Your car has to be one of your most expensive purchases, apart from your home. But, the fact that you love new cars does not mean that you would not manage your finances responsibly, and, a new car can turn out to be quite an unnecessary expense in more ways than one. Surely, you can get overpriced used cars or even bargain buys on the brand new vehicles, but it is not just about the sticker price. Think of the subsequent costs, associated fees, and the depreciation, and you will see how it adds up to over thousands of bucks in just the first few years of owning the best cars under $10k.
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The best used cars under $10000 like this keeps the cash in your pocket and does not make you sacrifice quality. Besides, you will get a much high-end model in your budget than what you would have got if you had opted for a new car. This makes it totally win-win situation for you, right?
Now consider the situation of a used car: it can be hardly two-three years old and still has about 30,000 miles in it.
But, with so many amazing models available in the best used cars to buy under $10000, we understand how difficult it might be for you to choose the right one for your needs. To help you out in your dilemma, we have compiled a list of the best 24 used cars under $10000. These models, from some of the top brands in the market, are absolute winners in terms of their features, durability, and the possible price tag. Even in their used versions, these cars will serve you well enough to be considered a worthy purchase. So, without any further delay, let’s get on to it.
Good Used Toyota Cars Under $10000
If you are looking for affordable cars then you are at the right place. We have listed down some of the best cars under individual brands which you can easily get under $10000. You will be able to find cars ranging from compact to pickups. You might even find a few luxury ones in the list.
Camry 2011-2012
The 8th generation of Toyota Camry is quite the boss when it comes to looks and appearance. The car is in proper proportionate and looks incredible. The front grille of the car is beautiful and does not make the car look boring. The LED headlamps and LED DRLs are one of its signature features.
There is nothing about the car that one can possibly hate, everything is on point and the brand successfully boasts off their stylistic passion in each of their new cars. Talking about the insides of the car, it is no less. The new age Y design on the dashboard displays the seamless transition of the design. The car is driver-oriented and you can expect dependability, quality and reliability from Toyota’s products. There is plenty of space for a family of four to five to fit in the car. The fuel economy is also good. Overall, it is one of the best cars under $10k.
Avalon 2009-2010
The car is not a Lexus but it certainly looks like one. It offers enough space and this roomy sedan was designed to provide comfort and ease. It has got plenty of interior space and the outer design is sleek and sophisticated. It is also known as Camry’s big brother in terms of space and comfort. Avalon 2009 is a full-sized sedan and is also one of those driver-oriented cars that ensure a comfortable experience.
The interiors alone are the strongest selling point of Toyota’s Avalon. I can’t put more stress on how comfortable the car’s interior are. It offers one of the softest and highly-adjustable front and back seats. They come in three different trim levels- XL, XLS, and Limited. The price range might differ for each car. Style and V6 power are the primary selling point of this car and it will surely make a great deal for the best used cars to buy under $10000.
Prius 2010-2011
When it comes to the hybrid world, then Toyota Prius tops the list with its amazing 51-mpg city fuel economy and lavish styling. Till date, people recognize Prius as a Toyota Hybrid. It offers a dynamic look than most of the hybrid models. You will find brakes at all four corners. It can easily fit in five members due to its comfortable surroundings.
If you are looking for a car that offers fuel economy, then your search ends here. It is one of the most reliable used cars under $10000 and the best part is that Toyota Prius 2010 model offers high fuel economy in both settings, city and highway. It is a well-known car and has earned a reputation for its long lasting feature. This can be a really good feature when you are buying a used car as you will still have plenty of years left for the car life.
Corolla 2011-2012
The one area where Corolla is a standout is the interior spacing and quietness. The interiors are not clumsy and overcrowded with hundreds of features. It is quite simple but offers refreshment. The powertrain is quite smooth and the engine does not make a lot of disturbing noise. The cabin is also made in a way that it blocks the wind and road noise, which is a great thing according to us.Another sector that Corolla is really good at is safety; it offers a good set of safety features including anti-lock brakes, front-seat side airbags, stability and traction controls, active front head restraints and full-length side curtain bags. If you are looking for compact and best used cars under $10k, then Toyota Corolla is an ideal option.
Sienna 2009-2010
Let’s get one thing straight, if you are looking for a family car then Toyota Sienna 2009 is the car. But, if you are here for an exciting car, then this is not the one. The 2009 Toyota Sienna has been in the market for quite some time and they haven’t really come up with any major changes. It offers large space and the van is perfect for providing comfort to big families. Sienna might be low on the list when it comes to styling and designs.
