The Best Used Cars Under $10,000 According to Cars.com
Some of the best used cars might not cost you more than $10,000. According to Cars.com, plenty of used cars on the market won’t break the bank, like the 2014 Kia Soul. While everyone else is fighting over the 2021 Kia Telluride, going back a few more years might net you significant gains.
The 2014 Kia Soul is one of the best used cars under $10,000
Remember when the 2014 Kia Soul was the funky little vehicle that entered the scene with hamsters on the commercial. What makes it one of the best used cars? Cars.com says it was a four-door, five-seat hatchback that got about 26 mpg. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Soul the Top Safety pick rating for 2014 and 2015. The soul was roomy, funky, and had top-of-the-line tech for drivers.
Median price: About $11,000-$12,000
Cars.com thought the 2012 Chevrolet Volt was one of the best used cars
The 2012 Chevrolet Volt was a four-door, four-seat, hybrid plug-in hatchback. The Volt still looks like nothing else on the road. According to Cars.com, the Volt has an EPA combined fuel economy of 94-98 mpg-equivalent, with 37 mpg after 35-38 miles of all-electric range on a full battery charge. That’s a lot to take in, however, it is a good thing. The Volt has a 149 hp motor and takes about 10-12 hours to get a full charge.
Median price: About $9,500-$10,500
Don’t overlook the 2012 Mazda3
The 2012 Mazda3 has quite a following. The 2012 Mazda3 is a four-door, five-seat sedan or hatchback option. Both get between 21 mpg and 32 mpg, and the IIHS gave the Mazda3 a Top Safety pick for 2012 and 2013. The Mazda3 is fun to drive and has a few trim levels and engine options available, making it one of the best used cars. All of which offer plenty of power and handing for buyers.
Median price: About $9,500-$11,000
Always on the list of best used cars is the 2013 Toyota Corolla
Pretty much any year of the Toyota Corolla is one of the best used cars. The 2013 Toyota Corolla was a four-door, five-seat sedan that got 29 mpg. The IIHS picked the 2013 Toyota Corolla as a Top Safety Pick. The engine isn’t very inspiring, with a 1.8L four-cylinder getting low horsepower. However, the Corolla is about as reliable as it gets. If you are looking for a low-priced sedan that you can run for 200,000 miles, the 2013 Toyota Corolla works.
Median price: About $10,000-$11,000
The 2013 Toyota Prius is a winner
The 2013 Toyota Prius is a four-door hybrid or plug-in hybrid hatchback. It is one of the more expensive options on the Cars.com list, but it has a lot to offer. 48 mpg from the hybrid, 95 mpg-e with 50 mpg after 11 miles of all-electric range for the plug-in hybrid isn’t bad either. The IIHS gave the 2013 Toyota Prius the Top Safety Pick award. It offered enough technology to appease buyers, even today and has tons of space. The battery warranty is eight years/100,000 miles, which is still suitable for a few years.
Median price: About $10,500-$12,500
While the used car market is going through a few growing pains right now, buyers can still find these cars for a steal. Some of the best used cars won’t break the bank upfront and won’t have you in the shop every weekend. Be sure to find a Certified Pre-Owned option or get an inspection if you purchase an older vehicle.