Best Used Cars Under $10,000

These Are The Best Used Cars Under $10,000

Can you find a solid-performing, reliable used car under $10,000? Put any skepticism to rest, because U.S. News has the latest research, reviews, and analysis to present the Best Used Cars Under $10,000. The cars are listed by overall score, and include average price paid. Browse the variety of top picks and find the best fit for your budget.

• Read the 2010 Toyota Prius Full Review
• See 2010 Toyota Prius Photos
• See Compact Cars Rankings

2007 Honda Accord

Overall score: 9.3 out of 10

Average Price Paid: $6,112 - $9,513 (Details Below)

The Honda Accord has a longstanding tradition of quality. The 2007 Accord is no exception. The 2007 Accord is backed by a 4.5 out of 5 predicted reliability score from J.D. Power and Associates. The midsize sedan offers a smooth, quiet ride.

The car’s sensible interior includes brightly-lit gauges and well-placed knobs. Look for dual-zone climate control and satellite radio on upper trims. The base 166-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 23 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. Alternatively, there is a 244-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 engine, which sacrifices some gas mileage. 

• Read the 2007 Honda Accord Full Review
• See 2007 Honda Accord Photos
• See Midsize Cars Rankings

2007 Audi A3

Overall Score: 9.2 out of 10

Average Price Paid: $8,246 - $11,854 (Details Below)

Looking for an upscale small car on a small budget? The 2007 Audi A3 is a stylish compact with athletic performance you’d expect from a sports car, plus good cargo space you may not expect. When it was new, a drawback of the Audi A3 was price. But not today.

Rank this treasure-find high on the list. The A3 offers the 200-horsepower four-cylinder 2.0-liter engine or a 250-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 engine. Either will deliver a sporty drive, supported by good suspension and powerful brakes once the fun is done. Expect an EPA estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway with the base engine. Look for leather seats, a power driver’s seat, illumination package, and trip computer. The hatchback offers 19.5 cubic feet of cargo space when the split-rear seats fold.  

• Read the 2007 Audi A3 Full Review
• See 2007 Audi A3 Photos
• See Luxury Small Cars Rankings

2010 Mercury Milan

Overall Score: 9.2 out of 10

Average Price Paid: $10,849 - $10,849 (Details Below)

The 2010 Mercury Milan is a solid performer. This front-wheel drive, five-seat midsize car offers a spacious, well-equipped interior, as well as high safety and predicted reliability ratings. The Milan has two engine types and is available in all-wheel drive. Milan ranks No. 3 in 2010 affordable midsize cars.

Standard features include a power driver’s seat, cruise control, satellite radio, and a six-speaker stereo. Look for a dual-zone climate control, leather, heated front seats, and Lincoln’s Sync infotainment system, on the Premier trim. The Milan has a 175-horsepower 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine or 140-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 engine. Estimated fuel economy is 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway with the base four-cylinder engine. J.D. Power and Associates rate the 2010 Milan 4.5 out of five for predicted reliability.

• Read the 2010 Mercury Milan Full Review
• See 2010 Mercury Milan Photos
• See Midsize Cars Rankings

2009 Ford Fusion

Overall Score: 9.1 out of 10

Average Price Paid: $7,523 - $10,030 (Details Below)

The Ford Fusion, ranked No. 1 in 2009 affordable midsize cars, earned a perfect predicted reliability rating from J.D. Power and Associates and has much more to offer. The midsize sedan delivers excellent safety scores, a spacious interior, and optional all-wheel drive.

Four will fit comfortably in the five-seat sedan. The midsize car delivers class-leading 15.8 cubic feet of cargo space. Choose the standard, 160-horsepower 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine or the 221-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 engine, and either way, get a solid-performing car. Expect an EPA estimated 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway with the base engine. Fuel efficiency drops to 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with the V6. Reviewers praise the Fusion for its sharp, efficient handling and four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes.

• Read the 2009 Ford Fusion Full Review
• See 2009 Ford Fusion Photos
• See Midsize Cars Rankings

2009 Honda Fit

Overall Score: 9.1 out of 10

Average Price Paid: $7,703 - $9,538 (Details Below)

A car that is fit to be tried, the 2009 Honda Fit is a winner in many categories. It ranks No. 1 in used small cars under $10K, No. 1 in used hatchbacks under $10K, and is the 2009 Best Subcompact Car for the Money. The fun subcompact offers a comfortable ride and good gas mileage.