If you are looking for a car that will last for a long time, then Sienna 2009 is the perfect model as it can fit up to eight members. This does not affect the speed of the car in any way, thanks to its 266-horsepower, 3.5- lt. V-6 mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. It will ensure a smooth and quick drive and offers an interior which is rich on features including sliding doors, and folding third-row seats. This is surely a best car for $10k for family purpose.
Best Used Honda Sedans Under $10000
If you have always wanted to own a Sedan but were never able to save up enough for it, then a used Honda sedan under $10k can be just the thing that you are looking for. Here is a brief overview of two of the best cars under $10000 from Honda that you can look into.
Civic 2013-2014
Honda Civic has held a place of pride in the dreams of every racer, and even now, this model looks equally cool and sporty thanks to the modern interiors. This is one of the best used cars to buy under $10000 because, truth be told, this car has aged really well and has still managed to hold up the style quotient. Want to know the best part? You can get 2013-2014 Honda Civic for as low as below $10k. Given all that this car has to offer, we would say that this is excellent value.
The immaculate 1.8 liter petrol motor, along with the spacious interiors, makes for a comfortable and jazzy ride. The only thing that you need to be careful about is the low ground clearance and fuel economy. People like the car because it is compact and packs quite a speed. Besides, Honda is known to offer some really reliable cars and this is a brand that you can rely on.
Anyone who has driven a Civic, even a used one, will know how it offers years of hassle-free transportation. A quality made car, which is comfortable and fun to drive: what more can one ask for?
Accord 2011-2012
This sedan comes with an athletic look and a smooth ride. It offers plenty of space and plush seats. The headroom at the back might feel a bit short for the taller persons but that is just about the only thing you will have to adjust to with this one. Lots of trims are available for this one, and thus, you will surely get one that comes in your budget.Reliable Used Hyundai Cars Under $10000
Hyundai has been the brand to rely on for the longest time and even the used models pack in quite a punch, as far as this brand is concerned. So, if you want to buy the best car for $10k from Hyundai, we would suggest you look into any of the three models mentioned below.
Elantra 2010-2011
The 2010-2011 Hyundai Elantra is the car that you can get your hands on if you are looking for a compact and reliable model. The quiet operation, elegant style, and a comfortable and smooth ride make this model a class apart. We will not call this car fun and sporty to drive because of the soft suspension and lack of power in the engine. But the acceleration will not be a problem given the fact that the car is lightweight. It also offers an amazing fuel economy. It might not be the perfect car but it can be your perfect first car, if you are planning to buy a sturdy model in a budget.
Elantra is really low maintenance and that saves you quite a bit of expense in the future as well. It comes with really roomy interiors with a great entertainment system that has loads of features. The car has Bluetooth connectivity that lets you attend calls and play music with ease. A variety of options and trims make it suited to every budget.
Sonata 2010-2011
If you are looking for a car that will provide you value for money then Hyundai Sonata 2010 is the perfect model. It lands somewhere amidst the crowded mid-size family sedans. It is a complete package that offers perfect styling and spacious interiors. The exteriors might not be that exciting, but the interiors are top-notch. The front seats are extremely comfortable and in terms of backseat space, Sonata is identified as a large car.
The car model comes in three different trim levels- GLS, SE, and Limited. The performance is incredible when compared to other sedan in this price range. Of course, you cannot compare the driving performance to luxury cars or sport sedans, but considering the low price and large space, you will be surprised to see the way this car performs. Overall, we like this car, but durability depends on where you are buying a used car from. We can say that it is one of the most reliable cars under $10000.
Genesis 2009-2010
The Hyundai Genesis 2010 model tops the list when it comes to plush and luxury sedans. The design and sporty character which you get with the car is not something you will find in every car under this price range. Its fresh and bright grille design is what made the car a memorable one and people still use it till date. From the outside, it looks like a sporty rear-wheel drive luxury sedan, but from the inside, the cabin has a distinctive design.
The dashboard design features flowing curves which minimizes the centre console and offers large area in the front-seat portion. Apart from the design, the car comes with a hand full of features including cruise control, a power sunroof, a proximity entry system, heated leather seats and side mirrors, and even a 7-speaker sound system.
Coming to the safety features, Genesis comes with all the necessary safety equipment including front airbags, side airbags, etc. Under our impression, it makes for the perfect reliable car under$ 10000.
Great Used Ford Cars Under $10000
Ford is a brand that is known for providing value for money cars, trucks, and even SUVs. Within the budget of $10000, you will find quite a few Ford cars offering excellent features and advanced technologies. Buying a car does not always mean you will have to break the bank; you can opt for a used car. Here are some of the best used cars under $10 000:
Focus 2013-2014
Ford Focus 2013 is the proof that small cars do not necessarily have to look like small appliances. Focus is an attractive, affordable and fun car which offers several trend-leading features. The third generation Ford Focus is the last one that people are going to see in the market as Ford has shifted its focus from cars to exclusively trucks and SUVs. Finding a car like this under $10000 is definitely a golden deal as it has sport handling and a very good fuel economy.
