30) 2012 Volkswagen Golf
Avg Price: $7,703 | USN Overall Score: 8.8/10
The 2012 Volkswagen Golf received much praise when it was new. Reviewers appreciated its nice interior, nimble handling, and relaxed ride. It also has a good amount of room for cargo, and comfortable, supportive seats.
The Golf earns outstanding crash test scores and an above-average predicted reliability rating. It’s not very powerful or fuel-efficient in its base configuration, though the available turbodiesel four-cylinder engine returns great fuel economy and cranks out plenty of torque. If you decide to buy a used Golf with the diesel engine, be sure to check out recall information related to these engines not meeting U.S. emissions standards.
29) 2011 Nissan Murano
Avg Price: $9,422 | USN Overall Score: 8.9/10
Placing at the top of our 2011 affordable midsize SUV rankings is the Nissan Murano. It earns its leading spot thanks to its perfect predicted reliability rating, responsive handling, and spacious, handsome cabin.
The Murano delivers commendable power and returns competitive fuel economy for the class, even if you choose one with all-wheel drive. Its crash test scores lag behind rivals’, though. For the 2011 model year, Nissan added an interesting, one-of-a-kind, CrossCabriolet four-seat convertible with all-wheel drive.
28) 2015 Kia Rio
Avg Price: $9,358 | USN Overall Score: 8.9/10
The 2015 Kia Rio is the newest car on our list of the best used cars under $10,000. It finishes at the top of our 2015 affordable subcompact car rankings, thanks to an exemplary predicted reliability rating and upmarket cabin (especially in higher trims).
The Rio delivers lively acceleration, even for highway driving. If you want a used Rio that’s agile, search for the sport-tuned SX model. However, be warned that its stiff suspension makes for a harsh ride over rough pavement. The Rio’s available touch-screen infotainment system is easy to use and was one of the best in the class when it was new.
27) 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
Avg Price: $9,294 | USN Overall Score: 8.9/10
Looking for a used sports car under $10,000? The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro’s peppy base engine, good fuel economy, nimble handling, and serene ride make it a top choice. The Camaro was reintroduced for the 2010 model year after a long hiatus.
The 2010 Camaro features decent trunk space and a praiseworthy assortment of standard niceties. These include cruise control, air conditioning, keyless entry, satellite radio, and power-reclining front seats. If you need roomy rear seats, the Camaro isn’t for you, but that’s the case with many sports cars.
26) 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon
Avg Price: $8,873 | USN Overall Score: 8.9/10
While wagons aren’t very popular today, they’re highly practical – and you may be able to get a good deal on a used model. Cadillac introduced the CTS Sport Wagon in 2010 as a more versatile, family-friendly version of its CTS luxury sport sedan. It receives high marks for safety and predicted reliability, and places near the top of our 2010 wagon rankings.
The CTS Sport Wagon offers athletic handling, a supple ride, comfortable seating for five passengers, and two strong V6 engine options. However, it doesn’t have as much cargo space as you might expect. This Cadillac includes leatherette upholstery, satellite radio, a power liftgate, and an eight-way power driver’s seat.
25) 2011 Toyota Camry
Avg Price: $8,7425 | USN Overall Score: 8.9/10
The 2011 Toyota Camry features a roomy cabin, a pleasant ride, and an exceptional predicted reliability rating. However, it’s not a sporty car and its interior styling is bland.
The Camry is a practical commuter with a decent-sized trunk and a sufficient four-cylinder engine paired with a manual transmission. An energetic V6 and an automatic transmission were available when this Toyota was new. It comes with a basic feature set, though some models have extras like navigation and Bluetooth.
24) 2012 Buick Verano
Avg Price: $8,096 | USN Overall Score: 8.9/10
The Buick Verano made its debut for the 2012 model year. Reviewers were impressed with its cushioned ride and luxury-grade interior. It provides composed handling and precise steering, but its lone four-cylinder engine may not suffice for some drivers.
