8 of the Best Used Cars Under $10,000 in 2025

If you're shopping for a car and need to spend less than $10,000, you're going to have to buy used. And used is sometimes the better way to go anyway. You can avoid artificial price mark-ups while perhaps enjoying more features than you could afford if you were buying a new car.

Below is a list of the eight best used cars that industry experts say you can find for under $10,000. Of course, used car prices will differ based on the car’s: 

• Mileage
• Condition
• Location

All of the cars on our list, however, can typically be found for around $10,000, giving you a simple place to get started. And before you drive away with your new purchase, make sure you're covered with an affordable car insurance policy. A local independent insurance agent can help you find the best policy for your needs.

How We Compiled Our List

There are many reliable, high-performing used cars you can buy for under $10,000. No industry experts will agree on what's "best," either. So we looked at the cars that appeared frequently on several different lists that assessed reliability, value, and customer ratings. Here, we’ve shared the ones we like best. 

The 8 Most Frequently Recommended Used Cars under $10,000

Here are eight of the most frequently recommended used cars under $10,000.

1. 2012 Honda Civic

Average Price: $4,341 - $10,949

The 2012 Honda Civic is easy to drive, offering a comfortable ride and stable handling. It also provides good fuel economy and receives high safety and reliability ratings. And it certainly won’t make a big impression on your bank account while doing all of that. 

 2. 2017 Kia Soul

Average Price: $8,470 - $13,310

The 2017 Kia Soul ranks high in its class. The Soul offers excellent seating and cargo space, high reliability ratings, and great safety scores. While it may not have the most powerful engine, what it lacks is made up for by its affordability. 

3. 2017 Hyundai Elantra

Average Price: From $6,900

The 2017 Hyundai Elantra is a compact sedan known for its generous standard equipment and spacious interior. The Elantra also provides great fuel economy, high safety ratings, a comfortable ride, and a large trunk for its class. 

4. 2018 Nissan Altima

Average Price: From $8,900

The 2018 Nissan Altima is a mid-size sedan with more space than many of the other cars on this list. The Altima offers impressive acceleration and fuel efficiency, as well as a refined look, excellent safety scores, and above-average reliability ratings.

5. 2018 Ford Focus

Average Price: From $7,000

The Ford Focus' fuel-efficient 1.0-liter EcoBoost Engine provides a fun drive along with good safety ratings. The Focus is available in both a sedan and hatchback style. 

6. 2017 Mazda 6

Average Price: Under $10,000

Among the last generation of the Mazda 6, this model offers a smooth four-cylinder powertrain, excellent fuel economy, and a well-finished cabin with supportive seats. You'll also find in later models an upgraded infotainment system that uses a console-mounted knob. 

7. 2011 Chevy Volt

Average Price: $6,426

The 2011 Chevrolet Volt hybrid was one of the most efficient midsize cars available when it debuted. The Volt has a great safety score, but it only seats up to four. If you're looking for a hybrid and don't have a large family, the Volt can be an affordable, efficient option. 

8. 2013 Honda Fit

Average Price: $7,177 - $8,071

A used 2013 Honda Fit is an excellent choice in the subcompact car segment. It has a roomy interior, sharp steering, and a standard five-speed manual transmission. Head and legroom are abundant, especially for a subcompact. 

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How to Get the Best Car Insurance for Your Used Vehicle

When you need to get car insurance, there's one way to make sure you're getting the best value: comparison shopping. 

Independent insurance agents make comparison shopping easy because they work with many insurance companies and can get you several quotes to review at once. Our agents are ready to help you get the auto coverage you need at a price you can afford.