If you’re looking for a used car on a $10,000 budget, you’re in the right place, whether you need a family sedan, a capable wagon, or an efficient hatchback —including a few with a side serving of fun. As with all used cars, the condition and history of the specific vehicle you’re looking to buy are more important than the particular year or trim unless you’re seeking a specific feature, look, or capability. In other words, it may be best to stay flexible on the specifics if you’re looking for the best possible car for your money.
Here are 10 of the best used cars under $10,000.
1. 2013 Toyota Camry
The 2013 Toyota Camry stood out among its contemporaries for its comfort, fuel efficiency (especially in hybrid form), and safety features. Today, it’s still an excellent choice for those same reasons. The Camry is a must-see if you’re looking for reliable, cheap-to-fix family transportation. Hybrid models should be available in our budget, but so are the top-spec non-hybrids, so take your pick.
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2. 2013 Honda Accord
Shoulder to shoulder with the Camry, the 2013 Honda Accord was all-new for 2013. The new model carried on the Accord’s reputation for excellent value, balanced driving dynamics, a spacious and comfortable cabin, and attractive styling. The Accord didn’t offer a hybrid version, but our budget should let you shop for loaded EX-L models.
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3. 2014 Toyota Corolla
The 2014 Toyota Corolla quietly goes about its business as an affordable, modest, reliable compact car. At the sweet spot of our budget, the Corolla LE gets cruise control, power windows and locks, keyless entry, and a standard automatic transmission. You should be able to find even the top-level S Premium and S Plus trims in this price range.
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4. 2014 Honda Civic
The 2014 Honda Civic is yet another benchmark of its class. It was an all-new model for 2012, and this generation took the Civic’s already great fuel economy, handling, and comfort to the next level. For our money, the loaded EX-L is the best value. However, those seeking something sportier might prefer the one-year-older 2013 Civic Si with its 201-horsepower engine, limited-slip differential, and enhanced suspension.
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5. 2015 Subaru Legacy
Often overlooked in favor of the Camry or Accord, the 2015 Subaru Legacy is another compelling option — and especially considerable for those with long gravel roads or winter weather in their repertoire, because it comes with standard all-wheel drive (AWD). Our budget affords the choice of the more frugal 175-hp 2.5i or the more luxurious 256-hp 3.6R Limited.
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6. 2015 Mazda3
Choose the sedan or hatchback body style, whichever you prefer. The 2015 Mazda3 is a remarkable vehicle with tremendous efficiency and daily practicality, but it also has a huge serving of fun-to-drive dynamics. Look for loaded Grand Touring models with the base 2.0-liter engine for maximum efficiency (up to 40 mpg highway) or the 184-hp 2.5-liter engine for more fun.
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7. 2015 Honda Fit
Speaking of efficiency, the 2015 Honda Fit can get up to 40 mpg on the highway. It’s also fun to drive thanks to its small size and light weight. Despite the pint-sized footprint, the Fit is very useful, with a spacious cabin that reconfigures to fit surprisingly large cargo.
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8. 2015 Subaru Outback
A go-to for those who move people and cargo through snow, mud, gravel, or all three, the 2015 Subaru Outback is a great all-around choice, splitting the difference between a wagon and an SUV. Standard all-wheel drive, more ground clearance than many SUVs, and plenty of interior space are included, and our budget affords the 256-hp flat 6-cylinder and upgraded equipment set of the 3.6R Limited.
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9. 2017 Ford Fiesta
The newest car on our list is the 2017 Ford Fiesta. Available as both a sedan and a hatchback, the Fiesta is a surprisingly fun car to drive, especially in ST trim, and can be very efficient, too, getting up to 43 mpg on the highway. The best fuel economy comes with a 1.0-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder, but the sporty ST gets a 197-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder — both are available on our budget.
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10. 2013 Volvo XC70
Much like the Outback, the 2013 Volvo XC70 is an off-roady wagon, perhaps with a slightly more premium feel than the Subaru. Our budget should easily swing the XC70 T6, with leather, wood, and metal interior accents, plus navigation, rear-seat entertainment, and more. The T6 also gets a 300-hp turbocharged inline 6-cylinder powering all four wheels.
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10 Best Used Cars Under $10,000
- 2013 Toyota Camry
- 2013 Honda Accord
- 2014 Toyota Corolla
- 2014 Honda Civic
- 2015 Subaru Legacy
- 2015 Mazda Mazda3
- 2015 Honda Fit
- 2015 Subaru Outback
- 2017 Ford Fiesta
- 2013 Volvo XC70