The upright seating position that Focus provides makes it easy for the drivers to view down the road. It also comes with an optional Sync infotainment system which allows you to connect your phone and makes the connection hands-free.
For a car this compact, it is excellent at providing easy access inside the cabin and a larger backseat than what you would have expected from the outside. The only drawback is that the engine is noisy and the interiors look a little cheap. But, it is a decent and good car under $10000.
Fiesta 2015-2016
It has all the other features that you could possibly ask for in a city car. It is a proof that not all small cars have fewer features; you will surely have fun driving around while simultaneously saving fuel.For buyers who are looking to carry four adults might not find Fiesta an appropriate choice. The entire point of Fiesta was to prove that small and inexpensive cars can be more than small appliance boxes. The 2015 Ford Fiesta is highly stylish and come with long lasting guarantee.
Fusion 2011-2012
Ford Fusion is slightly bigger than Ford Focus and this mid-sized car offers a more stylish and sophisticated interior along with better handling and driving experience when compared to its little brother. If you are looking for a mid-sized sedan then Ford Fusion can make a great choice. The interiors are quite spacious and comfortable which makes it an ideal choice for families. It features sporty handling which makes the car fun for the driver too.
It should not come as a surprise that Fusion is a great deal for the best used cars to buy under $10000. It features smart styling and rich-feeling pieces all laid out in a set of controls. Overall, the entire look is good and it will also last for a long time. It also comes with sync Bluetooth connectivity, centre-console controls and voice commands which are quite simple to use. The seats are made of high-quality material when compared to other cars in this price range.
Best Used Subaru Vehicles Under $10000
Subaru is the name that has been trusted by the consumers since the longest time, and, the quality offered by the company is evident in the many accolades and awards that the company has won. From IIHS Top Safety Pick 2019, ALG Residual Value Award 2019, to getting the top rank in the American Consumer Satisfaction Index, the brand has won it all. Here’s taking a look at the top two models from this brand, which are great even in the used versions.
Outback 2010-2011
Subaru Outback will definitely bring a smile to your face if you are looking for a family car that performs well in the outdoors, offers a good mileage, has brilliant safety scores, and assures a smooth ride. This 5-passenger ride comes with huge back seats, 8.7” of ground clearance, and is able to tow till about 2,700 pounds. The difference between an SUV and a wagon is certainly pretty clear to everyone but the Outback sits right on that dividing line, making it so popular even in its used version.
It offers pretty good fuel economy, and, one of the reasons for us to call it one of the best used cars to buy under $10000 is because even 2010-2011 Outback can survive mild off-roading and snowy conditions. The car has performed excellently in all the crash tests and comes with the amazing EyeSight collision avoidance system.
The 4-cylinder 2.5 liter model comes with four trims and the 6-cylinder 3.6 liter model has only one limited expensive trim. The well-equipped trim is one of the many brilliant features of this model. The Starlink Safety and Security package is available for both Limited and Premium trims.
Legacy 2012-2013
There are a couple of active safety features, like the pre-collision braking system, pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning. However, if you are looking for a powerhouse engine then you might need to look into other models on the list.
The available six cylinders and the base four-cylinder are good enough but it will not make the car hustle down the road. The base engine offers 173 horsepower and comes with a six-speed manual transmission with a variable auto transmission. The standard AWD offers enhances handling in all weather. It has manually adjustable standard seats and you will also get leather seats, power front and heated seats. The rear outboard seats have child-seat connectors along with a tether anchor to the middle seat.Most Reliable Used Cars Under $10000
We understand that many amongst you are not really fascinated with brands and you are just looking for the most reliable used cars under $10k. So, for all of you, we have brought forth a list of eight cars from a variety of reputed brands that will surely serve your purpose.
Lexus ES 2010
When Lexus ES was launched, the reviewers had highly praised the wonderful suspension and high-end interiors. It might not appeal the driving enthusiasts but if you are looking for a car that offers spacious interiors that make the occupants happy, then this is the model that you can opt for. The updates given to the 2010 model, such as interior trim, revised styling, and improved technology make this one even more lucrative to the buyers. The smoothness of the powertrain, coupled with a 272-horsepower engine, makes the car quick to start and comfortable to drive.
