Likelihood is, when you’re an American, what you actually wish to park in your driveway is a rugged-looking however (not less than considerably) carlike crossover or SUV. The utility car section has taken off over the previous couple of many years to the purpose the place some automakers, together with huge ones like Ford, have deserted sedans and hatchbacks in favor of a bevy of variously sized SUVs and trucklets. Not all people is able to spend $45,000 on a brand-new SUV, however the excellent news is that there are many good choices on the used market, even on the price range value of round $10,000.
We challenged the Autoblog editors to seek out an incredible, versatile used crossover or SUV for $10,000 or much less, and that is what we got here up with. We have damaged it down by measurement beginning with the smallest choices, and 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 slender down your decisions utilizing your location and sliders for value and mileage. Take note of the deal ranking to be sure to’re getting the perfect value attainable.
In case you’d be higher served with a coupe, sedan, hatchback or wagon, click on right here for that listing. Or, in case your tastes run nearer to the perimeter of the automotive section, check out our Used Car Highlight sequence the place we spotlight attention-grabbing and typically forgotten automobiles 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.
It is also value mentioning that used car costs are larger right now than they’ve traditionally been in pre-pandemic days. Some autos really useful under could also be tough to seek out under $10,000 with low mileage and/or fascinating choices. Which means consumers could have to buy round longer than they might count on or journey farther than they’d wish to get the perfect deal. Or, alternatively, spend just a bit bit extra money they’d wish to get precisely what they’re on the lookout for.
Finest used SUVs and crossovers beneath $10K
Finest used subcompact crossover: 2013-2016 Kia Soul
Execs: Sporty driving dynamics; spacious inside for its measurement; good effectivity
Cons: All-wheel drive not accessible
We kick the social gathering off with the smallest of all of the utility autos that fall into our listing. The Kia Soul is an odd duck, and we’re fairly positive its consumers prefer it that means. It would not match neatly into any particular class; it is not clearly a hatchback and it is not clearly an SUV. It suits in someplace in between established segments, and does so with a mode in contrast to anything. The Soul would not supply all-wheel drive, so if that is a necessity we might suggest the subsequent car on our listing. What it does supply is a sporty feel and appear, good inside house because of its boxy design, a spread of optionally available engines and transmissions, and first rate reliability and effectivity scores.
Discover a Kia Soul on the market close to you
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Finest used compact crossover: 2006-2011 Honda CR-V
Execs: Stellar fame for reliability; robust resale; nice to drive
Cons: Reliability and resale imply larger preliminary price
You in all probability noticed this one coming. The Honda CR-V, together with its greatest rival, the Toyota RAV4, is a perennial best-seller in America, and for good motive. It is dependable, it is sensible, and it is cheap pricing would not break the financial institution. The RAV4 can be a strong selection within the used compact crossover section, however we typically want the Honda CR-V’s sportier driving dynamics, high quality inside elements, revvy engines and general refinement. Nearly any yr needs to be a strong selection, so simply search for one close to you with the choices you need, the mileage you are comfy with and the worth you may afford.
Discover a Honda CR-V on the market close to you
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Finest used midsize SUV: 2008-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Execs: Glorious off-road functionality; refined journey in comparison with rivals; fascinating Jeep badge
Cons: Not as comfy as a extra car-like crossover; inefficient powertrains; bland inside
The Jeep Grand Cherokee might be the car most individuals consider after they consider a typical SUV. Your entire section was invented by the Wagoneer of the Sixties, outlined by the Cherokee that debuted in 1984 and refined by the extra upscale Grand Cherokee that debuted in 1993. We’re particularly calling out the third-generation model and narrowing it additional to the 2008-2010 mannequin years that profit from a mid-cycle refresh with up to date styling and a (barely) extra refined inside. A number of engines have been provided, the commonest being the sufficient 3.7-liter V6, the upgraded and fascinating 4.7-liter V8 and the satisfyingly highly effective 5.7-liter Hemi. In case you’re on the lookout for energy, the 2009 and 2010 Hemis provided 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. In all kinds, the four-wheel-drive Grand Cherokee is extra succesful off-road than any of its main rivals.