The Verano offers a large trunk and room for five people, though only two adults will be comfortable in the rear seats. It includes Bluetooth, satellite radio, and an intuitive 7-inch touch screen as standard. Some used models will feature leather seats and a Bose premium audio system.
23) 2012 Scion xB
Avg Price: $7,762 | USN Overall Score: 8.9/10
The 2012 Scion xB earns high safety scores, and has impressed reviewers with its spacious cabin and excellent cargo capacity for the class. Its cabin isn’t loaded with high-quality materials, but it does offer a nice assortment of standard features and ample head- and legroom in both the front and rear seats, which isn’t a given among compact cars.
The xB’s four-cylinder engine is eager off the line and delivers enough power for highway driving, though it’s not as fuel-efficient as rivals’. This Scion also provides a composed ride, but it’s not very nimble. The xB comes standard with a manual transmission, Bluetooth, and a Pioneer audio system with HD Radio.
22) 2014 Chevrolet Sonic
Avg Price: $7,671 | USN Overall Score: 8.9/10
The Chevrolet Sonic places at the top of our ranking of 2014 subcompact cars. It receives a perfect predicted reliability rating and one of the highest safety scores in its class. Available as a hatchback or sedan, the Sonic’s well-designed cabin provides good passenger space.
The Sonic lives up to its name with its sharp handling, though its base engine is underpowered for highway use and returns poor fuel economy. Fortunately, you’ll find some used models equipped with a peppy and fuel-efficient turbo-four. The Sonic is light on standard features, but niceties like leatherette upholstery, heated seats, and a 7-inch touch screen are available.
21) 2013 Hyundai Sonata
Avg Price: $9,695 | USN Overall Score: 9.0/10
The Hyundai Sonata’s terrific predicted reliability, good gas mileage, and strong safety scores drive it to the top of our 2013 affordable midsize car rankings. It features an attractive interior, comfortable accommodations for five people, and an abundance of standard features, such as Bluetooth, a USB port, satellite radio, cruise control, and navigation.
The 2013 Sonata’s base four-cylinder engine doesn’t deliver sufficient power for highway passing, but an optional turbocharged four-cylinder is noticeably energetic. This Hyundai provides a smooth ride and offers the driver the option to adjust its firmness for better handling.
20) 2010 Acura RDX
Avg Price: $9,512 | USN Overall Score: 9.0/10
Sporty driving dynamics, strong crash test scores, and top-notch predicted reliability help the Acura RDX place at the pinnacle of our 2010 luxury compact SUV rankings. It doesn’t have the most appealing interior styling, but the RDX has a sizable cargo hold and comes packed with standard features. These include Bluetooth, satellite radio, leather seats, a rearview camera, a power sunroof, and dual-zone climate control.
Acura refreshed the RDX for the 2010 model year, complete with a facelift and newly available front-wheel drive. The RDX’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers satisfactory acceleration and returns reasonable gas mileage.
19) 2010 Toyota Venza
Avg Price: $9,274 | USN Overall Score: 9.0/10
The Toyota Venza won our 2010 Best Midsize Crossover for the Money award, due in part to its outstanding fuel economy, perfect predicted reliability rating, and wealth of standard niceties. Every Venza comes with Bluetooth, satellite radio, a USB port, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support.
The Venza features an inviting cabin, a coddling ride, and first-rate safety scores. It’s not very exciting to drive, but it has plenty of space for five passengers and lots of cargo. The Venza is powered by an adequate four-cylinder engine, though some used models will be equipped with a more powerful V6.
18) 2010 Toyota RAV4
Avg Price: $9,095 | USN Overall Score: 9.0/10
The 2010 Toyota RAV4 returns pretty good gas mileage, whether it’s equipped with the base four-cylinder or eager V6 engine. It features an agreeable ride, praiseworthy cargo volume, and top marks for safety and predicted reliability.
