Five thousand dollars is a modest budget for a used car, but it may go further than you think. There are plenty of used midsize and full-size sedans that deliver safety, reliability, and comfort, all at an affordable price point.
Here are the 10 best used family sedans you can find on Autotrader for under $5,000.
1. 2008 Chevrolet Impala
A used Chevy Impala is an excellent value for anyone looking for a roomy sedan at an affordable price. This car has tons of passenger space, making it suitable for tall occupants in the back seats, plus it has a massive trunk. The Impala is also surprisingly fuel-efficient for a car this size. See Chevrolet Impala models for sale
2. 2008 Chrysler 300
The Chrysler 300 is big, stylish, and a strong performer, especially if you find one with a V8 in this price range. It delivers a smooth and comfortable ride on the highway, but the handling is tighter than you might expect for such a big car. This is a great option for a practical, affordable car that turns heads. See Chrysler 300 models for sale
3. 2008 Ford Fusion
The Ford Fusion is a well-rounded family sedan that’s seriously competitive with its established Japanese rivals like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. The interior is spacious and comfortable, while the driving experience is more pleasant than expected. See Ford Fusion models for sale
4. 2008 Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a longtime leader in midsize family sedans. It’s safe, reliable, fuel-efficient, and more fun to drive than most of its rivals. The Accord was redesigned in 2008, making it a good model year to begin your search. See Honda Accord models for sale
5. 2009 Kia Optima
The Kia Optima is an appealing alternative to its more mainstream rivals. It’s safe, fuel-efficient, and has impressive interior space for its size, including a big trunk. The Optima got a mid-cycle refresh for the 2009 model year, plus more power and better fuel economy. See Kia Optima models for sale
6. 2008 Mazda6
The Mazda6 is an athletic choice in practical family sedans. It’s no muscle car, but its lively engine and nimble handling make it fun to drive at any speed. It also has a design that’s aging nicely, and it earned excellent safety scores when it was new. See Mazda6 models for sale
7. 2008 Nissan Altima
The Nissan Altima is on the sporty side of midsize sedans, with both of its available engines delivering a pretty engaging ride. The base 4-cylinder is great on gas, but we recommend the available V6 if you can find one at this price point. The Altima also benefits from comfortable seating, especially in the front. See Nissan Altima models for sale
8. 2009 Saturn Aura
You may have forgotten about the Saturn Aura, but it presents a great value on the used market. The Saturn brand’s last shot at a midsize sedan was a competitive car with good fuel economy, a strong range of engines, and the agile handling of a European sedan. See Saturn Aura models for sale
9. 2008 Subaru Legacy
The Subaru Legacy is one of your only options for a midsize sedan under $5,000 with AWD. All-wheel drive comes standard on every trim of the Legacy, making it an excellent choice for families in snowy climates. A few other perks include a comfortable interior and many standard safety features. See Subaru Legacy models for sale
10. 2007 Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is one of the most trusted names in family sedans, thanks to its well-earned reputation of safety and reliability. It’s an excellent value if you want a midsize sedan you can trust. A used Camry is a practical choice with a spacious interior, a comfortable ride, and good safety scores. See Toyota Camry models for sale