The Best Used Cars Under $10000

If you need a vehicle upgrade, it doesn't have to break the bank! Discover some of the best used cars under 10000 without sacrificing reliability!

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Buying a used car is always a good option when you're on a tight budget.

Though many new compact vehicles are coming down in price, it's still near-impossible to find something for under $10,000. If you want to get a high-quality automobile, you're going to have to look at the used market.

Fortunately, with online marketplaces like Craigslist and Auto Trader, finding the perfect vehicle for an affordable price is easier than ever. Today, we're going to show you the best used cars under 10000.

It can be overwhelming to choose a used vehicle that's going to be reliable and safe for the long-haul. Lucky for you, we've done a bit of the research for you, so when you see one of these vehicles on the market, don't hesitate to book your test drive.

2010 Toyota Prius

As one of the first hybrid vehicles to hit the market, the Prius has undergone a lot of change in its 20+ years of production. The 2010 model is a great option for someone who places special importance on fuel economy.

It's also great for those that want to support the green initiative that a lot of manufacturers are moving towards. The only problem is that newer hybrids and electric vehicles are still quite expensive.

A 2010 Prius will run you far less than $10,000 while giving you the satisfaction of helping the environment. It's common for Toyota owners to upgrade certain parts (chassis, engine), so take a look around for something to take yours to the next level.

2013 Honda Civic

Civic's have long been a reputable used vehicle for people looking for something affordable yet reliable. The 2013 edition is one of the newest models that you'll find for under $10,000. What's great about driving a Civic is the consistency that you get with these compact cars.

There's a reason why there are so many Civics on the road these days and it's because of the low operating costs, the driveability, and the overall sturdiness. You won't have to look far to find a quality Civic under $10,000.

2008 Toyota Highlander

For something a little more spacious, there's the 2008 Toyota Highlander. It's got excellent safety ratings, surprisingly good fuel economy, and has consistently been one of the top mid-sized SUV's on the market.

This is a great choice for growing families, with the attractive and spacious interior, the third row of seating (perfect for children), and 4WD drivetrain. The 2008 model was the first large-scale redesign in the Highlander's history, giving it a lot more space and leaning into the family-friendliness of this line.

Highlanders are generally affordable, but you should have no trouble finding a 2008 for between $8-10,000.

2009 Lexus RX

Cheap luxury vehicles are tough to find, so you'll often have to go back about 10 years to get the looks and reliability of a Lexus. The 2009 RX gives you a comfortable and quiet interior while providing you with an incredibly smooth ride.

2009 was the last year for the 3.5-liter V6 engine and 5-speed transmission, which gave it the feel of a car (a huge compliment for a large vehicle). Most would call this one of the most luxurious and exceptional vehicles in its class, so passing one up for $10,000 would be a mistake.

2007 GMC Yukon

A brand new GMC Yukon will put you back somewhere in the neighborhood of $50,000, making it one of the more expensive luxury SUV models out there. A 2007 model gives you all of the spacious interior and towing capability of the new one, minus all of the bells and whistles.

At the end of the day, you'll be getting a full-sized luxury SUV at a fraction of the price, but if fuel economy is a concern of yours, you might want to direct your attention elsewhere. A large truck like this is going to have you spending a good amount of cash at the gas station.

2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

With the '09 E-Class, you'll have your choice between a sedan or a wagon, a V6 or V8 engine, and rear or all-wheel drive. There's even a diesel engine available if clean is what you're looking for.

When you go with a Mercedes, you're getting an incredibly safe and comfortable vehicle that performs well in all highway or city-driving situations. The only con that we can see is the confusing infotainment system of these early models, but you just have to remember how cutting edge it was in 2009.

2012 Honda Fit

As the 2010s progressed, more emphasis was placed on fuel economy and less on size and towing capacity. The 2012 Honda Fit was able to find some middle ground at an affordable price point. It's hard to believe that this tiny subcompact vehicle has as much cargo space and head/legroom as it does.

Certainly, the best use of the Fit is as something to whip you around town and you'll find it a little slow-going on the highway. If you're a young person that does a lot of city driving, this is the perfect sub $10,000 vehicle.

2009 Acura TL

The TL series underwent a complete overhaul for the 2009 model. It gives you a great mix of comfort and sportiness with a lot of forward-thinking technology, making it a great used option.

It's got a near-perfect safety score, so you'll feel safe in its upscale cabin. Acura always places special emphasis on driveability and power, so the 280 horsepower 3.5 liter V6 should make the biggest car lover happy. If that's not enough, the sport model has a 3.7-liter V6 that gives you 305 HP.