10 Reliable Used Cars
What are the best reliable cars that you can buy for under $10,000? That’s what we’re going to find out.
I’m going to share ten of the best cars that you can buy for under ten grand that are reliable, well made and will last you for years without expensive repairs or issues.
Honda Civic
let’s start the list off at number ten with a safe, predictable choice. And that is the Honda Civic.
The Civic is the exact type of car that’s perfectly suited for someone shopping on a tight budget.
It is extremely reliable, fuel efficient, cheap to maintain and repair, and plentiful on the used car market. 10 Reliable Used Cars
But because they are so reliable and well made, civics are definitely not cheap to buy.
It will take quite a bit of searching to find a really nice example for under ten grand. I had focus on one made between 2012 to 2015. 2013 being the best year just before Honda introduced their CVT.
Find a good one and you will have a solid car that will last you a really long time.
Toyota Corolla
The next car at number nine is a very similar story and that is the Toyota Corolla.
Like the Civic, Corollas are known for their exceptional reliability and low operating costs.
Find a nice example that has been properly maintained and it will last an eternity for under ten grand. 10 Reliable Used Cars
The best years are those made between 2014 to 2016, but any years are really fine for this one.
They are tough, well made, fuel efficient cars, perfect for those looking for no nonsense transportation.
The issue with the Corolla, much like the Civic because they have such strong resale value and are so desirable to buy, it is not easy to find a really good one that’s not too worn out for under ten grand.
Mazda 3
The next car at number eight such a great choice And that is the Mazda 3. The Mazda 3 is another well made, reliable japanese car, arguably nearly as good as the other two. 10 Reliable Used Cars
But because it doesnt have quite the same resale value, it is easier to find a newer and fresher one with lower mileage for below ten grand.
Just try to buy one from 2012 or newer, ideally with the better, more fuel efficient Skyactiv engine and you are good to go.
Toyota Yaris
The next car at number seven is pretty much the definition of affordable transportation and that car is the Toyota Yaris.
The Yaris is a small hatchback that was super affordably priced when new and still represents a great value buy when shopping for one used, it doesn’t really matter the year. 10 Reliable Used Cars
They are all incredibly reliable with very simple Toyota engines and transmissions that can run forever with excellent fuel efficiency.
This is another no nonsense car, perfect for those who want a problem free ownership experience.
Honda fit
And the next car at number six is a very similar story and that is the Honda fit.
The fit is a very similar type of small hatchback as the Yaris, only I find it a bit more appealing because it is more spacious and has really clever folding back seats, making it a really practical car.
Aside from that, this is another super reliable car that really has no major concerns or bad years.
Find a well maintained one thats in good shape and you are good to go.
Toyota Prius
The next car at number five is one im throwing in for those who really want to have a hybrid. 10 Reliable Used Cars
And if thats what youre seriously considering, the number one choice is the Toyota Prius.
Not only is the Prius one of the original hybrid cars, but it remains one of the best ones, with incredible fuel economy and unrivaled reliability. They are incredibly well made.
But be mindful that hybrid battery failure will be a concern buying an older one thats in this price range, your best bet is to buy one thats already had its hybrid battery replaced, or at least budget for this when negotiating the price and have a replacement option lined up ready to go.
Third party remanufactured batteries are not as expensive as you might think.
And after factoring this into your budgeting and negotiation, you could land yourself an amazing deal on an incredible car.
Now, the issue that most of the cars on this list have so far now is that they are incredibly desirable models that are really sought after, which means that used car prices are really high and it’s not going to be easy to find a really good one for under ten grand. 10 Reliable Used Cars
When shopping in this price range, you need to be strategic and consider a model that’s off the radar of most shoppers, models that most shoppers would not think to search for but are still excellent, reliable cars.
Scion
And the next one at number four is a perfect example of that and that is scion. Scion was a sub brand of Toyota designed to appeal to younger buyers on a budget. They were essentially just rebodied and rebadged Toyotas.
And because most consumers have now forgotten about Scion or didnt even know it existed in the first place.
You can find them for pretty attractive prices without the normal Toyota badge tax, but you are still getting a proper Toyota. 10 Reliable Used Cars
The scion Im, for example, is just a rebadged Corolla hatchback and the sporty scion TC and the boxy Scion XB both use the drivetrain from the Toyota Camry.
So take your pick, enjoy the savings, and enjoy the same great Toyota reliability, but at a slightly more affordable price.
Nissan Micra
I have one more hidden gem off the radar car that you need to take a look at and that car is the one at number three which is the Nissan Micra.
Now normally I would not recommend a used Nissan because of their history of CVT problems, but the Micra is one exception because it did not have a CVT.
The Micra came with either a five speed manual or a simple four speed conventional automatic transmission paired to Nissan’s proven 1.64 cylinder engine which made it far more reliable than the rest of the Nissan model range.
They were so durable that Nissan even felt confident enough to give them their own dedicated racing series which was called the Micra cup.
The micra is no joke. They are simple, well made and super affordable, making them a great used car buy for a small budget, but only if you live in Canada or outside the US because thats right. 10 Reliable Used Cars
Sadly the Miqro was not sold in America.
Toyota Matrix and the Pontiac vibe
finally that brings us to the final two cars on the list in the number two and number one spot which I am putting together.
And those cars are the Toyota Matrix and the Pontiac vibe. The matrix and vibe are mechanically identical siblings.
They are exactly what one should look for in an affordable used car.
They are practical, fuel efficient, cheap and easy to repair, extremely reliable, and a little bit off the radar. 10 Reliable Used Cars
Mechanically they are the exact same vehicle, but I do slightly prefer the vibe because the prices tend to be a little bit lower because you are avoiding that Toyota badge tax.
Now I know when you are searching, it can be extremely challenging to find any one of these cars for a really attractive price.
But dont be tempted by other models just because the prices are a lot lower.
There is often a really good reason for that and if you end up with a problematic car that costs you thousands to repair, well then you really have not saved anything and you’re going to wish that you bought one of the cars on this list in the first place.
Just remember, before you purchase any used car, whether it’s one that’s known to be reliable or not, or whatever the case may be, always get it inspected by a mechanic that you can trust before you make the purchase.
A pre purchase inspection can save you a ton of money on the long run and prevent a lot of future headaches.