Toilet paper, eggs, and batteries aren’t the only consumer staples that have skyrocketed in price over the last few years. Used cars, which most Americans opt for rather than buying new, now have an average price tag of around $25,571. That’s more than the average price of a brand-new vehicle just two decades ago in 2004 ($24,082), according to Statista.
Not all pre-owned vehicles command prices that high, though. There are deals to be found in the used car market, but price isn’t the only thing to consider — it’s important to choose a vehicle safe and reliable enough to serve as a daily driver. So, how can used car shoppers find these proverbial diamonds in the rough?
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Consumer Reports, a non-profit product testing firm that’s been advocating for everyday consumers since 1936, is an excellent resource when it comes to narrowing down a car search. CR has been testing vehicles on its six-mile test course and surveying its millions of members about their experiences with their own cars for decades, arming its readers with a wealth of knowledge on which used cars tend to be more trouble than they’re worth and which are likely offer great reliability for years to come.
Related: How does Consumer Reports make money? The product-testing nonprofit explained
Why buy a used car instead of a new car?
New cars come with plenty of advantages — with regular maintenance, they’re unlikely to encounter costly problems for at least a few years, and most come with warranties that allow their owners to rest easy for the first 50,000 miles or so. That being said, the vast majority of Americans simply can’t afford to buy new. The average price of a new vehicle is around $48,000, which is more than $10,000 higher than the average worker’s annual income.
New cars also aren’t the best financial investments. Whereas a new home can appreciate in value over time, the moment a new vehicle changes hands from dealer to owner, its resale value drops by about 10%, according to conventional wisdom. This number jumps to 20% by the end of a car’s first year on the road.
Related: How to buy a used car in 2024: A 6-step guide with tips
The best used cars & trucks under $10k according to Consumer Reports
So, with the average used vehicle on today’s market commanding over $25k, where are the models you can get for less than half of that? According to Consumer Reports, these 10 vehicles are the best your money can buy for between $5,000 and $10,000.
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Ford C-MAX (2016)
- Price Range: $8,650–$9,800
- Owner-reported MPG: 41
- Vehicle type: Compact hybrid hatchback
Honda Fit (2013)
- Price Range: $7,650–$8,300
- Owner-reported MPG: 31
- Vehicle type: Subcompact hatchback
Honda Insight (2010)
- Price Range: $5,125–$5,475
- Owner-reported MPG: 40
- Vehicle type: Compact hybrid hatchback
Mazda 3 (2015)
- Price Range: $7,825–$11,725
- Owner-reported MPG: 31
- Vehicle type: Compact sedan
Toyota Corolla (2014)
- Price Range: $9,225–$10,25
- Owner-reported MPG: 33
- Vehicle type: Compact sedan
More on cars:
- Consumer Reports: Best used cars & SUVs under $5,000
- The best used cars under $20k according to Consumer Reports
- The 10 cars with the most satisfied owners, according to Consumer Reports
Toyota Prius C (2014)
- Price Range: $8,875
- Owner-reported MPG: 45
- Vehicle type: Subcompact hybrid hatchback
Toyota Prius (2013)
- Price Range: $8,900–$9,900
- Owner-reported MPG: 45
- Vehicle type: Midsize hybrid hatchback
Toyota Prius V (2013)
- Price Range: $9,150
- Owner-reported MPG: 40
- Vehicle type: Midsize hybrid wagon
Buick LaCrosse (2014)
- Price Range: $7,950–$10,800
- Owner-reported MPG: 23
- Vehicle type: Midsize sedan
Honda Accord (2012)
- Price Range: $8,175–$9,350
- Owner-reported MPG: 27
- Vehicle type: Midsize sedan/coupe
Mazda 6 (2015)
- Price Range: $8,375–$10,700
- Owner-reported MPG: 30
- Vehicle type: Midsize sedan
Subaru Legacy (2015)
- Price Range: $8,825–$11,125
- Owner-reported MPG: 27
- Vehicle type: Midsize sedan
Toyota Camry (2013)
- Price Range: $9,225–$10,900
- Owner-reported MPG: 27
- Vehicle type: Midsize sedan
Toyota Camry Hybrid (2013)
- Price Range: $9,225–$10,900
- Owner-reported MPG: 37
- Vehicle type: Midsize hybrid sedan
Acura MDX (2011)
- Price Range: $8,250–$9,225
- Owner-reported MPG: 18
- Vehicle type: Midsize luxury crossover SUV
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Toyota Venza (2012)
- Price Range: $8,450–$11,450
- Owner-reported MPG: 21
- Vehicle type: Crossover SUV wagon
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