15 Dependable Used Cars Under $10,000

2008 Hyundai Sonata

Looking for reliable, fuel-efficient transportation under $10,000? Shop new and you have few options without a decent incentive. 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. 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, although keep in mind that prices and availability will vary widely by region.

Methodology

To arrive at these 15 vehicles, we started with our own listing of hundreds of thousands of used vehicles currently for sale. First, the cars had to have an average listing price under $10,000. We also looked at reliability and fuel mileage ratings. Finally, we stripped out all cars that didn't have what we thought was decent volume in the used car market. In other words, cars that are really hard to find, no matter how good they are, didn’t make the cut.

Photo by Pontiac

1) 2008 Mazda Mazda3

Average Used Price: $8,535

Base EPA Mileage (city/highway): 22/29

Despite a peppy engine and athletic profile, the 2008 Mazda Mazda3 will provide careful shoppers with good fuel economy, reliability, and safety. The Mazda3’s low entry-level price, when new, helped make this car quite popular, so there should be plenty of examples from this era on the used market.

2) 2008 Pontiac Vibe

Average Used Price: $7,642

Base EPA Mileage: 26/33

The Pontiac Vibe was the result of a joint project between Pontiac and Toyota. As such, it shares much of the Corolla’s mechanics and design, which contributes to its reliability. This compact car, sort of a cross between a wagon and a hatchback, offers plenty of practical features that, to the right buyer, will more than make up for its modest power output.

Photo by Pontiac

3) 2005 Acura TL

Average Used Price: $9,977

Base EPA Mileage: 20/29

Going back a decade or so is a tried-and-true way to find an affordable price on a luxury car. Acura has a solid reputation for dependability, so a TL sedan from this generation should still have plenty of life left in it, and as long as routine maintenance has been performed on schedule, a new-to-you Acura TL is a solid buy.

4) 2005 Toyota Avalon

Average Used Price: $9,575

Base EPA Mileage: 22/31

The Toyota Camry and Corolla are two of the go-tos when it comes to used car shopping, but at this price point, wouldn’t it be nice to have something a little bit bigger? The 2005 Toyota Avalon is a large sedan that was loaded down with top-of-the-line equipment… for the time. Some of the car’s features might seem a little dated now, but the quality and construction are still top-notch.

5) 2005 Acura TSX

Average Used Price: $7,281

Base EPA Mileage: 22/31

The 2005 Acura TSX is an upscale compact sedan that was known for its luxurious interior and sporty, responsive engine. Though some of the gloss has surely worn down by now, a good used Acura TSX will still deliver a comfortable ride and a reliable supply of power. Its fuel mileage is pretty good for a luxury car, too.

6) 2008 Hyundai Sonata

Average Used Price: $7,955

Base EPA Mileage: 21/30

The 2008 Hyundai Sonata sedan is one of the vehicles that helped Hyundai establish its current reputation for providing reliable vehicles at an affordable price. There’s nothing glamorous about the Sonata, when it was new or now that it’s used, but there’s also no pretense about it. It’s comfortable and reliable transportation that won’t break the bank.

7) 2008 Kia Optima

Average Used Price: $8,755

Base EPA Mileage: 21/31

The 2008 Kia Optima sedan came new with a lot of features and equipment, making it a great value for the money. As this model has aged, it’s shown that Kia’s reliability took a turn for the better. Tracking down an Optima in good condition should pay off with years of cost-effective driving. Opt for the four-cylinder version of the 2008 Kia Optima to maximize fuel economy.

8) 2005 Honda CR-V

Average Used Price: $9,944

Base EPA Mileage: 22/27

The Honda CR-V was one of the early leaders in the compact sport utility vehicle segment, and a well-loved 2005 model is an excellent example of why this little sport ute has remained so popular. The CR-V is quite reliable, very practical, and reasonably efficient. The 2005 Honda CR-V is perfect for buyers who would like an SUV on a smaller scale, and a smaller budget.

9) 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander

Average Used Price: $9,899

Base EPA Mileage: 20/27

The 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander provided V-6 power at an affordable price amongst the SUV competition, and used examples have proven to hold up quite well. Finding a front-wheel drive version of the Outlander will help maximize fuel economy, although it sacrifices some of its utility. However, the 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander’s comfortable cabin and spacious interior make it worth a look.