The Fit’s signature “Magic Seat” enhances its impressive 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space.

As the No. 1 in 2009 affordable small cars, the Fit retains value with a high “cost-to-own” rating of 9.6, meaning you won’t be spending a lot for upkeep. The Fit offers a spacious interior that can easily accommodate tall travelers. The base Fit is equipped with a 117-horsepower 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine. EPA estimates 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway with automatic transmission.

• Read the 2009 Honda Fit Full Review
• See 2009 Honda Fit Photos
• See Subcompact Cars Rankings

2007 Subaru Outback

Overall Score: 8.4 out of 10

Average Price Paid: $7,008 - $10,904 (Details Below)

If your heart is set on a wagon, look at the 2007 Subaru Outback. Noted for its standard all-wheel drive, paired with solid safety and reliability scores, the Outback delivers satisfying power for off-road driving, while maintaining a car-like feel.

The Outback offers a 175-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, for an EPA estimated 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. A 243-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and 245-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 engine, are available. Critics note some transmission challenges, but complement the Outback’s performance including a comfortable, smooth ride. The 2007 Outback includes satellite radio, power doors and locks, cruise control, air conditioning, remote keyless entry, and MP3-compatible stereo.

• Read the 2007 Subaru Outback Full Review
• See 2007 Subaru Outback Photos
• See Wagons Rankings

2009 Saturn Aura

Overall Score: 9.0 out of 10

Average Price Paid: $7,242 - $8,589 (Details Below)

The 2009 Saturn Aura is a bargain. The midsize sedan features a spacious interior and excellent performance, including fuel economy. It doesn’t deliver a high-end interior, or the latest technology, but with an average price paid starting at $7,242, the No. 2 in 2009 affordable midsize cars may be the number one vehicle on your list.

The Saturn Aura is powered with a 169-horsepower four-cylinder or 252-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine and only with a six-speed automatic transmission. The four-cylinder engine delivers an estimated EPA rating of 22 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The V6 delivers 17 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The cabin is spacious, seating up to five in the family-style car. The Aura earned a perfect reliability score from J.D. Power and Associates. The Saturn brand is no longer manufactured, which may lead to low prices for Saturns in the market.

• Read the 2009 Saturn Aura Full Review
• See 2009 Saturn Aura Photos
• See Midsize Cars Rankings

2009 Scion xB

Overall Score: 8.9 out of 10

Average Price Paid: $7,976 - $8,246 (Details Below)

It’s hip to be square if it’s the 2009 Scion xB. Ranked No. 2 in used hatchbacks under $10,000, this quirky car boasts strong safety ratings, and generous interior and cargo space. The peppy xB comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 158-horsepower, but gas mileage is low for the class.

The EPA estimated gas mileage is 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Reviewers say the xB is a fun drive with light steering and confident brakes. One exception is a “tippy” feeling when cornering the boxy xB. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the xB its highest rating in three crash test categories. The 21.7 cubic feet of cargo space expands to 69.9 cubic feet with rear seats folded. 

• Read the 2009 Scion xB Full Review
• See 2009 Scion xB Photos
• See Compact Cars Rankings

2009 Toyota Prius

Overall Score: 8.9 out of 10

Average Price Paid: $8,805 - $9,395 (Details Below)

The 2009 Toyota Prius offers excellent fuel economy and a spacious interior. Ranked No. 1 in 2009 hybrid cars, the Prius includes upscale interior materials and 14.4 cubic feet of cargo space. The Prius can seat up to five.

Reviewers note a complaint about the lack of a height-adjustable driver’s seat and telescoping steering wheel. As a hybrid, the Prius is equipped with a four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, and a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which acts like an automatic. Expect 45 mpg in the city and 48 mpg on the highway. Features include a six-speaker stereo, keyless entry, and power windows and door locks. Look for a backup camera, push-button start, LCD touch screen, navigation, and Bluetooth. The 2009 Prius has a perfect reliability score, and an 8.7 out of 10 overall safety score.

• Read the 2009 Toyota Prius Full Review
• See 2009 Toyota Prius Photos
• See Compact Cars Rankings

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