The RAV4 provides a practical, well-built cabin that’s constructed with mostly hard plastic materials. In its base configuration, it seats five passengers comfortably. You can opt for a third row, though it’s only suitable for small children. While this Toyota doesn’t have many standard features, options including a rearview camera, a JBL audio system, and a touch-screen navigation interface were available when it was new.
17) 2009 Nissan Frontier
Avg Price: $8,827 | USN Overall Score: 9.0/10
Powerful engine options, stellar off-road prowess, and commendable predicted reliability keep the Nissan Frontier at the crest of our 2009 compact pickup truck rankings. Moreover, it provides a pleasant ride and can tow up to 6,500 pounds when properly equipped.
The Frontier seats four to five passengers depending on configuration. It gets its power from a refined four-cylinder engine that provides smooth and sufficient acceleration. However, some used models will be equipped with the optional V6 that was more appealing to reviewers. Both engines are mated to either a manual or automatic transmission. If you want four-wheel drive, you’ll have to seek out a Frontier with the V6 powertrain.
16) 2010 Subaru Forester
Avg Price: $8,081 | USN Overall Score: 9.0/10
The 2010 Subaru Forester excels thanks to its expansive cabin, generous cargo capacity, and superior safety and predicted reliability ratings. It comes standard with all-wheel drive, handles well, and is easy to drive. Power for the Forester comes from either a four-cylinder engine or a turbo-four. Test drivers said the base engine should suffice for most drivers, though many preferred the turbo option despite its lower fuel economy estimates.
The Forester isn’t upscale or feature-filled, but it offers a durable, functional interior with supportive seating for five people and ample legroom. Some used Forester’s will come with extras, like Bluetooth, navigation, leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and reclining rear seatbacks.
15) 2012 Honda Civic
Avg Price: $9,044 | USN Overall Score: 9.1/10
The Honda Civic was fully redesigned for the 2012 model year. It features a comfortable cabin, agreeable ride and handling, strong crash test scores, and a top-notch predicted reliability rating. The Civic is available in two-door coupe and four-door sedan body styles. The compact car comes standard with a 140-horsepower four-cylinder engine. Civic Si models get their power from a 201-horsepower four-cylinder.
The Civic seats five passengers. The front seats in all variants are spacious and supportive. While the Civic sedan’s rear seats offer enough room for adults, that can’t be said about the coupe’s back-seat space. This Honda doesn’t offer many standard features in its base configuration, but if you step up to higher trims, you’ll get power door locks, remote keyless entry, cruise control, and air conditioning.
14) 2010 Audi A6
Avg Price: $8,945 | USN Overall Score: 9.1/10
How about a top-rated used luxury midsize car for under $10,000? The 2010 Audi A6 features impeccable crash test scores and a perfect rating for predicted reliability. It provides a premium interior with cushy and expansive seats for five passengers. Standard features include leather upholstery, Bluetooth, satellite radio, a sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, and power front seats.
The A6 got a more powerful base engine for the 2010 model year. However, most reviewers still weren’t impressed. Thankfully, some used models will come with a supercharged V6 or a V8 engine. The supercharged option is a top choice due to its fantastic balance of power and fuel economy. Choose a used A6 with Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system and you’ll enjoy a blissful driving experience.
13) 2011 Toyota Prius
Avg Price: $8,904 | USN Overall Score: 9.1/10
The Toyota Prius hybrid is a legend when it comes to fuel-efficiency. Its hatchback design provides seating for five passengers and a versatile and roomy cargo area. The 2011 Prius earns a perfect predicted reliability rating, and was the winner of our 2011 Best Hybrid Car for the Money and Best Hybrid Car for Families awards.
The Prius doesn’t offer much power, but it’s a wise choice for urban driving thanks to its EPA-rated 51 mpg in the city and excellent maneuverability. While you won’t find a lot of features in the base Prius, upper trims include extras like a rearview camera, navigation, leather seats, Bluetooth, heated front seats, automatic headlights, and cruise control.
