Buying a used car for less than $5,000 is a difficult task these days, but it’s still possible. If you’re looking for a commuter or family transportation, there are several options for you, too. Just remember that when shopping for cheap used cars, the condition and history of the specific vehicle you’re eyeing are more important than any year, make, or model recommendations.
Here are 10 of the best used cars under $5,000.
1. 2007 Toyota Corolla
Toyota’s alternative to the Honda Civic, the 2007 Toyota Corolla, is equally strong, with its own brand-based appeal. Good for 29 mpg with the automatic transmission or up to 31 mpg combined with the manual, the Corolla can even be a tad more efficient than the Civic, although it gives up some of that advantage on the fun factor.
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2. 2007 Honda Civic
Available in both coupe and sedan form, the 2007 Honda Civic is a great example of a familiar name, with all the attention to detail you’d expect from Honda. It’s good for 29 mpg combined, with a roomy and comfortable cabin, friendly driving dynamics, and relatively inexpensive parts when it’s time to repair.
See used 2007 Honda Civic models for sale near you
3. 2008 Mazda3
Economical, stylish, and fun to drive, the 2008 Mazda3 was a great all-around choice when new and remains one today. The high-performance Mazdaspeed3 model is still just out of reach of our budget, but the Grand Touring hatchback and sedan should both be within reach, with features like Bose audio, remote start, and 5-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels.
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4. 2005 Honda Accord
Like its smaller brand sibling, the midsize 2005 Honda Accord is fuel-efficient, spacious, and entertaining. Parts are plentiful, and the Accord is known for long-term reliability. The only reason this midsize sedan and coupe are lower on the list is the ones we found for sale have more miles on the clock than the available Civic models.
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5. 2005 Toyota Camry
The 2005 Toyota Camry is another solid used car choice. This midsize sedan was a favorite of families then and continues to be today, thanks to its comfort and understated solidity. Keep in mind that the examples we found in this price range varied widely in terms of miles and maintenance.
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6. 2007 Subaru Outback
The 2007 Subaru Outback has standard all-wheel drive (AWD), and our budget should afford even the most loaded models, including the luxurious L.L. Bean Edition or the 2.5 XT Limited. You’ll also have your choice of sedan or wagon, as both were available in 2007. We’d recommend the wagon for its greater practicality, but the sedan is a great choice for fans of the obscure.
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7. 2010 Kia Soul
Boxy, fun, and funky, the 2010 Kia Soul might look like an SUV, but it drives more like a hatchback or small wagon, which is to say it’s very comfortable and easy to maneuver. The squared-off design makes for plenty of usable cargo space as well as lots of passenger headroom. (Expert tip: Soul+ and higher trims use push-button start with an engine immobilizer.). Look for the loaded Soul ! (Exclaim) trim on our budget, with a moonroof, leather appointments, an upgraded audio system, and more.
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8. 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
Midsize sedan comfort at a value menu price makes the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu a sweet deal if you find a good example. Spacious, plush, and available as a hybrid, the Malibu is a taste of the tail end of the era of America’s love affair with the sedan and a welcome bit of nostalgia to the right buyer. It’s also just good family transportation for those who need something a bit larger than a compact but not as large as a 3-row SUV.
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9. 2009 Nissan Sentra
Another practical and efficient commuting option, the 2009 Nissan Sentra scores up to 29 mpg combined and 34 mpg on the highway in fuel-efficient FE trim. If you’d prefer a sportier option, the Sentra SE-R and its stronger 177-horsepower engine (compared to the base model’s 140 hp) or possibly even the 200-hp SE-R Spec V may be within reach. Whichever model you choose, the Sentra’s relatively spacious cabin makes it a comfortable choice for the daily grind.
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10. 2012 Chevrolet Sonic
The newest model on our list and one of the most efficient non-hybrids, the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic, largely flew under the radar when new and continues to do so. It has always been an efficient, affordable, flexible subcompact. Look for models equipped with the more powerful, more efficient turbocharged engine to get up to 40 mpg highway as well as a peppy driving experience.
See used 2012 Chevrolet Sonic models for sale near you
10 Best Used Cars Under $5,000
- 2007 Toyota Corolla
- 2007 Honda Civic
- 2008 Mazda3
- 2005 Honda Accord
- 2005 Toyota Camry
- 2007 Subaru Outback
- 2010 Kia Soul
- 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
- 2009 Nissan Sentra
- 2012 Chevrolet Sonic
