Searching for an awesome used automotive however have a restricted finances? You are not alone. Vehicles and vans are getting pricier with each passing yr, and a restricted stock following the continuing coronavirus pandemic hasn’t helped. In the event you can handle to stretch your finances to $10,000, there are some stable choices to select from within the used market.
We challenged the Autoblog editors to seek out an awesome, versatile used automotive — word, this checklist is particularly for vehicles, not vans or SUVs, which we cowl in a separate checklist — for $10,000 or much less, and that is what we got here up with. When there are particular fashions or choices to search for, we’ll attempt to clarify why it issues. Every entry features a hyperlink to our categorised adverts, the place you may slim down your selections utilizing your location and sliders for worth and mileage. Take note of the deal ranking to be sure to’re getting the very best worth doable.
In case your tastes run nearer to the perimeter of the automotive section, check out our Future Basic sequence the place we spotlight fascinating and typically forgotten vehicles from the previous. For the remainder of us preferring to remain nearer to the mainstream, the choices under all boast not less than common anticipated reliability scores (normally better-than-average) and have been bought in sufficient numbers that there needs to be a number of choices close to you.
Finest used vehicles for $10,000 or much less
2009-2014 Acura TSX
We’re kicking the checklist off with the 2009-2014 Acura TSX just because we figured alphabetic order is pretty much as good as anything. Our suggestion could be to stay with a four-cylinder engine to maximise practicality and reliability. Honda, which is Acura’s dad or mum firm, makes wonderful four-cylinder engines, and the K24Z3-coded powerplant within the TSX is not any exception. The two.4-liter spins out 201 horsepower and revs very freely, delivering extra driving engagement than lots of its opponents. It is obtainable with a sweet-shifting guide transmission or, far more generally, a five-speed automated.
Discover an Acura TSX on the market close to you
2006-2011 BMW 3 Collection
The BMW 3 Collection enjoys a well-earned status as the category chief within the small sporty luxurious automotive section. It is essential to remember that restore and upkeep prices shall be larger for a BMW than much less premium manufacturers, and it is possible that lower-end fashions with out some fascinating bells and whistles might supply a bit extra long-term reliability than the higher-end variations. BMW began promoting this era of the three Collection, internally often known as the E90, in 2006 right here within the States. Many have been bought in sedan and coupe kinds together with a smaller variety of wagons, and all variations are fascinating. A properly maintained mannequin with BMW’s lauded naturally aspirated (non-turbocharged) inline-six engines ought to fall into the candy spot.
Discover a BMW 3 Collection on the market close to you
2014-2015 Chevy Volt
There are a whole lot of stable sensible causes to contemplate a used Chevy Volt. At first, it is economical to function. Drivers who can hold their lead ft in verify can count on to get between 25 and 50 miles of all-electric vary from GM’s Voltec drivetrain, which pairs a gasoline-fueled engine with a robust electrical motor and a battery pack that runs down the middle of the car. The EPA charges this model of the Volt at 38 miles of EV driving, and we have managed to beat that determine quite a few occasions. The Volt is quiet and comfy for 4 passengers, and there is a first rate quantity of cargo area behind the again seats. On the draw back, whereas Volt batteries have usually confirmed fairly sturdy over time, if one module does go unhealthy, substitute prices will be very costly.
Discover a Chevrolet Volt on the market close to you
2013-2016 Ford Fusion
Sedans have fallen out of favor with American consumers as crossovers and SUVs achieve recognition. That is mirrored in Ford’s lineup of autos in its dwelling market — sedans and hatchbacks just like the Fiesta, Focus and Fusion are not provided. Nonetheless, Ford bought a whole lot of 1000’s of those engaging midsize sedans over the course of a few a long time, and their low buy costs imply they make fascinating used autos. The second-generation mannequin seen above went on sale for the 2013 mannequin yr and ran till manufacturing resulted in 2020. The Titanium trim stage presents just about all of the goodies a contemporary driver will count on, and the obtainable 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine’s 240 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque makes it really feel fairly enjoyable and peppy to drive. The Fusion has common anticipated reliability, however restore prices needs to be cheap for the American automaker.
Discover a Ford Fusion on the market close to you
2008-2012 Honda Accord
You are not more likely to come throughout a best-used-car-buys checklist and never see an Accord. Honda’s stalwart midsize sedan is a fixture on such lists as a result of it has been such a stable car for thus a few years, and the Accords that fall into this worth vary have been constructed between 2008 and 2012. If yow will discover a more moderen instance, it is possible an affordable alternative, too. The sedan is most typical, however the Accord Coupe is the lovers’ alternative, significantly when geared up with Honda’s sweet-shifting six-speed guide transmission.
Discover a Honda Accord on the market close to you
2009-2013 Honda Match
The second Honda on our checklist is the automaker’s smallest, the Match. We’re not skipping the Honda Civic deliberately, it is a superb alternative. However the Match presents a surprisingly giant cabin attributable to its distinctive Magic Seat association, is enjoyable to drive and will get stellar gasoline economic system. Like most Hondas, it is dependable and feels particularly good with its revvy four-cylinder engine paired with a guide transmission. However even with the power-sapping automated, the Match stays a superb alternative for somebody searching for a small automotive that is simple to park almost wherever.
Discover a Honda Match on the market close to you
2007-2010 Lexus GS 350
The Lexus lineup is stuffed with stable choices for a used-car purchaser searching for a snug and dependable car beneath $10,000. The ES sedan shares a whole lot of its arduous elements with the Toyota Camry and Avalon, together with its V6 engines and automated transmissions. The GS we’re suggesting is a special and extra fascinating animal, with a devoted platform and a variety of six- and eight-cylinder engines powering the rear (or all 4 on some fashions) wheels. We’re calling out the 2007-2010 GS 350 particularly, however the V8-powered GS 460 (which might do 0-60 in 5.5 seconds) can be a solidly dependable alternative. Both means, the stable chassis, luxurious inside (although with an oddly tight rear seat) and quiet experience are all main bonuses at this worth vary.
Discover a Lexus GS on the market close to you
2006-2012 Mazda Miata
Certainly you are not shocked to see the Miata on this checklist. Mazda’s long-running little sports activities automotive is a blast to drive, will be discovered at cheap costs all throughout the USA and is solidly dependable. We’re highlighting the third-generation NC mannequin right here, however older variations of the automotive are equally enjoyable to drive, so be happy to forged a large web when looking for the right instance. Naturally, a small two-seat convertible is not going to work as major transportation for everybody, but when it really works for you, count on to have plenty of enjoyable behind the wheel.
Discover a Mazda Miata on the market close to you
2014-2015 Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf is the one absolutely electrical car on this checklist, nevertheless it’s one for lots of consumers. It does not boast the sort of electrified efficiency that units Tesla other than most of its friends, and its 80-something-mile vary will not work for everybody. But when nearly all of your driving consists of a every day commute to work with some around-town errands alongside the way in which, the Leaf may very properly serve your wants with mileage to spare. In the event you do end up looking for a Leaf, make certain to take it for a check drive and be aware of the estimated mileage obtainable with a full battery. Nissan fitted its mass-market EV with a type of battery well being monitor with a sequence of bars to point how a lot capability is out there, and autos handled as kindly as doable might have more healthy batteries than vehicles frequently pushed in harsher environments or situations.
Discover a Nissan Leaf on the market close to you