12) 2010 Honda CR-V
Avg Price: $8,835 | USN Overall Score: 9.1/10
The 2010 Honda CR-V is a solid choice for used compact SUV shoppers thanks to its massive cargo hold, roomy seats in both rows, and first-rate safety and predicted reliability ratings. It comes as no surprise that it holds the top spot in our 2010 affordable compact SUV rankings and was our 2010 Best Compact Crossover for the Money award winner.
The 2010 CR-V suffers from a weak engine, though it received a horsepower improvement for the model year and it returns impressive gas mileage. This Honda has one of the nicest cabins in its class, but it’s light on standard features. Search for an upper trim version, with niceties like leather upholstery, heated front seats, automatic headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, satellite radio, and a USB port.
11) 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Avg Price: $7,493 | USN Overall Score: 9.1/10
If you’re in the market for a reliable used sports car and don’t want to spend a lot of money, the Mazda Miata is a worthy option. In fact, the 2010 Miata won our Best Sports Car for the Money award when it was new. It’s a two-seat roadster that features dynamic handling and a slick-shifting manual transmission, though some used models will have an automatic.
The Miata’s four-cylinder engine delivers lively acceleration and stellar gas mileage for the class. It doesn’t offer much space for cargo, however, and it’s not the best choice for large adults due to its small cabin. The Miata has a classy interior, and includes standard features like power windows and air conditioning. Upper trims offer remote keyless entry, power door locks, cruise control, leather upholstery, and a Bose audio system.
10) 2009 Lexus RX
Avg Price: $9,803| USN Overall Score: 9.2/10
The Lexus RX finishes at the top of our 2009 luxury midsize SUV rankings, and won our 2009 Best Luxury Crossover for the Money award. It features a silky ride, car-like handling, and a quiet, upmarket interior. In addition, the RX receives excellent ratings for safety and predicted reliability.
The RX gets its power from an eager V6 engine that returns respectable fuel economy. It also offers comfortable seating for five people and plenty of cargo space. However, it’s not as agile as many classmates, and it’s not a good option for towing or off-roading. The RX includes power front seats, a power liftgate, and dual-zone climate control as standard.
9) 2008 Toyota Tacoma
Avg Price: $9,529 |USN Overall Score: 9.2/10
The Toyota Tacoma has a reputation for its practicality, superb predicted reliability, impressive off-road prowess, and respectable crash test scores. However, there are better alternatives if you desire a smooth ride or a fancy interior.
The Tacoma seats three to five passengers, but the Access Cab’s rear seats are tight. If you plan to transport people in back, look for a Double Cab model. When it was new, this Toyota was available with a four- or six-cylinder engine and rear- or four-wheel drive. It returns better fuel economy than most competitors.
8) 2009 Pontiac G8
Avg Price: $9,088 | USN Overall Score: 9.2/10
The 2009 Pontiac G8 features attractive, muscle-car styling that was uncommon among large car competitors. It offers energetic engines, fantastic handling for its size, outstanding predicted reliability, and a comfortable cabin that’s well-appointed and stylish.
The G8 finishes at the apex of our 2009 affordable large car rankings. Still, some reviewers found fault with its lack of a navigation system and frustrating cabin controls. A GXP trim with a muscular V8 Corvette engine and available manual transmission was offered for the model year.
7) 2007 GMC Yukon
Avg Price: $8,816 | USN Overall Score: 9.2/10
If you want a GMC Yukon for less than $10,000, you’ll probably have to choose the 2007 model, which was completely redesigned. It has above-average reliability scores, handles well for a large SUV, offers three robust V8 engines, and can tow up to 8,500 pounds. Don’t expect good fuel economy, however.
The 2007 Yukon was offered with rear- and four-wheel drive, as well as in standard and long-wheelbase configurations. It features a well-made cabin that seats as many as nine people. To expand the Yukon’s cargo capacity you’ll have to remove the optional third-row seats – not an easy task.
