There are many great used cars under $5,000!
You’re shopping for a used vehicle with a $5,000 budget. You are probably expecting the worst. Most likely, you don’t think that you’re going to find a reliable vehicle at this price point.
Fortunately, you’re wrong.
There are many great used cars under $5K available at this price that have a solid track record. You should know where to purchase a car in this price range and what to look for. And, of course, have an affordable insurance policy.
Just don’t forget that it’s also important to have realistic expectations. A used car at this price will often have between 100,000 and 150,000 miles, be at least 10 years old, and display some scratches and signs of wear on the seats. However, paying $5,000 doesn’t mean that you have to settle for or purchase something you don’t want.
Here are some great used cars under $5,000!
1. 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
The Chevrolet Malibu is one of the most comfortable and spacious midsize sedans you’ll find from the late 2000s, with a nice, big trunk and great passenger room in both rows. The model has a balanced ride and makes for easy driving, even though it isn’t particularly entertaining or powerful.
Nothing too fancy, the Malibu does its job, though. The cabin has a thoughtful, ergonomically optimized layout for easy access to storage and controls.
There’s something safety enthusiasts may want to know: the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu fell short of its rivals in terms of safety ratings.
However, when it comes to great used cars, this one is a good choice.
2. 2011 Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf, one of the first budget-friendly fully electric cars, debuted in the 2011 model year and helped get the ball rolling for the wider range of mass-market EVs available today on the market.
This hatchback certainly wasn’t very visually pleasing back then, but it’s practical and one of the most efficient vehicles you can buy on a $5,000 budget. The model also came packed with features and got good safety ratings when new. It’s a wonderful choice for someone with access to a charger.
3. 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
For a precious period of three years in the mid- to late 2000s, the Volkswagen Golf was known as the retro Rabbit and bore a cute little badge to match. Apart from the name, though, the car is exactly what you’d expect from a Volkswagen Golf: cute, reasonably enjoyable to drive, and practical thanks to its spacious hatchback body style.
Similar to other great used cars under $5,000, the cabin is simple but attractive, and though the materials used reflect the manufacturer’s efforts to keep the Rabbit at an affordable price point, it’s still a nice and comfortable result.
When looking for great used cars, you should definitely consider this Volkswagen model.
4. 2007 Nissan Murano
We think the 2007 Nissan Murano features distinctive exterior styling, but of course, this is something that’s in the eye of the beholder. Some people would say this bulbous Nissan hasn’t aged gracefully, so it’s up to you whether you see this as an option or not.
If you get past the shortcomings, you’ll find a potent V6 engine that pairs with responsive, agile handling for a great driving experience. This SUV also delivers available all-wheel drive and a comfortable interior with good seats.
Similar to other great used cars, the Murano can be a smart choice for a second-hand crossover at the right price.
Read on to discover other great used cars!
5. 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
Suzuki still sells recreational cars in the US, but its passengers are long gone, unfortunately. It’s a shame that vehicles like the Kisazhi didn’t resonate with shoppers, though.
This midsize sedan has good overall performance to help spruce up a dull commute and is available with all-wheel drive (something that you didn’t find very often back then in its segment and you don’t do today either).
When looking for great used cars, it’s really worth taking a look at this option. The Kizashi is smaller inside than it looks, which may be a drawback for some. However, we think this is the only one, other than driving a vehicle from a brand that no longer sells cars in North America.
6. 2010 Kia Forte
The Kia Forte compact sedan was launched in 2010 and, in some ways, is one of the vehicles that helped establish the manufacturer’s reputation for creating stylish yet value-oriented family cars.
At first glance, this Forte seems rather unremarkable, but its bland exterior styling gives way to a comfortable and spacious cabin with ample space for passengers in both rows and a sizable trunk.
When it comes to great used cars, we think the 2010 Kia Forte is a pretty good choice. When new, the model got impressive safety ratings and came packed with advanced features.
7. 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
If you’ve ever wanted to embrace your inner Tony Soprano and have a spare five large tucked-in-the-ceiling tiles, a second-hand Chevy Suburban is a good pick.
This hulking beast of a full-size SUV has room for up to eight people and features plenty of space for all their luggage as well. There’s a choice of engines and four- or rear-wheel drive.
Overall, we think the 2007 Chevrolet Suburban deserves a place on the list of great used cars. It’s comfortable, capable, and casually timeless in its own way.
When purchasing a car, don’t forget to buy a cover for it too. Here are some options from Amazon.
8. 2007 Audi A4
The 2007 Audi A4 is a comfortable, refined vehicle with good performance features and options. If you’re a fan of the brand and you only have a budget of $5,000, you definitely should consider the model.
The 2007 A4 was also available as a convertible and a wagon alongside the more common sedan, but these options may be hard to find on a tight budget. Also, don’t forget that the base 2007 A4 was front-wheel drive, so if you’re looking for a version with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system, you’ll need to shop carefully.
Overall, this vehicle makes a great pick if you don’t want to spend money on a brand-new car.
9. 2007 Honda Odyssey
Next on our list of great used cars under $5,000 is the 2007 Honda Odyssey. Look past its dull exterior styling, and you’ll find a relatively potent standard V6 engine and seats for up to eight people.
This reliable minivan is versatile, spacious, and great for big families looking for a budget-friendly used car. The Odyssey is pretty equipped even in its base trim, and while it’s known for having a somewhat bumpy ride, its many benefits outweigh such minor drawbacks.
10. 2007 Honda Accord
When the 2007 Honda Accord was launched, it was hard to beat in value and set a standard for other midsize vehicles in practicality and comfort. That hasn’t really changed if you’re looking for a second-hand car for $5,000 or less.
The model is available with two powertrains, both of which deliver competitive efficiency and good acceleration. Sedan and coupe body styles are a throwback to a time when there were actually alternatives in this segment, and both designs have aged well.
If you liked our article on great used cars under $5,000, you may also want to read 9 Used Cars Just As Good as New Models, According to Experts.
