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Deery Brothers of Waukee CJDR

Ramsey Mazda

Ames Ford Lincoln

George White Chevrolet

Tom's U Save Budget Lot

Deery Brothers Chevrolet Inc

Ramsey Subaru of Des Moines

Tom's Auto Sales

Spider

Midsize

Sedan

6-Cylinder

Gasoline

Used

Buick

Century

Custom Preferred Equipment Group

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Used 2005 Buick Century Custom

Used 2005 Buick Century Custom Des Moines IA 50317

Automatic

Custom

Compact

Sport Utility

AWD4WD

4-Cylinder

Jeep

Renegade

Quick Order Package 2XN Upland Edition

UConnect 7.0 Group

Used 2019 Jeep Renegade Sport

Used 2019 Jeep Renegade Sport Ames IA 50010

Sport

Subcompact

Hatchback

Chevrolet

Spark

Used 2015 Chevrolet Spark LT

Used 2015 Chevrolet Spark LT Des Moines IA 50322

Fullsize Regular Cab

Truck

8-Cylinder

Ford

F150

Used 2004 Ford F150 XLT

Used 2004 Ford F150 XLT Des Moines IA 50317

Honda

Accord

Used 2006 Honda Accord EX-L

Used 2006 Honda Accord EX-L Ames IA 50010

EX-L

Luxury

Lexus

LS 430

Used 2003 Lexus LS 430

Used 2003 Lexus LS 430 Des Moines IA 50317

Sorento

Used 2008 Kia Sorento LX

Used 2008 Kia Sorento LX Des Moines IA 50317

Grand Cherokee

Used 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo

Used 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo Des Moines IA 50322

Laredo

Hyundai

Santa Fe

Used 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

Used 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Des Moines IA 50322

Flexible Fuel

Escape

203A Equipment Group Order Code

Used 2012 Ford Escape XLT

Used 2012 Ford Escape XLT Des Moines IA 50322

Saturn

Aura

Advanced Audio Package

Enhanced Convenience Package

Used 2009 Saturn Aura XR w/ Advanced Audio Package

Used 2009 Saturn Aura XR w/ Advanced Audio Package Des Moines IA 50317

Equinox

Sport, Sun, Leather And Sound Package

Used 2009 Chevrolet Equinox Sport

Used 2009 Chevrolet Equinox Sport Pleasant Hill IA 50327

Flex

Used 2009 Ford Flex Limited

Used 2009 Ford Flex Limited Waukee IA 50263

Limited

Used 2015 Chrysler 200 C Sedan 4D

Chrysler

Used 2015 Chrysler 200 C

Used 2015 Chrysler 200 C Monroe IA 50170

Used 2008 Ford Escape XLT

Used 2008 Ford Escape XLT Des Moines IA 50322

Minivan

Freestar

Used 2004 Ford Freestar SE

Used 2004 Ford Freestar SE Des Moines IA 50317

Wagon

PT Cruiser

Used 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser

Used 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser Des Moines IA 50317

MAZDA

MAZDA5

Used 2010 MAZDA MAZDA5 Sport

Used 2010 MAZDA MAZDA5 Sport Ames IA 50010

Used 2008 Honda Accord EX

Used 2008 Honda Accord EX Des Moines IA 50317

Compact Extended Cab

Dodge

Dakota

Tire & Handling Group

Deluxe Convenience Group

Used 2004 Dodge Dakota Sport w/ Tire & Handling Group

Used 2004 Dodge Dakota Sport w/ Tire & Handling Group Des Moines IA 50322

Nissan

Rogue

Used 2011 Nissan Rogue S

Used 2011 Nissan Rogue S Des Moines IA 50322

Lincoln

Navigator L

HD Class III/IV Trailer Tow Pkg

Used 2011 Lincoln Navigator L 4WD

Used 2011 Lincoln Navigator L 4WD Waukee IA 50263

Used 2011 Buick Enclave CXL Sport Utility 4D

Enclave

LPO, Cargo Convenience Pkg

License Plate Bracket, Front Mounting Package

Used 2011 Buick Enclave CXL w/ LPO, Cargo Convenience Pkg

Used 2011 Buick Enclave CXL w/ LPO, Cargo Convenience Pkg Bondurant IA 50035

Sebring

Used 2009 Chrysler Sebring Limited

Used 2009 Chrysler Sebring Limited Waukee IA 50263

Used 2011 Ford Escape Limited Sport Utility 4D

301A Rapid Spec Order Code

Used 2011 Ford Escape Limited w/ 301A Rapid Spec Order Code

Used 2011 Ford Escape Limited w/ 301A Rapid Spec Order Code Ankeny IA 50021

Compact Crew Cab

5-Cylinder

Colorado

LT Preferred Equipment Group

Used 2006 Chevrolet Colorado LT w/ LT Preferred Equipment Group

Used 2006 Chevrolet Colorado LT w/ LT Preferred Equipment Group Des Moines IA 50317

