Best Used Cars Under $10k That Are Still Reliable
When buying a new car, two things are generally fore of thought - budget, and how much it's going to cost you to run. The latter refers to reliability and how much you're likely to budget for maintenance. That can make it quite challenging to find an affordable car with a reputation for reliability that won't break the bank. Modern cars have been refined, with automakers like Toyota, Nissan, and Honda considered brands synonymous with reliability - but what can you reasonably find on the used car market that won't leave you in the lurch mechanically?
N/A
Most Reliable Car Brands: The Top Trusted Names For Dependability
Based on the latest studies, these car brands are the least problematic.
Reliability isn't necessarily dependent on how many owners a car has had - unless, of course, they have purposefully neglected the car and not kept up with routine maintenance and repairs. So what options do you have if you want to buy a used car for cheap, but still want some semblance of dependability? We've compiled ten dirt-cheap cars that we believe you can count on.
We've chosen ten models with high-reliability ratings from J.D. Power, a low number of serious customer complaints, and models with an average used selling price below $10,000. Pricing for these used cars has been sourced from reputable used-car sales platforms referenced at the end of the article. We rank these models from the most expensive to the least expensive average selling price listed on Cars.com.
2016 Buick Verano
Average Price: $10,000
2012-2017 Buick Verano Front View
Engine | 2.4-liter, naturally aspirated inline-four |
|---|---|
Horsepower | 180 hp @ 6,700 rpm |
Torque | 171 lb-ft @ 4,900 rpm |
0-60 | 8.6 seconds |
The Buick Verano is a competent compact sedan with a few luxury amenities. Its 2016 model year is an example of its peak reliability. The Verano shares its platform with the Chevrolet Cruze, both of which are considered reliable models. The reliability of the 2016 Verano is backed up in the following dependability reviews:
- J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: 89 out of 100
- The number of NHTSA Complaints: 53
- Worst problems, according to CarComplaints.com: Wobble and vibration, exhaust odor in cabin, and issues with the A/C
Most of the issues and complaints for the 2016 Verano pertain to the seatbelts and airbags, while engine problems - turbocharger issues, specifically - are also listed. Still, the high J.D. Power rating speaks volumes, while consumer feedback suggests that many issues can be avoided with pedantic maintenance. You can get yourself a nicely looked-after model for cheap, though, with our searches turning up a well-appointed Sport Touring coming in at under $10k via AutoTempest.
2017 Honda Fit
Average price: $9,902
Honda-Fit-2018-4
Engine | 1.5-liter, naturally aspirated, inline-four |
|---|---|
Horsepower | 130 hp @ 6,600 rpm |
Torque | 114 lb-ft @ 4,600 rpm |
0-60 | 8.5 seconds |
For the most part, the Honda Fit is a poster child for reliability. Although there are a handful of years to avoid, the example we've selected for this list is considered the best model year in terms of reliability. One engine was used for this model year, a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which is a reliable engine and whose character paired well with its impressive handling characteristics.
- J.D Power Quality And Reliability Rating: 85 out of 100
- The number of NHTSA complaints: 37
- Worst problems, according to CarComplaints.com: Leaky radiator, transmission faults, leaky A/C condenser
Of the selection from the third-generation Honda Fit, the 2017 model has the least number of complaints from consumers and benefits from better quality control compared to the earlier versions of the third-generation Honda Fit.
/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/gallery-images/original/343000/300/343345.jpg
Honda Fit Generations: Everything You Need To Know In One Place
It might not be around anymore, but the littlest Honda was practical and frugal. Here's how it evolved as America fell out of love with small cars.
2012 Toyota Camry
Average price: $9,875
2012 Toyota Camry - front 3/4 angle
Engine | 2.5-liter, naturally aspirated, inline-four |
|---|---|
Horsepower | 178 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
Torque | 170 lb-ft @ 4,100 rpm |
0-60 | 8.8 seconds |
Toyota redesigned the mid-size sedan for the 2012 model year, characterized by its sportier styling, more power, and greater efficacy. The 2013 Toyota Camry benefited from all of Toyota's efforts the previous year and culminated in a sedan that offered consumers a reliable A-to-B transport appliance.
