Searching for a terrific used automotive however have a restricted finances? You are not alone. Vehicles and vans are getting pricier with each passing 12 months, and a restricted stock following the continued coronavirus pandemic hasn’t helped. If you happen to can handle to stretch your finances to $10,000, there are some strong choices to select from within the used market.
We challenged the Autoblog editors to seek out a terrific, versatile used automotive — be aware, this listing is particularly for automobiles, not vans or SUVs, which we cowl in a separate listing — 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 labeled adverts, the place you may slender down your decisions utilizing your location and sliders for worth and mileage. Take note of the deal ranking to be sure you’re getting the perfect worth doable.
In case your tastes run nearer to the perimeter of the automotive phase, check out our Future Traditional collection the place we spotlight fascinating and typically forgotten automobiles from the previous. For the remainder of us preferring to remain nearer to the mainstream, the choices beneath all boast at the least common anticipated reliability scores (normally better-than-average) and have been bought in sufficient numbers that there ought to be a number of choices close to you.
Greatest used automobiles for $10,000 or much less
2009-2014 Acura TSX
We’re kicking the listing off with the 2009-2014 Acura TSX just because we figured alphabetic order is nearly as good as anything. Our suggestion can be to stay with a four-cylinder engine to maximise practicality and reliability. Honda, which is Acura’s mother or father firm, makes wonderful four-cylinder engines, and the K24Z3-coded powerplant within the TSX isn’t any exception. The two.4-liter spins out 201 horsepower and revs very freely, delivering extra driving engagement than lots of its rivals. It is out there with a sweet-shifting handbook transmission or, rather more generally, a five-speed automated.
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2006-2011 BMW 3 Sequence
The BMW 3 Sequence enjoys a well-earned popularity as the category chief within the small sporty luxurious automotive phase. It is necessary to bear in mind that restore and upkeep prices might be greater for a BMW than much less premium manufacturers, and it is seemingly that lower-end fashions with out some fascinating bells and whistles could supply a bit extra long-term reliability than the higher-end variations. BMW began promoting this technology of the three Sequence, internally often called 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.
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2014-2015 Chevy Volt
There are numerous strong sensible causes to think about a used Chevy Volt. In the beginning, it is economical to function. Drivers who can preserve their lead ft in examine 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 instances. The Volt is quiet and cozy for 4 passengers, and there is a respectable quantity of cargo house behind the again seats. On the draw back, whereas Volt batteries have usually confirmed fairly sturdy through the years, if one module does go dangerous, alternative prices could be very costly.
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2013-2016 Ford Fusion
Sedans have fallen out of favor with American consumers as crossovers and SUVs achieve reputation. 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 hundreds 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 12 months and ran till manufacturing resulted in 2020. The Titanium trim degree provides just about all of the goodies a contemporary driver will count on, and the out there 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 ought to be cheap for the American automaker.
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2008-2012 Honda Accord
You are not prone to come throughout a best-used-car-buys listing 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 strong car for thus a few years, and the Accords that fall into this worth vary have been constructed between 2008 and 2012. If you could find a more recent instance, it is seemingly an affordable selection, too. The sedan is commonest, however the Accord Coupe is the lovers’ selection, significantly when geared up with Honda’s sweet-shifting six-speed handbook transmission.
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2009-2013 Honda Match
The second Honda on our listing is the automaker’s smallest, the Match. We’re not skipping the Honda Civic deliberately, it is a wonderful selection. However the Match provides a surprisingly giant cabin because of its distinctive Magic Seat association, is enjoyable to drive and will get stellar gasoline financial system. Like most Hondas, it is dependable and feels particularly good with its revvy four-cylinder engine paired with a handbook transmission. However even with the power-sapping automated, the Match stays a wonderful selection for somebody in search of a small automotive that is simple to park almost anyplace.
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2007-2010 Lexus GS 350
The Lexus lineup is stuffed with strong choices for a used-car purchaser in search of a cushty and dependable car below $10,000. The ES sedan shares numerous its exhausting elements with the Toyota Camry and Avalon, together with its V6 engines and automated transmissions. The GS we’re suggesting is a distinct and extra fascinating animal, with a devoted platform and a spread 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 selection. Both means, the strong chassis, luxurious inside (although with an oddly tight rear seat) and quiet journey are all main bonuses at this worth vary.
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2006-2012 Mazda Miata
Absolutely you are not shocked to see the Miata on this listing. Mazda’s long-running little sports activities automotive is a blast to drive, could be discovered at cheap costs all throughout the US 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 at liberty to solid a large internet when looking for the proper instance. Naturally, a small two-seat convertible is not going to work as main transportation for everybody, but when it really works for you, count on to have plenty of enjoyable behind the wheel.
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2014-2015 Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf is the one totally electrical car on this listing, nevertheless it’s a great one for lots of consumers. It would not boast the type of electrified efficiency that units Tesla aside from most of its friends, and its 80-something-mile vary will not work for everybody. But when the vast majority of your driving consists of a each day commute to work with some around-town errands alongside the best way, the Leaf might very nicely serve your wants with mileage to spare. If you happen to do end up searching for a Leaf, be certain to take it for a take a look at drive and pay attention to the estimated mileage out there with a full battery. Nissan fitted its mass-market EV with a form of battery well being monitor with a collection of bars to point how a lot capability is offered, and autos handled as kindly as doable could have more healthy batteries than automobiles repeatedly pushed in harsher environments or situations.
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