Ramsey Mazda

Deery Brothers Chevrolet Inc

Private Seller Exchange

Dewey Auto Outlet

Granger Motors

Truck City, Inc

Spider

Midsize

Sport Utility

4-Cylinder

Gasoline

Used

Chevrolet

Equinox

Get AutoCheck Vehicle History

Used 2012 Chevrolet Equinox LS

Used 2012 Chevrolet Equinox LS Des Moines IA 50313

Automatic

Compact

Sedan

Forte

Fuel Economy Pkg

Used 2012 Kia Forte EX w/ Fuel Economy Pkg

Used 2012 Kia Forte EX w/ Fuel Economy Pkg Des Moines IA 50313

4-Cylinder Turbo

Volkswagen

Jetta

Used 2014 Volkswagen Jetta SE

Used 2014 Volkswagen Jetta SE Des Moines IA 50313

AWD4WD

Used 2015 Chevrolet Equinox LT

Used 2015 Chevrolet Equinox LT Des Moines IA 50313

6-Cylinder

Ford

Escape

Used 2008 Ford Escape XLT

Used 2008 Ford Escape XLT Des Moines IA 50322

Luxury

Acura

Used 2008 Acura RDX SH-AWD

Used 2008 Acura RDX SH-AWD Pleasant Hill IA 50327

SH-AWD

Driver Convenience Package

Used 2013 Chevrolet Equinox LT w/ Driver Convenience Package

Used 2013 Chevrolet Equinox LT w/ Driver Convenience Package Des Moines IA 50313

Buick

Enclave

License Plate Bracket, Front Mounting Package

Used 2010 Buick Enclave CXL

Used 2010 Buick Enclave CXL Pleasant Hill IA 50327

Fullsize

Lucerne

Used 2007 Buick Lucerne CXL

Used 2007 Buick Lucerne CXL Des Moines IA 50313

LaCrosse

Comfort and Convenience Package #2

Used 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXL

Used 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXL Pleasant Hill IA 50327

Used 2013 Chevrolet Equinox LT

Used 2013 Chevrolet Equinox LT Des Moines IA 50313

Sorento

Used 2011 Kia Sorento LX

Used 2011 Kia Sorento LX Des Moines IA 50313

Hatchback

5-Cylinder Turbo

Volvo

Used 2010 Volvo C30 T5

Used 2010 Volvo C30 T5 Granger IA 50109

Malibu

Used 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ

Used 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ Des Moines IA 50322

Fullsize Extended Cab

Truck

8-Cylinder

Used 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab Long Bed

Dodge

Ram 1500 Truck

Used 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 Truck 4x4 Quad Cab

Used 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 Truck 4x4 Quad Cab Des Moines IA 50315

4x4 Quad Cab

Minivan

Grand Caravan

Used 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT

Used 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT Pleasant Hill IA 50327

Convenience Pkg

3rd Row Seating Pkg

Used 2011 Kia Sorento LX w/ Convenience Pkg

Used 2011 Kia Sorento LX w/ Convenience Pkg Des Moines IA 50313

F150

Used 2004 Ford F150 XLT

Used 2004 Ford F150 XLT Granger IA 50109

Sportage

Used 2013 Kia Sportage LX w/ Convenience Pkg

Used 2013 Kia Sportage LX w/ Convenience Pkg Des Moines IA 50313

All Star Package

Used 2013 Chevrolet Equinox LT w/ All Star Package

Used 2013 Chevrolet Equinox LT w/ All Star Package Pleasant Hill IA 50327

Nissan

Maxima

Premium Pkg

Used 2010 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV w/ Premium Pkg

Used 2010 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV w/ Premium Pkg Des Moines IA 50313

3.5 SV

Honda

Civic

Used 2004 Honda Civic LX

Used 2004 Honda Civic LX Des Moines IA 50313

Sentra

Used 2008 Nissan Sentra 2.0 S

Used 2008 Nissan Sentra 2.0 S Des Moines IA 50313

2.0 S

Impala

Luxury Edition Package

Used 2013 Chevrolet Impala LT w/ Luxury Edition Package

Used 2013 Chevrolet Impala LT w/ Luxury Edition Package Pleasant Hill IA 50327

Mercury

Monterey

Used 2007 Mercury Monterey Luxury

Used 2007 Mercury Monterey Luxury Des Moines IA 50317

Flexible Fuel

Focus

SE Winter Pkg

Used 2013 Ford Focus SE w/ SE Winter Pkg

Used 2013 Ford Focus SE w/ SE Winter Pkg Des Moines IA 50313

Charger

27G SXT Customer Preferred Order Selection Pkg

Convenience Group I

Used 2006 Dodge Charger

Used 2006 Dodge Charger Des Moines IA 50322

Used 2012 Chevrolet Equinox LT

Used 2012 Chevrolet Equinox LT 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 West 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 42 for sale, including a Used 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 Truck 4x4 Quad Cab, a Used 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT, and a Used 2004 Ford F150 XLT ranging in price from $2,000 to $4,999.

Autotrader has 42 for sale under $5,000 near West Des Moines, IA, including a Used 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 Truck 4x4 Quad Cab, a Used 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT, and a Used 2004 Ford F150 XLT ranging in price from $2,000 to $4,999.

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

Location

Year

Price & Payments

Make, Model & Trim

Mileage

Condition (1 selected)

Exterior Color

42 Matches

2008 Ford Escape

2012 Chevrolet Equinox

2006 Dodge Charger