At first glance, a modest budget of $10,000 may seem like it will only get you a lemon car. But that's wrong. If you take time and shop around, you'd be surprised by the sheer amount of options you can find for that price or even less. Based on reliability ratings, safety scores, and low cost of ownership, here are four best used cars for under $10,000.
1. 2015 Kia Soul
The 2015 Kia Soul is a four-door hatchback that seats five adults in comfort. It's offered in three trims, including the Base, the Plus (+), and the Exclaim (!). A 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine is standard on all trims. But you can equip your Soul with a more satisfying 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. No matter the trim, the 2015 Kia Soul is fuel-efficient, reliable and fun to drive.
2. 2012 Toyota Avalon
Toyota's biggest sedan, the Avalon is built for comfort on long road trips. The 2012 Toyota Avalon is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that generates 268 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. It uses a 6-speed automatic transmission system to send power to the front wheels. The Toyota Avalon has good mpg for a large-sized car, and it's dependable for a family of four.
3. 2013 Honda Civic
A simple yet reliable compact car, the 2013 Honda Civic is a popular solid model that ranks high in the used car market. This excellent commuter car offers decent power, stellar fuel economy and very low maintenance costs. Model-year 2013 gives you a boatload of standard features, such as air conditioning, a USB port, Bluetooth connectivity, and a backup camera.
4. 2012 Toyota Prius
Priuses are known for roomy practicality and low costs of operation. And the 2012 Toyota Prius is no exception. It has good gas mileage and solid durability, so it's the ideal choice for anyone searching for a budget-friendly used car. While the 2012 Toyota Prius has a rather basic interior, it offers lots of room for people and cargo. Better still, this car is cheap to buy and run.
Whether you're looking for comfort, safety, or performance, these best used cars for under $10,000 will meet your needs. Now you can go ahead and make your selection. Good luck!