6) 2010 Toyota Sienna
Avg Price: $8,763 | USN Overall Score: 9.2/10
The 2010 Toyota Sienna delivers strong acceleration thanks to its 266-horsepower V6 engine. It features a versatile cargo area and comfortable accommodations for up to eight passengers. In addition, the Sienna is one of few used minivans at this price point that earns an impeccable rating for predicted reliability.
The Sienna was the only 2010 minivan to come in both front- and all-wheel drive configurations when it was new. It doesn’t handle as well as classmates – and its crash test scores don’t stack up to the competition – but it manages to secure the top spot in our 2010 minivan rankings. The Sienna comes with manual-sliding side doors with power windows, while upper trims have power-sliding doors.
5) 2010 Lexus ES
Avg Price: $6,792 | USN Overall Score: 9.2/10
The Lexus ES leads the pack in U.S. News’ 2010 luxury midsize car rankings. It provides a handsome cabin, a cushioned ride, and a polished V6 engine.
Lexus refreshed the ES for the 2010 model year. It comes equipped with more up-to-date tech features than most rivals. In fact, you may find some used models with a nice assortment of active safety aids. The ES also receives a perfect predicted reliability rating, offers a sizable trunk, and has spacious seats in both rows.
4) 2009 Saturn Outlook
Avg Price: $5,505 | USN Overall Score: 9.2/10
The 2009 Saturn Outlook provides impressive ride and handling for an eight-seat SUV. It features plenty of room for cargo, a superior predicted reliability rating, and terrific safety scores. Power comes from a 3.6-liter V6 that delivers 281 to 288 horsepower, depending on the trim level.
The 2009 Outlook comes equipped with GM’s OnStar, cruise control, and a six-speaker stereo with a CD player. Some used models may have Bluetooth and leather upholstery. The Outlook holds the leading position in our 2009 affordable midsize SUV rankings.
3) 2010 Toyota Avalon
Avg Price: $8,063 | USN Overall Score: 9.3/10
The 2010 Toyota Avalon is a worthy choice if you prioritize passenger space and ride comfort. It features a luxury-grade interior and a strong 268-horsepower V6 engine. However, its rear seats don’t fold down, so cargo space is limited.
The Avalon returns good gas mileage and earns high safety scores, as well as a first-rate predicted reliability rating. It finishes at the top of our 2010 affordable large car rankings.
2) 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Avg Price: $7,552 | USN Overall Score: 9.3/10
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class places well in our 2009 luxury midsize car rankings. It features a premium cabin, with expansive seating for five passengers, and one of the largest trunks in its class. The 2009 E-Class also boasts a strong engine lineup, poised handling, a supple ride, and good crash test ratings.
In its base configuration, this Mercedes is powered by a V6 engine. When it was new, a V8 and a fuel-efficient turbodiesel were optional.
1) 2012 Honda Fit
Avg Price: $7,995 | USN Overall Score: 9.4/10
The Honda Fit tops our 2012 subcompact car rankings and won our 2012 Best Subcompact Car for Families and Best Hatchback for Families awards. These accomplishments are due in part to its perfect predicted reliability rating, outstanding fuel economy, and spacious, versatile interior.
The 2012 Fit features power windows, power door locks, cruise control, and air conditioning as standard. Its 117-horsepower four-cylinder engine should suffice in the city, though it’s a bit underpowered for people who do a lot of highway driving.
More Shopping Tools From U.S. News & World Report
Did you find some inexpensive used vehicles that satisfy your priorities? Visit our used car rankings to compare models and research further. Once you’re ready to move forward, take advantage of our listing of used cars for sale to search for a fantastic used car in your area.
If you’re interested in something new, be sure to peruse our new car rankings to find all the latest information on today’s top vehicles.
