Prepare to crank your engines and drive in style without breaking the budget. These top recommendations for the best cars under 10000 dollars in the United States provide an ideal balance of cost and performance.
When it comes to buying a car, the options might be daunting. With so many models, manufacturers, and price ranges to pick from, it can be tough to know where to begin. However, searching for the perfect car on a tight budget might be even more difficult.
If you look at used car costs today, $10,000 does not go as far as it used to. However, if you need new cars under $10000, there are still plenty of options. You can save enough on a used car to pay the total price while choosing a large selection of quality vehicles.
Used cars have clear benefits overused minivans, SUVs, and trucks. Despite their size, they are usually statically simpler, more fuel-efficient, and have a better long-term value. To understand more, check out our list of the finest used cars under $10,000.
Top Picks Of Used Cars For Sale Under 10000 Dollars In 2023
Looking for a dependable and reasonably priced used car? Look no further than Locardeals’ top picks for used cars under $10,000. We’ve handpicked a selection of the top cars that provide an excellent balance of performance, safety, and value.
With so many possibilities, you’re sure to find the ideal used automobile for your budget and lifestyle. Please browse our selection of the greatest used and new cars under $10000 and start planning your next vacation!
- 2011 Chevrolet Volt ( MSRP: $7,190 )
- 2012 Honda Fit ( MSRP: $9,027 – $10,060 )
- 2010 Toyota Prius ( MSRP: $8,441 – $10,402 )
- 2012 Honda Civic ( MSRP: $6,171 – $14,585 )
- 2012 Mazda Mazda3 ( MSRP: $7,379 – $10,115 )
- 2012 Volkswagen Golf ( MSRP: $6,018 – 11,25 )
- 2013 Hyundai Accent ( MSRP: $7,811 – $8,549 )
- 2016 Chevrolet Sonic ( MSRP: $9,980 – $13,481 )
- 2012 Scion TC ( MSRP: $8,795 – 8,906 )
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Parents usually prefer to purchase the safest, most reliable, and most economical used vehicle they can find for their young driver. They want a vehicle that will not break down or cost too much money but must also give enough crash protection.
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We’ve compiled a list of 9 cars to assist you in selecting the safest and best cars for under 10000 dollars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) both gave these vehicles high marks in crash tests.
1. 2011 Chevrolet Volt
- MSRP: $7,190
- Engine: 1.4 Liter Plug-In Hybrid
- Horsepower: 84 HP
- MPG: 30/City, 40/Highway
Suppose you want to perform most of your daily driving on electric power. In that case, the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid might be the vehicle for you. A small gasoline engine or battery pack almost continuously powers the Volt’s 149-horsepower electric motor.
Although premium gas is necessary, the generator still gets excellent gas mileage. On a 120-volt household outlet, a complete battery charge takes 10 to 12 hours, whereas a 240-volt outlet takes roughly four hours.
The Volt’s initial version seats only four people due to the battery tube. Cargo room is minimal, even for a little automobile, at roughly 11 cubic feet (though the rear seats can fold for more). Overall, this car is the top pick for cars for sale under $10k dollars.
- Overall NHTSA Safety Ratings: 5 Stars
- Overall IIHS Safety Ratings: G ( Good )
2. 2012 Honda Fit
- MSRP: $9,027 – $10,060
- Engine: 1.4 Liter 4-Cylinder
- Horsepower: 117 HP
- MPG: 28/City, 35/Highway
The 2012 Honda Fit offers excellent fuel economy ratings, a spacious cargo area, quick handling, and a fun-to-drive demeanor. The Fit achieves an EPA-estimated 28/35 mpg city/highway with an automatic transmission, which is excellent for the class.
The cabin of the 2012 Honda Fit is made of simple materials. Still, its eye-catching design and accent lighting make it appear cherry. The amount of head- and legroom in the back seat was also praised.
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Air conditioning, cruise control, a four-speaker CD audio system, a USB connector, power windows, and door locks are standard on the base 2012 Fit. It is one of the best buys available on most-reliable used cars under 10000 dollars.
- Overall NHTSA Safety Ratings: 4 Stars
- Overall IIHS Safety Ratings: G ( Good )
3. 2010 Toyota Prius
- MSRP: $8,441 – $10,402
- Engine: 1.8 Liter w/Two Electric Motors
- Horsepower: 98 HP
- MPG: 48/City, 51/Highway
The 2010 Toyota Prius is an excellent pick among used hybrid cars under 10000 dollars. The Prius’ key selling points are its adaptable passenger and cargo space and outstanding fuel economy of 51/48 mpg city/highway.