- J.D Power Quality And Reliability Rating: 86 out of 100
- The number of NHTSA complaints: 292
- Worst problems, according to CarComplaints: Build quality, unintended acceleration when braking, shakes while driving
Of all the model years that could be bought on the used market, the 2013 model year is considered the best model year to buy as it has the least complaints of the XV generation. This is also a mainstay from one of the most reputable brands in the used market, making it a great buy.
2016 Honda Odyssey
Average price: $9,220
2017 Honda Odyssey
Engine | 3.5-liter, naturally aspirated, V6 |
|---|---|
Horsepower | 248 hp @ 5,700 rpm |
Torque | 250 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm |
0-60 | 7.7 seconds |
The Honda Odyssey is one of the most established and beloved MPVs in the modern automotive market - it's one of only a handful of minivans left on the market. Not only is it a wonderful choice for a family lifestyle, but it can also be found on the used market for under $10,000 for a model produced in the last decade. While it has a commendable score on J.D Power's consumer rating, the Honda Odyssey, especially a used model, might suffer from piston ring failure, which could be costly, so you should look for a carefully maintained one.
- J.D Power Quality And Reliability Rating: 78 out of 100
- The number of NHTSA complaints: 227
- Worst problems, according to CarComplaints.com: Peeling paint, vehicle shakes when basking, hesitant acceleration
Aside from that potential issue, there is the chance of a misfire or shudder, especially on models that have skipped services. Still, the Honda Odyssey is still an option for families looking for a reliable MPV on a tight budget, with an EX-L model going for well under our capped figure of $10k.
2009 Ford Fusion
Average Price: $8,562
Ford-Fusion-2006-2
Engine | 2.3-liter, naturally aspirated, inline-four |
|---|---|
Horsepower | 160 hp @ 6,250 rpm |
Torque | 156 lb-ft @ 4,250 rpm |
0-60 | 8.1 seconds |
The first generation Ford Fusion is a mid-size sedan that debuted in the mid-2000s and was founded on Ford's CD3 platform. Interestingly, two engine options for the first-generation Ford Fusion were a 2.3-liter inline-four and a 3.0-liter V6. The latter is the power plant of choice for this list, and the example we've found on the used market was the front-wheel-drive configuration in SE trim, for just over $8.5k.
- J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: 87 out of 100
- The number of NHTSA Complaints: 1,015
- Worst problems, according to CarComplaints.com: Brake system fault, excessive engine noise
There are many complaints on CarComplaints.com, but most of these are centered around braking system issues, and the NHTSA complaints also highlight the potential risk of troubles with the vehicle's airbags.
mitsubishi montero models
10 Of The Most Reliable Mitsubishis Built In The Last 20-Odd Years
Some of the most reliable Mitsubishi models produced over the last 20-odd years. Some will surprise you.
2008 Subaru Forester
Average price: $8,312
Subaru-Forester-2004-2
Engine | 2.5-liter, naturally aspirated, flat-four |
|---|---|
Horsepower | 173 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
Torque | 166. lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm |
0-60 | 8.5 seconds |
The US version of the Subaru Forester is powered either by a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated flat four-cylinder engine or a 2.5-liter turbocharged flat four-cylinder engine. Subaru also updated the model's styling in 2006 while introducing systems like active valve lift for the naturally aspirated power plant. The model we've selected is an example of the final model year of the second-generation Subaru Forester.
- J.D Power Quality And Reliability Rating: 88 out of 100
- The number of NHTSA complaints: 49
- Worst problems, according to CarComplaints.com: Excessive engine noise, noise from front wheels
The 2008 Subaru Forester has significantly fewer complaints than the other models in this list, and the most severe issue relates to excessive engine noise and road noise coming off the tires. At just over $8k, a used example seems like a great deal.
