If you’re looking for a used car on a $10,000 budget, you’re in the right place, whether you need a family sedan, a capable wagon, or an efficient hatchback —including a few with a side serving of fun. As you’ll notice, 2012 is one of the best value vintages under $10,000 right now; you may find newer examples of the 2012s below within our budget, but those are likely high-mileage, low-feature models. However, a few newer cars are on the list, including a 2017 model.
As with all used cars, the condition and history of the specific vehicle you’re looking to buy are more important than the particular year or trim unless you’re seeking a specific feature, look, or capability. In other words, it may be best to stay flexible on the specifics if you’re looking for the best possible car for your money.
Here are 10 of the best used cars under $10,000:
1. 2012 Toyota Camry
The 2012 Toyota Camry stood out among its contemporaries for its comfort, fuel efficiency (especially in hybrid form), and safety features. Today, it’s still a great choice for those same reasons. If you’re looking for reliable, cheap-to-fix family transportation, the Camry is a solid choice. Hybrid models should be available in our budget, but so are the top-spec non-hybrids, so take your pick. See used Toyota Camry models for sale near you
2. 2012 Honda Accord
Shoulder to shoulder with the Camry, the 2012 Honda Accord was at the front of that year’s family sedan class, not least because of its excellent value, balanced driving dynamics, spacious and comfortable cabin, and attractive styling. The Accord didn’t offer a hybrid version, but our budget should let you shop for loaded EX-L models. See used Honda Accord models for sale near you
3. 2013 Toyota Corolla
The 2013 Toyota Corolla quietly goes about its business as an affordable, modest, reliable compact car. At the sweet spot of our budget, the Corolla LE gets cruise control, power windows and locks, keyless entry, and a standard automatic transmission. You should be able to find even the top-level S and S Special Edition in this price range. See used Toyota Corolla models for sale near you
4. 2013 Honda Civic
The 2013 Honda Civic is yet another benchmark of its class. It was an all-new model for 2012, and this generation took the Civic’s already great fuel economy, handling, and comfort to the next level. For our money, the loaded EX-L is the best value. However, those seeking something sportier might prefer the 2012 Civic Si with its 201-horsepower engine, limited-slip differential, and enhanced suspension. See used Honda Civic models for sale near you
5. 2012 Subaru Legacy
Often overlooked in favor of the Camry or Accord, the 2012 Subaru Legacy is another great option — and an especially good one for those with long gravel roads or winter weather in their repertoire, because it comes with standard all-wheel drive. Our budget affords your choice of the sportier 265-hp 2.5GT or the more luxurious 256-hp 3.6R Limited. See used Subaru Legacy models for sale near you
6. 2013 Mazda3
Choose the sedan or hatchback body style, whichever you prefer. The 2013 Mazda3 is a remarkable vehicle with tremendous efficiency and daily practicality, but it also has a huge serving of fun-to-drive dynamics. Look for loaded Grand Touring models with either the base 2.0-liter for maximum efficiency (up to 39 mpg highway) or the 167-hp 2.5-liter for more fun. See used Mazda3 models for sale near you
7. 2013 Honda Fit
Speaking of efficient, the 2013 Honda Fit is too, with up to 35 mpg on the highway. It’s also fun to drive thanks to its small size and light weight. Despite the pint-sized footprint, the Fit is very useful, with a spacious cabin that reconfigures to fit surprisingly large cargo. See used Honda Fit models for sale near you
8. 2012 Subaru Outback
A go-to for those who move people and cargo through snow, mud, gravel, or all three, the 2012 Subaru Outback is a great all-around choice, splitting the difference between a wagon and an SUV. Standard AWD, more ground clearance than many SUVs, and plenty of interior space are included, and our budget affords the 256-hp flat 6-cylinder — and upgraded equipment set — of the 3.6R Limited. See used Subaru Outback models for sale near you
9. 2017 Ford Fiesta
The newest car on our list is the 2017 Ford Fiesta. Available as both a sedan or a hatchback, the Fiesta is a surprisingly fun car to drive, especially in ST trim, and can be very efficient, too, at up to 43 mpg on the highway. The best fuel economy comes with a 1.0-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder, but the sporty ST gets a 197-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder — both are available on our budget. See used Ford Fiesta models for sale near you
10. 2012 Volvo XC70
Much like the Outback, the 2012 Volvo XC70 — our final member of the class of 2012 — is an off-roady wagon, though perhaps with a bit more premium feel than the Subaru. Our budget should easily swing the XC70 T6, with leather, wood, and metal interior accents, plus navigation, rear-seat entertainment, and more. The T6 also gets a 300-hp turbocharged inline 6-cylinder powering all four wheels. See used Volvo XC70 models for sale near you
10 Best Used Cars Under $10,000
- 2012 Toyota Camry
- 2012 Honda Accord
- 2013 Toyota Corolla
- 2013 Honda Civic
- 2012 Subaru Legacy
- 2013 Mazda3
- 2013 Honda Fit
- 2012 Subaru Outback
- 2017 Ford Fiesta
- 2012 Volvo XC70
