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There is such a thing as a cheap car you can rely on.
Introduction
Introduction
Looking for reliable, fuel-efficient transportation under $10,000? Shop new and you have few options without a decent incentive or a now non-existent Cash for Clunkers voucher. Shop used and the possibilities are endless -- and overwhelming, which is why we've picked 15 used cars under $10,000 to start you on your search (more on the methodology for choosing these cars on the next page). Some of these cars are about as exciting as buying a new pair of khakis, but there is nothing exciting about a car payment for a car you can't afford either. Each page of this gallery offers a different recommendation, a link to a review of that specific model from the New Car Test Drive archive, as well as some used car buying advice from the experts at Enterprise Car Sales -- because not all used cars are created equal, priced the same, or treated in an identical manner by previous owners.
Photos courtesy of manufacturers
Methodology
To arrive at these 15 vehicles, we started with our own listing of hundreds of thousands of used vehicles currently for sale, and applied several filters to ensure these were quality recommendations. First, the cars had to have an average listing price under $10,000. Second, reliability was crucial. Using results from JD Power's Vehicle Dependability Study, which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 3 years of new-vehicle ownership, we weeded out any vehicle that didn't get at least three and a half out of five Power Circles (above average) in the Overall Dependability category, and all but two received four or more (better than most). We removed all vehicles that were rated less than 21 mpg combined to ensure decent mileage (except for the 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis, which was kept alive for its perfect dependability score). Finally, we stripped out all cars that didn't have what we thought was decent volume in the used car market. Sure, we'd love to recommend a 2002 Honda Insight with an average listing price just under $10,000 and a combined 53 mpg, but there was only one for sale at the time we wrote this.
Page 22003 Buick Century
Average Used Price: $8,488
Base EPA Mileage (city/highway/combined): 18/26/21
2002 Buick Century NCTD Review:
"Buick Century is a car you can count on, day after day, mile after mile. It's practical and comfortable, with a smooth ride, good performance, and predictable handling. It even offers a fair amount of luxury for a very practical price."
Enterprise Used Car Tip:
Some dealers offer a no-haggle price, which means everyone pays the same price, which is great because it takes away one of the frustrations of buying a car.
2003 Buick LeSabre
Average Used Price: $9,893
Base EPA Mileage: 17/27/21
From the 2003 Buick LeSabre NCTD Review:
"LeSabre offers a big, roomy interior, a comfortable ride, a big trunk, and it's packed with safety features. In short, the LeSabre brings all the traditional Buick virtues into a new era of fuel-conscious practicality."
Enterprise Used Car Tip:
Considering new vs. used? Car depreciation is the dark cloud hanging over new car purchases. While most cars depreciate by 15 to 20 percent of their value each year, the first year tends to hurt the most.
Page 22003 Chevrolet Impala
Average Used Price: $9,977
Base EPA Mileage: 19/29/22
From the 2003 Chevrolet Impala NCTD Review:
"The Chevrolet Impala is a mid-size sedan packing nearly full-size family room. It even feels like a big luxury car. The Impala handles well and accelerates quickly when equipped with the optional 3.8-liter V6."
Enterprise Used Car Tip:
Some used car dealers set the prices high, knowing that there is room for negotiation. Of course, they are going to push for the top used car price they believe you are prepared to pay, which could be different than what they think the person next to you will pay.
2001 Chevrolet Malibu
Average Used Price: $6,455
Base EPA Mileage: 18/26/21
From the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu NCTD Review:
"Once upon a time, the Chevy Malibu was known as a sporty car for true fun seekers. But that was a long time ago. These days, the revived Malibu nameplate is known for its combination of comfort, quietness, practicality and affordability."
Enterprise Used Car Tip:
A well-conducted certified pre-owned inspection is rigorous and comprehensive – 100 points or more, including all major systems and components such as brakes, steering, suspension, transmission, electrical, and air conditioning and heating. Components that do not pass are either repaired or replaced.
2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
Average Used Price: $9,947
Base EPA Mileage: 19/26/22
From the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser NCTD Review:
"The two strongest virtues of the Cruiser are its practicality and its affordable price. These two virtues make the PT Cruiser suitable for everyday use. It offers the interior volume of a sport-utility vehicle, yet it's shorter than many compact cars."
Enterprise Used Car Tip:
When examining a used car, take a deep breath. Does it smell like a used car? Does it smell like smoke or dirt? Often these smells will not go away without constant air freshener to mask them.
Page 22002 Dodge Intrepid
Average Used Price: $7,691
Base EPA Mileage: 18/26/21
From the 2002 Dodge Intrepid NCTD Review:
"With its powerful engine and stiff body structure, the Dodge Intrepid offers excellent handling and acceleration. It's smooth and quiet, until you stomp on the throttle. At the same time, there's plenty of room for passengers and cargo."
Enterprise Used Car Tip:
Use a rag to remove the oil filler cap. Does white smoke come out of the hole? If yes, you may want to move on to the next used car of interest. Look at the underside of the oil filler cap. Is there water, rust or sludge? If yes, you may want to move on to the next used car of interest.