Fullsize Crew Cab

Used 2008 Ford F150 XLT

Used 2008 Ford F150 XLT Pleasant Hill IA 50327

Des Moines - Ames

Used Cars for Sale

Under $5,000

Used cars for sale under $5,000 near you. Find affordable budget sedans, coupes, minivans, or SUVs for $5k or less.

Used Cars for Sale Under $5,000 Near Me in Des Moines, IA - Autotrader - 19377 Total Available

If you’re wanting to buy an affordable used car between <a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-2000" target="_blank">$2,000</a> and $5,000, be prepared to do your due diligence, ask a lot of questions about the car's maintenance history and we'd suggest pay a trust-worthy mechanic to perform a <a href="https://www.autotrader.com/car-shopping/how-do-you-get-pre-purchase-inspection-buying-used-car-257963" target="_blank">pre-purchase inspection</a>. Almost every car asking $5k or less will have between 100,000 and 275,000+ miles, could be between 10 and 25+ years old, have minor to serious cosmetic issues, and some may have slight body damage from an <a href="https://www.autotrader.com/car-shopping/should-you-buy-a-car-thats-been-in-an-accident" target="_blank">accident</a> or two. If the car has a <a href="https://www.autotrader.com/car-shopping/rebuilt-title-vs-salvage-title-whats-difference-281474979846034" target="_blank">salvage or rebuilt title</a>, we would want to understand why that is. Be wary of the slightly used car with low miles but is selling for an unbelievably low price; a car deal that seems too good to be true usually is. When we looked through all the listed cars nationwide selling for $5,000 or less, we even found some that had been <a href="https://www.autotrader.com/car-shopping/should-you-buy-back-your-totaled-car" target="_blank">totaled</a>. Depending on the model year of the car you find, it may not have the safety capabilities which have become standard in newer cars; features such as traction control, stability control, head curtain airbags, or backup cameras, which became federally required starting with the 2018 model year. Models such as the <a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-5000/nissan/altima" target="_blank">Nissan Altima</a>, <a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-5000/honda/civic" target="_blank">Honda Civic</a>, <a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-5000/ford/focus" target="_blank">Ford Focus</a>, <a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-5000/kia/optima" target="_blank">Kia Optima</a> and <a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-5000/toyota/camry" target="_blank">Toyota Camry</a> regularly appear on our $5,000 and under best affordable car lists. Our last tip: if you don't <a href="https://www.autotrader.com/car-shopping/car-finance">finance</a> your car, we’ve found that you may have leverage in your <a href="https://www.autotrader.com/car-shopping/car-negotiations-guide" target="_blank">negotiations</a> if you pay <a href="https://www.autotrader.com/car-shopping/buying-a-car-should-you-pay-with-cash-if-you-can-227481" target="_blank">all cash</a>.

Our editors have ranked the <a href="https://www.autotrader.com/car-shopping/10-best-used-cars-under-5000" target="_blank">best used cars for $5,000 or less</a>. Given the demand for a cheap $5,000 car, if you can't find these models in your local area, try expanding your search radius. This list was published in March 2025. 
<ol>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-5000/2009/chevrolet/malibu" target="_blank">2009 Chevrolet Malibu Under $5k</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-5000/2012/chevrolet/sonic" target="_blank">2012 Chevrolet Sonic Under $5k</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-5000/2012/ford/focus" target="_blank">2012 Ford Focus Under $5k</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-5000/2009/ford/fusion" target="_blank">2009 Ford Fusion Under $5k</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-5000/2009/nissan/sentra" target="_blank">2009 Nissan Sentra Under $5k</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-5000/2008/saab/9-3" target="_blank">2008 Saab 9-3 Under $5k</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-5000/2008/saturn/aura" target="_blank">2009 Saturn Aura Under $5k</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-5000/2007/subaru/legacy" target="_blank">2007 Subaru Legacy Under $5k</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-5000/2010/suzuki/sx4" target="_blank">2010 Suzuki SX4 Under $5k</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-5000/2009/volvo/s60" target="_blank">2009 Volvo S60 Under $5k</a></li>
</ol>

Find a car within your budget by Body Style. 

