We also left off some models due to higher-than-average recall incidents, including the Honda Accord.Īlthough we can generally provide guidance on which models may be the best value or the most reliable, we cannot make any guarantees about how individual cars will perform. We focused specifically on providing maximum value and reliability for the price, prioritizing models which are known for durability and low cost of operation, but also tried hard to provide a variety of models to suit different tastes. Defunct brands often lose value, which can make them a good buy later on if they are substantially similar to models from the overall parent company, as with Mercury and Ford. In all cases, the vehicles’ manufacturers still exist and there’s generally adequate parts and service support. Some of the vehicles on our list come from defunct brands. Some older models, with fewer data points, were generally left off due to a lack of reliability information or because of limited availability, such as the BMW Z4 and Volvo C30. Those cars can still be found for under $10,000, but it’s much more difficult.

We sampled used car listings from Miami, Boston, Cleveland, Phoenix, and Seattle.Īs the values of used cars have risen considerably in 20, many of the cars on last year’s version of this list dropped off, particularly hybrid models like the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius. In addition to these criteria, the vehicle had to have average transaction prices under or near $10,000, be manufactured after 1999, and be generally available in five major geographic markets. To determine our list of the best vehicles under $10,000, we cross-referenced a broad range of reliability and quality scores, evaluations by vehicle testers, thousands of long-term reports and reviews from owners and factored in our own long-term experiences with these vehicles as new and used cars. Newer models hard to find at this price.For this list, we looked for cars newer than the 1999 model year which were available for up to $10,000 with less than 130,000 miles on the clock. Using a combination of average transaction prices, owner feedback, reliability ratings and expertise from Forbes Wheels staff, we’ve compiled a list of 20 good $10,000 used car choices. All you need is a bit of patience while shopping and some careful research. All that has made it especially difficult for folks on a limited budget to find a new-to-them car.īut while $10,000 doesn’t buy what it used to, or even what it used to last year, there are reliable, value-packed, and even fun and stylish rides to be had for ten grand.

And that was before 8% monthly inflation and $5.00-per-gallon gas.

With new-vehicle supplies severely constrained by Covid-19-related supply chain problems, used-vehicle prices soared in 2021, and they’re still at all-time highs. Make no mistake, it’s harder than ever out there for used car buyers in 2022.

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