Are you looking for a great used car but have a limited budget? You’re not alone. Cars and trucks are getting more expensive every year, and limited inventory due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic hasn’t helped. If you can stretch your budget to $10,000, there are some solid options to choose from on the used market.
We challenged that Autoblog Editors looking for a great, versatile used car – note this list is specifically for cars, not trucks or SUVs, which we cover in a separate listing – for $10,000 or less, and that’s what we’ve got imagined. If you need to look for specific models or options, we will try to explain why this is important. Each listing contains a link to our classifieds, where you can narrow your choices based on your location and the price and mileage sliders. Pay attention to the offer evaluation to ensure you are getting the best possible price.
If your tastes lie more on the automotive fringe, take a look at our Future Classic series, where we highlight interesting and sometimes forgotten cars from the past. For the rest of us who prefer to stay closer to the mainstream, the options listed below all have at least average expected reliability ratings (above average in most cases) and have been sold in sufficient numbers that there should be several options in your area.
The Best Used Cars for $10,000 or Less
2009-2014 Acura TSX
We’re starting the list with the 2009-2014 Acura TSX simply because we thought the alphabetical order was as good as anything. Our recommendation would be to stick with a four-cylinder engine to maximize practicality and reliability. Honda, Acura’s parent company, makes excellent four-cylinder engines, and the K24Z3-coded powerplant in the TSX is no exception. The 2.4-liter engine produces 201 hp and revs very freely, making it more fun to drive than many of its competitors. It’s available with a smooth-shifting manual transmission or, more commonly, a five-speed automatic.
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2006-2011 BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series rightly enjoys a reputation as the class leader in the sporty small luxury car segment. It’s important to realize that repair and maintenance costs for a BMW are higher than lower-end brands, and it’s likely that lower-end models without desirable bells and whistles will offer slightly more long-term reliability than higher-end versions Price range. BMW began selling this generation of the 3 Series here in the US in 2006, known internally as the E90. Many were sold in sedan and coupe styles, along with a smaller number of station wagons, and all versions are desirable. A well-maintained model with BMW’s lauded naturally aspirated (non-turbocharged) inline-six engines should fall into the sweet spot.
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2014-2015 Chevy Volt
There are many solid, practical reasons to consider a used Chevy Volt. First and foremost, it is economical to operate. Drivers who can keep their lead feet under control can expect an all-electric range of 25 to 50 miles with GM’s Voltec powertrain, which combines a gasoline-powered engine with a powerful electric motor and a battery pack that runs down the middle Vehicle. The EPA gives this version of the Volt an electric vehicle mileage of 38 miles, and we’ve managed to exceed that figure multiple times. The Volt is quiet and comfortable for four passengers, and there’s plenty of cargo space behind the rear seats. The downside is that while Volt batteries have generally proven to be quite long-lasting over the years, the cost of replacing them can be very high if a module breaks.
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2013-2016 Ford Fusion
Sedans have fallen out of favor with American buyers as crossovers and SUVs become more popular. This is reflected in Ford’s vehicle range in its home market – sedans and hatchbacks such as the Fiesta, Focus and Fusion are no longer offered. Still, Ford has sold hundreds of thousands of these attractive midsize sedans over the course of several decades, and their low purchase prices make them desirable used cars. The second-generation model shown above went on sale in the 2013 model year and ran until production ended in 2020. The Titanium trim level offers pretty much all the amenities a modern driver would expect and the available 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine makes 240 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, driving feels reasonably entertaining and peppy. The Fusion has average expected reliability, but repair costs are likely to be reasonable for the American automaker.
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2008-2012 Honda Accord
It’s unlikely that you’ll come across a list of the best used car buys and not find an Accord. Honda’s rugged midsize sedan is a staple on this list because it’s been such a solid vehicle for so many years, and the Accords that fall in this price range were built between 2008 and 2012. If you can find a newer example, it’s probably a sensible choice too. The sedan is the most common, but the Accord Coupe is the enthusiast’s choice, especially when equipped with Honda’s smooth-shifting six-speed manual transmission.
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2009-2013 Honda Fit
The second Honda on our list is the automaker’s smallest, the Fit. We’re not intentionally leaving out the Honda Civic, it’s an excellent choice. But the Fit offers a surprisingly large cabin due to its unique magic seat arrangement, is fun to drive and has excellent fuel economy. Like most Hondas, it’s reliable and feels particularly good to drive with its free-revving four-cylinder engine paired with a manual transmission. But even with the power-guzzling automatic, the Fit remains an excellent choice for someone looking for a small car that’s easy to park almost anywhere.
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2007-2010 Lexus GS 350
The Lexus lineup is full of solid options for used car buyers looking for a comfortable and reliable vehicle for under $10,000. The ES sedan shares many of its hard parts with the Toyota Camry and Avalon, including their V6 engines and automatic transmissions. The GS we propose is a different and more interesting beast, with a dedicated platform and a range of six- and eight-cylinder engines powering the rear wheels (or all four on some models). We specifically mention the 2007-2010 GS 350, but the V8-powered GS 460 (which accelerates from 0 to 60 in 5.5 seconds) is also a completely reliable choice. In any case, the solid chassis, luxurious interior (albeit with an oddly cramped back seat) and smooth ride are all major plus points for this price range.
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2006-2012 Mazda Miata
You’re probably not surprised to see the Miata on this list. Mazda’s durable little sports car is a lot of fun, can be found anywhere in the United States at reasonable prices, and is completely reliable. We’re highlighting the third-generation NC model here, but older versions of the car are just as fun to drive, so feel free to take a wide look when looking for the perfect example. Of course, a small two-seat convertible isn’t suitable as everyone’s primary mode of transport, but if it’s suitable for you, you can expect to have a lot of fun behind the wheel.
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2014-2015 Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf is the only all-electric vehicle on this list, but it’s a good vehicle for many buyers. It doesn’t have the kind of electrified performance that sets Tesla apart from most of its competitors, and its range of about 80 miles isn’t suitable for everyone. However, if you spend the majority of your daily commute commuting and need to run a few errands around town along the way, the Leaf could very well meet your needs with the mileage you need. If you actually decide to get a Leaf, be sure to take it for a test drive and note the estimated mileage possible with a full battery. Nissan has equipped its mass-market electric vehicle with a type of battery health monitor that uses a series of bars to show how much capacity is left. Vehicles that are treated as gently as possible may have healthier batteries than cars that are regularly driven in harsher environments or conditions.
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