Used Cars
<ul> 
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-1000" target="_blank">Cars Under $1,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-1500" target="_blank">Cars Under $1,500</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-2000" target="_blank">Cars Under $2,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-3000" target="_blank">Cars Under $3,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-4000" target="_blank">Cars Under $4,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-5000" target="_blank">Cars Under $5,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-6000" target="_blank">Cheap Cars Under $6,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-7000" target="_blank">Cars Under $7,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-8000" target="_blank">Cars Under $8,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-10000" target="_blank">Cars Under $10,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-15000" target="_blank">Cars Under $15,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-20000" target="_blank">Cars Under $20,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-25000" target="_blank">Cars Under $25,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-30000" target="_blank">Cars Under $30,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-40000" target="_blank">Cars Under $40,000</a></li>
</ul>

Used Trucks
<ul> 
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/truck/cars-under-3000" target="_blank">Trucks Under $3,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/truck/cars-under-5000" target="_blank">Cheap Trucks Under $5,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/truck/cars-under-6000" target="_blank">Cheap Trucks Under $6,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/truck/cars-under-10000" target="_blank">Trucks Under $10,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/truck/cars-under-15000" target="_blank">Trucks Under $15,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/truck/cars-under-20000" target="_blank">Trucks Under $20,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/truck/cars-under-25000" target="_blank">Trucks Under $25,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/truck/cars-under-30000" target="_blank">Trucks Under $30,000</a></li>
</ul>

Used SUVs
<ul> 
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/suv-crossover/cars-under-5000" target="_blank">SUVs Under $5,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/suv-crossover/cars-under-10000" target="_blank">SUVs Under $10,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/suv-crossover/cars-under-15000" target="_blank">SUVs Under $15,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/suv-crossover/cars-under-20000" target="_blank">SUVs Under $20,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/suv-crossover/cars-under-25000" target="_blank">SUVs Under $25,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/suv-crossover/cars-under-30000" target="_blank">SUVs Under $30,000</a></li>
</ul>

Used All Wheel Drive / 4X4's
<ul> 
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/awd-4wd/cars-under-10000" target="_blank">AWD Cars Under $10,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/awd-4wd/cars-under-15000" target="_blank">AWD Cars Under $15,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/awd-4wd/cars-under-20000" target="_blank">AWD Cars Under $20,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/awd-4wd/cars-under-25000" target="_blank">AWD Cars Under $25,000</a></li>
</ul>

Used Minivans
<ul> 
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/van-minivan/cars-under-5000" target="_blank">Vans and Minivans Under $5,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/van-minivan/cars-under-10000" target="_blank">Vans and Minivans Under $10,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/van-minivan/cars-under-15000" target="_blank">Vans and Minivans Under $15,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/van-minivan/cars-under-20000" target="_blank">Vans and Minivans Under $20,000</a></li>
</ul>

Used Convertibles
<ul> 
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/convertible/cars-under-5000" target="_blank">Convertibles Under $5,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/convertible/cars-under-10000" target="_blank">Convertibles Under $10,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/convertible/cars-under-15000" target="_blank">Convertibles Under $15,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/convertible/cars-under-20000" target="_blank">Convertibles Under $20,000</a></li>
</ul>

Used Cars for Sale Under $5,000 Near Me - Autotrader - 19377 Total Available

Search from 86 for sale, including a Used 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, a Used 2003 Lexus LS 430, and a Used 2004 Dodge Dakota Sport w/ Tire & Handling Group ranging in price from $1,488 to $4,999.

Autotrader has 86 for sale under $5,000 near Des Moines, IA, including a Used 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, a Used 2003 Lexus LS 430, and a Used 2004 Dodge Dakota Sport w/ Tire & Handling Group ranging in price from $1,488 to $4,999.

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Used Cars for Sale Under $5,000 Near Me in Des Moines, IA

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86 Matches

Used 2011 Ford Escape Limited

Used 2011 Buick Enclave CXL

Used 2009 Ford Flex Limited