. Most reviews consistently rank as the overall best state for car buyers in 2026 due to its lack of sales tax and low registration fees. Top States by Category Best Overall: New Hampshire
: Oregon has no statewide sales tax and some of the nation's lowest dealership "doc fees" (averaging around $115–$150). Best for Insurance Rates: Maine and Iowa the best state to buy a car
: A large population of elderly residents leads to a high supply of well-maintained, low-mileage vehicles. The "best" state to buy a car depends
