10 Best Used Cars Under $10,000

1 of 11

You might be surprised by how far a $10,000 budget can go on the used car market. Whether you’re looking for a premium full-size sedan, a fun sports car, or just about anything in between, there’s a used car out there that’s a perfect fit for your tastes and budget.

Here are the 10 best used cars you can find on Autotrader for under $10,000.

1. 2010-2013 Buick LaCrosse

The Buick LaCrosse is a big, comfy, premium sedan — and a bargain on the used market. Don’t expect a thrilling driving experience, but if you want a roomy car that delivers a smooth, quiet ride, a used LaCrosse is a tremendous value. It’s also surprisingly efficient for its size. Find a Buick LaCrosse for sale

2. 2011-2015 Chevrolet Cruze

When the Chevy Cruze was introduced in 2011, it finally put GM up there with top players in the compact car segment like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. The Cruze has a stylish look, a pleasant ride, an upscale interior, and excellent fuel economy, especially when equipped with the available diesel engine. Find a Chevrolet Cruze for sale

3. 2011-2014 Chrysler 300

The Chrysler 300 is a car that will make your friends think you paid more than you really did. This full-size sedan has a lot of legroom for all passengers and a cool look that’s aging well so far. It’s not hard to find a well-appointed used 300 with a four-digit price tag. The base V6 engine strikes a nice balance of efficiency and power. Find a Chrysler 300 for sale

4. 2010-2015 Ford Mustang

The Mustang to get for under $10,000 is an S197 model from after its 2010 facelift. Both the base V6 and available V8 were updated for the 2011 model year, and most models you find in this price range will have the V6. That’s not much of a compromise considering the V6 makes a healthy 305 horsepower. Find a Ford Mustang for sale

5. 2013-2015 Honda Accord

The Honda Accord is a tried and true favorite in midsize cars for good reasons. There’s a lot of variety in this range of model years with the standard sedan, two hybrid options, and a sporty coupe available. Whichever you choose, you’re getting a well-rounded car that’s comfortable, good on gas, and enjoyable to drive. Find a Honda Accord for sale

6. 2009-2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Car enthusiasts love the Mazda MX-5 Miata for its light weight, agile handling, and accessible price tag. The “NC” generation of the Miata works well as a grand touring car with long-distance comfort while also having the tossable driving character for which the MX-5 is famous. It’s not the fastest sports car, but it might be the most fun. Find a Mazda MX-5 Miata for sale

7. 2013-2015 Nissan Altima

The Nissan Altima is a good, modern midsize car. It’s a good option for anyone looking for an affordable used family car or just a trusty commuter. The sleek styling makes the Altima a little more interesting than the average midsize sedan, plus you get an upscale interior with comfortable seats and pretty strong performance. Find a Nissan Altima for sale

8. 2010-2012 Subaru Outback

The adventurous Subaru Outback isn’t quite like anything else on the road. It could be described as a wagon but it has the ride height of an SUV, giving it good ground clearance for off-roading. Also good for off-roading is the fact that every model is equipped with all-wheel drive. The Outback is also great on the street with a roomy interior and good safety scores. Find a Subaru Outback for sale

9. 2012-2015 Toyota Prius

If practicality and efficiency are your top priorities, then a used Toyota Prius is a hard value to beat. The third-generation Prius achieves an outstanding fuel economy rating of 51 city/48 highway mpg while also scoring top marks for safety and reliability. The Prius is also pretty roomy for a compact hatchback, but it won’t win any drag races or beauty contests. Find a Toyota Prius for sale

10. 2010-2014 Volkswagen Golf

The Volkswagen Golf is a compact hatchback with a lot of character. It’s fun to drive at any speed — especially with a manual transmission — while delivering everyday practicality with a generous cargo hold. The cabin is more upscale than most competitors, and the Golf is super efficient with the available diesel engine. Find a Volkswagen Golf for sale