Buying a cheap used car isn’t the right choice for everyone. More often than not, inexpensive used cars are significantly older and have much higher mileage. Some also have potentially expensive problems to contend with. The good news is that there are several cheap used cars worth your attention. And these models? Well, according to U.S. News & World Report, they’re among the best cheap used cars under $5,000.  

The 2009 Honda Fit is one of the best cheap used cars under $5,000

If you’re shopping for a cheap used car, U.S. News reports that the 2009 Honda Fit is one of your best options. This affordable used car will have you spending roughly $4,826, making for a very budget-friendly price tag. A reasonable price isn’t the only reason to consider this used car either.

As a matter of fact, Consumer Reports recommended the 2009 Honda Fit and gave it an Excellent reliability rating. Consumer Reports isn’t the only one to have given it such high ratings either. J.D. Power also gave it a Great quality and reliability rating. And when it comes to safety? The IIHS recognized the 2009 Honda Fit as a Top Safety Pick.

The 2009 Hyundai Elantra is a cheap used car that won’t break the bank

The 2009 Honda Fit isn’t the only cheap car worth your consideration. U.S. News also highlighted the 2009 Hyundai Elantra as one of the best used cars under $5,000. This used car costs about $3,423 and, according to U.S. News, is a car that typically flies under the radar of used car shoppers. But, as it turns out, it really shouldn’t.

As a matter of fact, the 2009 Hyundai Elantra won U.S. News’ Best Compact Car for the Money award. The organization lauded the car for its good performance, spacious interior, and low long-term ownership costs. As for how reliable this used car is? Consumer Reports gave this particular model a Very Good reliability rating.

The 2011 Mazda2 will have you spending less than $5,000 on a used car

Maybe you’ve heard of the Mazda2. Perhaps you haven’t. If you haven’t, U.S. News calls it a best-kept secret. It’s also one of the best cheap used cars under $5,000. Costing around $4,920, buying this used car definitely won’t have you breaking the bank anytime soon.

Affordability isn’t all the 2011 Mazda2 has going for it either. U.S. News reports that its front seats are comfortable. Its interior offers a decent cargo space too. Unfortunately, unlike other used cars on U.S. News’ list, the 2011 Mazda2 was only given an Average quality and reliability rating by J.D. Power. While that’s not the worst rating it could have earned, it might be disappointing for some.

The 2007 Honda Element is a used SUV that costs under $5,000

Perhaps it’s an affordable used SUV that you’re after. If that’s the case, U.S. News suggests checking out a vehicle such as the 2007 Honda Element. With an average price of $4,971, the 2007 Honda Element is one of the best used cars under $5,000. At that price, it’s also one of the cheapest used cars.

But what does this affordable used SUV actually have going for it? As it turns out, a lot. According to U.S. News, the 2007 Honda Element boasts a strong reputation for reliability. It also features a practical interior layout, including waterproof upholstery, removable rear seats, and a spacious cargo area.

These aren’t your only options if you’re shopping for a cheap used car

Here’s the thing, these aren’t the only cheap used cars that U.S. News included in its list of the best used cars under $5,000. It also highlighted cheap used cars like the 2008 Hyundai Sonata ($3,547), the 2009 Ford Focus ($3,510), the 2008 Chevy Impala ($3,910), along with many other affordable used cars. What does that mean for you? Well, if you’re shopping for a cheap used car, it just means that you’ve got plenty of options worth considering.