On the negative, the 2010 Toyota Prius’ style, while immediately identifiable, is not seen as appealing. The Toyota Prius 2010 comes with a four-cylinder engine and two electric motors. A continuously variable transmission sends power to the front wheels (CVT).
The 2010 Toyota Prius is difficult to beat, with top fuel economy ratings and competitive cabin and cargo space. Although its polarizing appearance may turn off some buyers, the aerodynamic shape improves fuel economy.
- Overall NHTSA Safety Ratings: 4 Stars
- Overall IIHS Safety Ratings: G ( Good )
4. 2012 Honda Civic
- MSRP: $6,171 – $14,585
- Engine: 1.5 Liter 4-Cylinder
- Horsepower: 140 – 201 HP
- MPG: 32/City, 42/Highway
The 2012 Honda Civic is an excellent choice for used cars under $10000 for sale. The Civic is simple to operate daily, thanks to its smooth ride and solid handling through curves. It also has a decent fuel economy and a high crash safety and reliability rating.
The 2012 Civic comes in coupe and sedan body variants. There are six trim levels to choose from DX, LX, HF, EX, EX-L, and Si. Except for the Civic Si, which features a larger 201-horsepower engine, other trims share the same 140-horsepower engine.
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The 2012 Honda Civic sedan earned a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The 2012 Honda Civic is a top-tier compact car because of its comfy interior, sophisticated ride and handling, and excellent reliability rating.
- Overall NHTSA Safety Ratings: 5 Stars
- Overall IIHS Safety Ratings: G ( Good )
5. 2012 Mazda Mazda3
- MSRP: $7,379 – $10,115
- Engine: 2.0 Liter 4-Cylinder
- Horsepower: 155 HP
- MPG: 28/City, 40/Highway
The 2012 Mazda3 has a four-cylinder engine that is quick around town but slow when passing on the highway. The optional Skyactiv four-cylinder engine has more power at higher speeds and is more fuel efficient.
A five-speed manual transmission is standard, with options for a six-speed manual and five- and six-speed automatic transmissions depending on the model. The Skyactiv engine in the 2012 Mazda3 achieves 28/40 mpg city/highway, which is excellent for the class.
The Mazda3 offers precise steering and powerful braking. It confidently hugs curves, making it one of the most enjoyable and best-used cars under $10k dollars to drive. Overall, the ride is comfortable and fuel-efficient enough for regular driving.
- Overall NHTSA Safety Ratings: 4 Stars
- Overall IIHS Safety Ratings: G ( Good )
6. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
- MSRP: $6,018 – 11,251
- Engine: 2.5 Liter Inline-5
- Horsepower: 140 – 170 HP
- MPG: 24-31/City, 30-42/Hwy
2012 Volkswagen Golf diesel cars were in the massive Volkswagen recall because they failed to meet US emissions regulations. The autos, however, are perfectly safe to drive.
Gas-powered Golf vehicles with automatic transmissions earn 24/31 mpg city/highway, which is poor for the class. On the other hand, the diesel Golf scores 30/42 mpg, which is excellent for a low-cost little car.
The Golf is available as a two- or four-door hatchback consists of high-grade materials, and has superb build quality. Overall, the 2012 Golf is a great pick for a used car under $10000 dollars due to its engine & sporty, composed handling.
- Overall NHTSA Safety Ratings: 4 Stars
- Overall IIHS Safety Ratings: G ( Good )
7. 2013 Hyundai Accent
- MSRP: $7,811 – $8,549
- Engine: 1.6 Liter 4-Cylinder
- Horsepower: 138 HP
- MPG: 28/City, 37/Highway
The used 2013 Hyundai Accent ranks well in our rankings because of its smooth ride, appealing interior, and ample trunk space. The 2013 Hyundai Accent is one of the better subcompact cars under $10,000.
It offers roomy seating and is available as a sedan or hatchback. The engine in the Accent could use more horsepower, but it gets reasonable gas mileage. The Hyundai is also highly dependable. The 2013 Hyundai Accent FWD has a 138-hp four-cylinder engine.
A six-speed manual transmission and a six-speed automatic transmission with rapid, precise shifts are standard. The Accent has an EPA fuel economy rating of 28 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway with either transmission.