The trunk can carry about 14.8 cubic feet of cargo, which is good enough. The good finish and fit, use of premium materials and complete isolation from road imperfections and outside noise makes the interior of the car a class apart. Both the rear and front passengers have enough legroom and the standard leather seats are really comfortable.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2008
It needs premium fuel but offers a fairly good fuel economy. It comes with good acceleration with confident handling and every engine option. The innovative safety tech, along with standard safety features add to the attractiveness of the model. If you are someone who is drawn towards the elegant styling of Sedans, then this car will not disappoint you.
Acura RL 2008
Acura RL is the right pick for the tech junkies, who want a luxury, smooth-riding sedan that packs quite a punch for the price that it comes with. People who want a high-end premium car but look for a sedan will find the RL a good bet. RL has a V6 engine, which is good enough for the power that it offers, but might fall short for the ones looking for a V8 option.
We would like to see better fuel economy in Acura RL, but for a used car, the economy that it offers will hopefully suffice your needs. Acura RL has just one trim but two packages are available, namely, the CMBS/PAX Package and the Technology Package. You will need the Technology Package for the CMBS/PAX Package.
Audi A3 2009
The atmosphere inside is quite sporty and has an aluminium look to it. The best thing about Audi is that however old the model might be, the design will not look out-dated. This version is quite compact, but you can easily squeeze in a pair of adults in the rear seat accommodations.This car comes with stability control and several other features including Bluetooth, a navigation system, Sirius satellite radio and an iPod integration kit. It features new styling, standard leather seats and even if the model is old, it will still have some modern equipment. It is one of the best used cars under $10000.
Mazda Miata 2010
The 2005 model of Mazda Miata boasts certain features as a sporty two-seater and comes with athletic handling. When it comes to sporty handling, Mazda Miata 2010 is a car that is just a blast to drive. It boasts a smiling grille which shows a lot about its handling. It is quite a small and compact car. People say it right “take a Mazda to a curvy road and you will know how a car is supposed to drive.”
It is not like Mazda is the fastest or most powerful car; it is quite simple but one will surely enjoy the driving experience. If you want a car that will give you the ultimate roadster feel without having to spend a lot of money then you can buy Mazda used car. It ensures reliability, great handling and a weather-tight optional power-folding hardtop.
The car is small from inside but it is roomier than you think. The seats are comfortable and very supportive and the centre console has enough storage space. If you are a little tall then you might want to consider double-checking headroom and legroom. The material is high-quality and the manual transmission achieves 24 mpg combined, which is quite good for the class.
Saturn Outlook 2009
If you are looking for a car that is quite roomy and behaves more like a car than an SUV then Saturn Outlook 2009 is the perfect model when it comes to used cars. The car even features under one of the most affordable used cars in midsize SUV category. It is a family-friendly car that scores high when it comes to safety and security.It provides spacious cabin and the fuel economy is decent for the car size. The interiors might not be as attractive as the competitors. It offers a great driving experience and can fit up to eight members easily. It offers a large cargo hold and more horsepower compared to the outgoing edition.
KIA Soul 2013
When it comes to 2013 compact cars category, Kia Soul 2013 tops the list. It offers a roomy cabin and has simple controls which make Kia Soul the best car under $10000. If you are wondering is Kia Soul 2013 a good used car, let me help you. It is an adequate choice when it comes to used compact car class. The boxy appearance of the car enables large passenger space. The best part about this car is that it does everything right and even looks great at the same time.
The look of the car is not meant to give you a luxury vibe, instead a more enjoyable vibe. The car looks pretty neat and also has a sporty vibe to it, the kind you get in an SUV or hatchback. The car is functional and has features that you might not get in a lot of cars.
It has a standout design and offers a fashionable look, both on the inside and outside. What does a person look for in a used car? The fuel economy and the driving experience. Kia Soul 2013 has a good fuel economy and we have already stated the driving experience.
Mazda 3 2012
Performance wise, Mazda 3 is fuel-efficient and has eco-badged Skyactiv powertrains as a step towards going green. The front seats are extremely comfortable and you will find enough space in the legroom when compared to other cars in this price range.The accommodation in the back is not bad and even the headroom is quite good for people who are around 6 feet tall. The safety ratings have been extremely good for Mazda 3 and it was amongst the first affordable small cars that offered blind-spot monitoring. No doubt that it is one of the best used cars to buy under $10000.
Sign the paperwork for a new car and drive it around for a couple of minutes and try returning it to the dealer. It is no longer a new car; it has become a used car. This is how fast the value depreciates.
Used cars can save you a lot of money because new cars depreciate fast. So, isn’t it better to invest in a used car rather than spending double the money in a brand new car? I hope this article was helpful and now you have got enough information on best used cars under $10000. If you have any more suggestions, do let us know in the comments section below.