30 Best Used Cars Under $10,000 for 2019
- 2012 Honda Fit: Avg Price: $7,995 | USN Overall Score: 9.4/10
- 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Avg Price: $7,552 | USN Overall Score: 9.3/10
- 2010 Toyota Avalon: Avg Price: $8,063 | USN Overall Score: 9.3/10
- 2009 Saturn Outlook: Avg Price: $5,505 | USN Overall Score: 9.2/10
- 2010 Lexus ES: Avg Price: $6,792 | USN Overall Score: 9.2/10
- 2010 Toyota Sienna: Avg Price: $8,763 | USN Overall Score: 9.2/10
- 2007 GMC Yukon: Avg Price: $8,816 | USN Overall Score: 9.2/10
- 2009 Pontiac G8: Avg Price: $9,088 | USN Overall Score: 9.2/10
- 2008 Toyota Tacoma: Avg Price: $9,529 | USN Overall Score: 9.2/10
- 2009 Lexus RX: Avg Price: $9,803 | USN Overall Score: 9.2/10
- 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata: Avg Price: $7,493 | USN Overall Score: 9.1/10
- 2010 Honda CR-V: Avg Price: $8,835 | USN Overall Score: 9.1/10
- 2011 Toyota Prius: Avg Price: $8,904 | USN Overall Score: 9.1/10
- 2010 Audi A6: Avg Price: $8,945 | USN Overall Score: 9.1/10
- 2012 Honda Civic: Avg Price: $9,044 | USN Overall Score: 9.1/10
- 2010 Subaru Forester: Avg Price: $8,081 | USN Overall Score: 9.0/10
- 2009 Nissan Frontier: Avg Price: $8,827 | USN Overall Score: 9.0/10
- 2010 Toyota RAV4: Avg Price: $9,095 | USN Overall Score: 9.0/10
- 2010 Toyota Venza: Avg Price: $9,274 | USN Overall Score: 9.0/10
- 2010 Acura RDX: Avg Price: $9,512 | USN Overall Score: 9.0/10
- 2013 Hyundai Sonata: Avg Price: $9,695 | USN Overall Score: 9.0/10
- 2014 Chevrolet Sonic: Avg Price: $7,671 | USN Overall Score: 8.9/10
- 2012 Scion xB: Avg Price: $7,762 | USN Overall Score: 8.9/10
- 2012 Buick Verano: Avg Price: $8,096 | USN Overall Score: 8.9/10
- 2011 Toyota Camry: Avg Price: $8,7425 | USN Overall Score: 8.9/10
- 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon: Avg Price: $8,873 | USN Overall Score: 8.9/10
- 2010 Chevrolet Camaro: Avg Price: $9,294 | USN Overall Score: 8.9/10
- 2015 Kia Rio: Avg Price: $9,358 | USN Overall Score: 8.9/10
- 2011 Nissan Murano: Avg Price: $9,422 | USN Overall Score: 8.9/10
- 2012 Volkswagen Golf: Avg Price: $7,703 | USN Overall Score: 8.8/10
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Solid Used Vehicles for Car Shoppers on a Budget
You’ll find a large selection of cars on the used market that cost less than $10,000. However, many of them are seven to 10 years old or more, although there are certainly exceptions. Within this massive pool of vehicles, many are probably not worth buying. Sure, you may get a good deal, but if the car wasn’t a top choice when it was new, it probably isn’t going to be a solid option as a used car.
If you’re going to invest in a used car, it’s important to make sure you’re getting one that’s highly rated. Of course, different vehicles receive positive reviews for different reasons. Some may be highly reliable, others are exceptionally safe, and others provide accommodating interiors or dynamic performance. The best cars offer a respectable combination of all these qualities.
We include all of the above factors in our scoring and ranking system. So, a car that scores highly will offer at least some – if not multiple – positive attributes. We’ve sifted through our rankings to determine which used vehicles under $10,000 have the highest overall U.S. News scores.
Every used car on our list has a score of at least 8.8 out of 10. We’ve ranked the vehicles from good to best by their U.S. News score. However, since some vehicles have the same overall score, we’ve given the win to those with lower average transaction prices.
Navigate through the following pages for more details about the best used cars under $10,000. It’s important to note that used car prices vary for multiple reasons, so we use average transaction prices to give you an estimate of what to expect.