2003 Ford Taurus
Average Used Price: $8,755
Base EPA Mileage: 18/26/21
From the 2003 Ford Taurus NCTD Review:
For 2003, the Taurus gets an interior that's updated and much quieter. New seals for the doors, windows and rearview mirrors along with new sound damping in the floor make for a quieter cabin.
Enterprise Used Car Tip:
Most late model, low-mileage used vehicles carry the balance of their factory warranties. Some dealers even offer additional warranties for added protection. Note that not all warranties are created equal. Be sure to compare those offered by the used car dealers you are considering.
2001 Honda Civic
Average Used Price: $9,602
Base EPA Mileage: 28/35/31
From the 2001 Honda Civic NCTD Review:
"Honda's new 2001 Civic offers improvements in power and efficiency, cabin space, safety equipment, and noise and vibration. It also comes with more standard equipment than before."
Enterprise Used Car Tip:
When shopping with a used car trade-in, it is important to remember a few key points to ensure the best used car price. First, don’t disclose that a trade is pending until the price of the vehicle being purchased has been negotiated. This allows the buyer to get the best offer on both deals.
2005 Kia Spectra
Average Used Price: $9,362
Base EPA Mileage: 21/29/24
From the 2005 Kia Spectra NCTD Review:
"If you're looking for strong value in a compact package, you've come to the right place. The Kia Spectra is a nice little car. It represents one of the best values among compacts, with an impressive list of safety equipment for its modest price."
Enterprise Used Car Tip:
Go into the negotiation process with an idea of what your car trade-in is worth. Two of the best sources are Kelley Blue Book® and NADA® Official Used Car Guide. Always evaluate the automobile honestly to get a true idea of what it is worth.
2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
Average Used Price: $9,573
Base EPA Mileage: 15/23/18
From the 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis NCTD Review:
"Buyers concerned about safety will appreciate the heft, as bigger cars tend to be safer in collisions than smaller cars. The size of the Grand Marquis, as well as a new frame design that was part of the 1999 model year overhaul, helped it earn a five-star rating in government front and rear crash tests."
Enterprise Used Car Tip:
When examining a used car, check the interior. Does it look like a used car? Is it clean or soiled? Consider that some spots will be difficult to remove.
2002 Mercury Sable
Average Used Price: $8,865
Base EPA Mileage: 18/25/21
From the 2002 Mercury Sable NCTD Review:
"Once a styling leader, Mercury's Sable has retreated to a more conservative look, quietly handsome while avoiding the industrial blandness of its import competition. The Sable provides safety, comfort, and practicality, yet it's an enjoyable car to drive."
Enterprise Used Car Tip:
Most dealers offer vehicle service contracts that address mechanical repairs beyond the warranty period or that are not covered by their warranty. It is important to understand what is or is not covered, as programs vary by provider.
2001 Nissan Altima
Average Used Price: $8,243
Base EPA Mileage: 20/28/23
2001 Nissan Altima NCTD Review:
"Faster, roomier, and more sophisticated than a compact, Altima has offered a real, between-floors alternative that some people find just right."
Enterprise Used Car Tip:
Return policies are important because they tell how much the dealer stands behind the value of their used cars and believes in satisfying their customers. A good used car dealer will offer a return policy, allowing you to return the car after your purchase, for any reason, if you so desire.
2000 Nissan Altima shown
Page 22003 Pontiac Grand Prix
Average Used Price: $9,570
Base EPA Mileage: 18/26/21
From the 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix NCTD Review:
"Pontiac has taken a lot of unfair raps for limited engineering refinement. But the Grand Prix doesn't pretend to be a BMW."
Enterprise Used Car Tip:
Just because it’s raining or snowing does not mean you should avoid looking at a used car. Test driving the car during these conditions will give you a good opportunity to try out how the vehicle drives in these conditions. Just make sure you also check the vehicle in daylight to check out the body condition.
2001 Toyota Corolla
Average Used Price: $8,062
Base EPA Mileage: 28/37/31
From the 2001 Toyota Corolla NCTD Review:
"The Corolla has a conservative, clean shape that doesn't attract much attention. It is, in fact, one step away from being plain. But it is nicely proportioned, trim and efficient."
Enterprise Used Car Tip:
For some motorists, donating an automobile to a charity can drive a nice tax write-off. Others may choose to sell their automobile themselves. But for those who do not have the time nor the desire to be a salesperson, trading in an existing vehicle to a dealer for money towards a used car purchase is the simple, easy way to go.
2001 Toyota Camry
Average Used Price: $9,919
Base EPA Mileage: 21/30/24
From the 2001 Toyota Camry NCTD Review:
"In its current iteration, the Camry offers a comfortable cabin, spacious trunk, and smooth and quiet-running engines. Plus, the Camry has a well-deserved reputation for high reliability. This is certainly a tough combination to beat."
Enterprise Used Car Tip:
A CARFAX report searches a nationwide database to provide a detailed history on a particular vehicle. The goal of the report is to protect used car buyers against hidden problems that can go undetected. CARFAX checks to see if the car has been flooded or rebuilt, if the odometer has been tampered with and, in some states, if the car has been in a major accident or stolen.