Discover a Jeep Grand Cherokee on the market close to you
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Finest midsize luxurious crossover (two-row): 2007-2008 Lexus RX 350 or 400h
Execs: Glorious fame for reliability; comfy journey
Cons: Comparatively costly versus its competitors; probably costly upkeep necessities
The Lexus RX principally invented the premium midsize crossover section when it debuted for the 1999 mannequin yr in the USA. It is the automaker’s best-selling car, boasting stellar reliability scores over its whole run of manufacturing, an aesthetic and opulent cabin, and quiet and serene driving dynamics. All RX fashions have confirmed to be sturdy, however the earlier RX 300 and RX 330 variations used timing belts that want alternative when the upkeep schedule requires it. The later RX 350 obtained a brand new engine that, with 270 horsepower, was extra highly effective and used a timing chain that wants no servicing over its lifetime. The RX 400h makes use of a hybrid powertrain that will increase each energy and effectivity, however the battery may very well be a pricey alternative merchandise if it ever fails.
Discover a Lexus RX on the market close to you
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Finest midsize luxurious crossover (three-row): 2007-2009 Acura MDX
Execs: Good fame; robust powertrain; three-row seating
Cons: Some years have transmission issues
Earlier than we go into anything in regards to the Acura MDX, it is vital to notice that we’re narrowing this particular suggestion to the 2007 by 2009 mannequin years. These have been the final three years that Acura fitted the MDX with a five-speed automated transmission earlier than changing it with a more recent six-speed unit. Whereas that additional gear improved effectivity considerably, the early variations of the six-speed are recognized to have reliability issues that may be very costly to restore or substitute. It is safer to stay with the five-speed model. With that out of the best way, the Acura MDX ably presents a strong compromise between luxurious, functionality, dynamics and effectivity.
Discover a Acura MDX on the market close to you
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Finest massive crossover (three-row): 2009-2012 Ford Flex
Execs: Very roomy and versatile; distinctive styling
Cons: Distinctive styling will not be for everybody
We mourned the Flex’s passing with a heartfelt eulogy once we discovered that the 2019 mannequin yr could be its final. The Flex was at all times an attention-grabbing car that provided a versatile and roomy inside resulting from its boxy exterior form, a robust optionally available EcoBoost V6 engine, all-wheel drive and a novel sense of fashion. Ostensibly lining up towards three-row crossovers just like the Chevrolet Traverse and Honda Pilot, the Flex is a gorgeous possibility for households that need the roominess and flexibility of a minivan however don’t love the thought of proudly owning the type of sliding-door household equipment that they grew up with. The deep properly that the third-row seats fold into is even paying homage to a minivan’s leading to higher cargo house again there than is typical for a three-row crossover.
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Finest Massive luxurious SUV (three-row): 2003-2009 Lexus GX 470Â
Execs: Fame for sturdiness and reliability; true off-road capabilities
Cons: Very inefficient powertrain; rougher journey than its rivals
The Lexus GX has confirmed to be one of the vital dependable autos bought in America over the previous couple of many years, recurrently piling up comparatively excessive mileage with out requiring main repairs, although its 4.7-liter V8 engine does require a timing belt alternative at particular mileage intervals. It is also constructed on prime of a really rugged chassis that is shared with the Toyota 4Runner and the Land Cruiser Prado that is bought in markets exterior the USA. It presents seven-passenger seating with a barely undersized third row that flips down from the perimeters of the cargo space. On the practicality facet, the LX 470 is not as large inside because it appears to be like or as some comparably sized car-based crossovers. Its V8 engine, five-speed automated transmission and four-wheel-drive system are sturdy however fairly inefficient.
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Finest fullsize SUV: 2008-2015 Nissan Armada
Execs: It is large; robust towing talents
Cons: It is large; poor gasoline economic system
The biggest car on our listing is the Nissan Armada, a fullsize SUV that shares its underlying chassis and powertrain with the Titan pickup truck. It is highly effective 5.6-liter V8 engine means the Armada is a succesful car for towing, and its cavernous inside with three real-life-sized rows of seats make it fascinating for rising households. It is not going to be a cost-effective car to drive, nevertheless, so if the house and energy aren’t really crucial, one of many smaller V6-powered autos we spotlight above, just like the Ford Flex or Acura MDX, could also be a greater possibility.
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