2006 Honda CR-V
Average price: $8,199
Honda-CR-V-2003-
Engine | 2.4-liter, naturally aspirated, inline-four |
|---|---|
Horsepower | 156 hp @ 5,900 rpm |
Torque | 160 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm |
0-60 | 9.4 seconds |
The Honda CR-V is one of the most popular offerings in Honda's catalog and one that is abundant in the used market. Alongside a surplus of used Honda CR-Vs available, the example we've selected for this list is the final model year for the second generation of the Honda CR-V model, but if we weren't adhering to a $10,000 cap, we'd suggest the 2019 Honda CR-V as the best pick. However, at under $10k, the 2006 model year is also a good option. At its core is Honda's capable K24A1 four-cylinder engine that retained Honda's i-VTEC system, which aids fuel economy.
- J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: 82 out of 100
- The number of NHTSA complaints: 396
- Worst problems, according to CarComplaints.com: VSA module failure, A/C stops working, and noise from transmission.
Although there are many complaints from consumers, the bulk of complaints are directed to the Honda CR-V's headlight quality and longevity, electrical system faults, and is one of the many models affected by the Takata airbag recalls. However, despite these issues, the Honda CR-V is one of the most reliable Honda models available on the used market.
2015 Nissan Leaf
Average Price: $6,620
Nissan-Leaf-2014-
Engine | Electric |
|---|---|
Horsepower | 107 hp |
Torque | 187 lb-ft |
0-60 | 11.3 seconds |
A forerunner in the electric vehicle segment, the Nissan Leaf offers impressive fuel economy and a readily available model in the used market for well under $10,000. When it was updated in 2014, the version was more agile thanks to a handful of chassis improvements and could drive further on a single charge than before. The 2015 model year offers good reliability:
- J.D Power Quality And Reliability: 87 out of 100
- The number of NHTSA complaints: 100
- Worst problems, according to CarComplaints.com: Brake system faults, and warning lights on.
Most complaints about this variation of the Nissan Leaf are focused on the Leaf's braking system. At the same time, there are a handful of complaints about the electrical system and the powertrain. It's heartening that it scores so highly with J.D. Power, which suggests that careful maintenance should prevent most major issues.
N/A
Tesla Model 3 And Nissan Leaf Are The Most Reliable New EVs Money Can Buy
The newly-released Kia EV6 also finished strongly.
2009 Kia Rio
Average price: $4,588
2006-2009 Kia Rio Front Angle View
Engine | 1.6-liter, naturally aspirated, inline-four |
|---|---|
Horsepower | 110 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
Torque | 107 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm |
0-60 | 11 seconds |
The Kia Rio is an affordable subcompact sedan that is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. Some may consider it to be a bland runabout, but it's an attractive option for consumers seeking a budget-friendly transport - and with just 41 complaints at the NHTSA, should prove to be relatively reliable.
- J.D Power Quality And Reliability Rating: 72 out of 100
- The number of NHTSA complaints: 41
- Worst problems, according to CarComplaints.com: harsh gear shifts and ignition port issues.
Major complaints include issues with transmission and some harsh shifts. If you find a pedantically maintained used options, though, it's one of the best Kia models when considering reliability.
2004 Hyundai Sonata
Average Price: $3,562
2004HyundaiSonata 3
Engine | 2.7-liter, naturally aspirated, V6 |
|---|---|
Horsepower | 170 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
Torque | 181 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
0-60 | 7.7 seconds |
At the tail end of the third-generation Hyundai Sonata, Hyundai introduced a facelifted version for the 2002 model year. Hyundai improved body strength, with improvements made to the firewall and body shell, and widened the rear track. Alongside a 2.4-liter inline-four engine, the Hyundai Sonata was offered a version of Hyundai's Delta V6 engine. The 2004 models benefit from this and present as reliable:
- J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: 87 out of 100
- The number of NHTSA Complaints: 198
- Worst problems, according to CarComplaints.com: Excessive noise when braking, engine won't turn over, engine stalling.
Most of the complaints for this model year are because of the vehicle's airbags, but things to keep an eye out for include its suspension system and possible bodywork issues. The latter is also addressed in the single recall the NHTSA issued for this model year.