- Overall NHTSA Safety Ratings: 4 Stars
- Overall IIHS Safety Ratings: A ( Acceptable )
8. 2016 Chevrolet Sonic
- MSRP: $9,980 – $13,481
- Engine: 1.8 Liter 4-Cylinder
- Horsepower: 138 HP
- MPG: 24-29/City, 33-40/Hwy
The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic is one of the best cars under 10000 dollars. It has plenty of passenger and cargo rooms, user-friendly tech features, and capable performance. Furthermore, Sonic has higher safety and dependability ratings than its competitors.
The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic is available in four trim levels: LS, LT, LTZ, and RS. The base Chevrolet Sonic LS has a Wi-Fi hotspot, a four-speaker stereo system, Bluetooth, keyless entry, and an auxiliary audio port.
The 2016 Sonic outperforms most of the subcompact car class in terms of safety. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rated it a Top Safety Pick. The Sonic received the highest possible rating of Good in all five IIHS test categories.
- Overall NHTSA Safety Ratings: 5 Stars
- Overall IIHS Safety Ratings: G ( Good )
9. 2012 Scion TC
- MSRP: $8,795 – 8,906
- Engine: 2.5 Liter 4-Cylinder
- Horsepower: 180 HP
- MPG: 23/City, 31/Highway
The Scion TC sports a four-cylinder engine with lots of power and smooth and precise automatic and manual transmissions. The TC has a fuel economy rating of 23/31 mpg city/highway, which is below average for the class.
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The tC’s cabin quality is poor, with hard plastics on the dash and other interior components. Taller drivers will be disappointed by the lack of headroom, but the TC’s front seats are pleasant and supportive.
The 2012 tC includes a Pioneer audio with USB and auxiliary ports, Bluetooth, HD Radio, and a panoramic sunroof. The TC has 14.7 cubic feet greater cargo space than the Honda Civic. Overall, Scion TC is great if you’re looking for the best cars under 10000$.
- Overall NHTSA Safety Ratings: 4.5 Stars
- Overall IIHS Safety Ratings: G ( Good )
Top Used & New Cars Under $10000 FAQs
What Are The Best Cars For College Students Under 10000 Dollars?
The best automobiles for college students under $10,000 are dependable, fuel-efficient, and comfortable to drive. Listed below are also several vehicles suitable for college students who work part-time and commute to class by car.
1. 2011 Chevrolet Volt ( MSRP: $7,190 )
2. 2012 Honda Fit ( MSRP: $9,027 – $10,060 )
3. 2010 Toyota Prius ( MSRP: $8,441 – $10,402 )
4. 2012 Honda Civic ( MSRP: $6,171 – $14,585 )
5. 2012 Mazda Mazda3 ( MSRP: $7,379 – $10,115 )
Is 2023 A Good Year To Buy A Car?
Higher interest rates and car prices do not appear to be going away anytime soon. According to J.P. Morgan, new automobile prices will fall by no more than 5% in 2023.
Suppose you intend to finance your new vehicle. In that case, your credit score will play a significant role in the interest rate you will be getting from a lender.
What Is The Most Affordable Used Car For Sale Under 10000 Dollars?
You can find plenty of options for used cars for sale under $10000. For instance, our above list contains 9 top market picks you can get this year for daily commutes or vacations. Moreover, these options are great in terms of safety and performance.
However, the 2012 Honda Civic and 2012 Volkswagen Golf are the two most affordable picks you can buy. Both cars offer immense performance while not cutting much of your bank in fuel economy.
Is It Possible To Get A Car Loan For $10,000?
Yes, it is possible to obtain a $10,000 auto loan. However, depending on the lender and the borrower’s credit score, the conditions and requirements for a car loan of this size may differ.
A down payment is usually necessary for a car loan of this size, and the monthly payments may be greater than for a bigger loan. A loan of this size may also have a higher interest rate.
What Is The Lowest-Cost Car That Looks Good?
The 2013 Hyundai Accent is an excellent choice for anyone searching for a nice-looking car. It has a sleek look, a pleasant and well-equipped cabin, and it gets good gas mileage. It also includes essential features that make it a safe option for regular commutes.
You can get this car for less than $10,000, making it an excellent choice for college students, commuters, or anyone searching for a low-cost vehicle that looks beautiful.
Final Thoughts
The best cars under 10000 dollars in 2023 are dependable and fuel-efficient and provide a smooth ride and a well-equipped cabin. There are numerous alternatives available, ranging from small hatchbacks to roomy Sedans.
The Chevrolet Volt, Honda Fit, and Toyota Prius are three popular models, but there are many more to select from. When shopping for the right car under $10000, remember to shop about, compare rates and conditions, and consider your lifestyle and budget.
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