8 of the Best Used Cars Under $5,000 in 2025
Written by
Ann Herro has been writing about insurance and employee benefits for over 15 years. She covers topics ranging from car insurance to healthcare costs.
Reviewed by
Cara Carlone is a licensed P&C agent with 20 years of experience. She has her P&C license in RI and TX and holds CPCU, API, and AINS designations.
You're shopping for a used car with a $5,000 budget, and you're probably expecting the worst. But you can find a reliable car at this price point if you do your homework.
Below is a list of the 8 best used cars that industry experts say you can find for under $5,000. 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 $5,000, 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.
What to Expect in a Car for Under $5,000
Realistic expectations are important when you're shopping on a budget. Used cars for under $5,000 are no different.
Here are some things you should expect with any used car for under $5,000:
- 100,000-150,000 miles
- Usually at least 10 years old
- No serious accidents, but some scratches or other cosmetic damage
- Signs of wear on seats
- Mostly clean interior
Remember, you're buying a used car. Going into the purchase process with realistic expectations will help you focus on what's important: the vehicle's history, reliability, and safety.
How We Compiled Our List
There are a lot of solid used cars you can buy for under $5,000. No industry experts will agree on what's "best," either. So, we looked at the cars that appeared on several 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 $5,000
Here are eight of the most frequently recommended used cars under $5,000.
1. 2007 Toyota Corolla
The 2007 Toyota Corolla offers 29 mpg with its automatic transmission and up to 31 mpg combined with the manual transmission. The 2007 model is a solid choice in this price range.
2. 2007 Honda Civic
The 2007 Honda Civic is available in both coupe and sedan styles. It offers all of the advantages found in any Honda, including a roomy cabin, 29 mpg, easy driving dynamics, and relatively inexpensive parts if you need repairs.
3. 2007 Mazda3
The 2007 Mazda3 was a great all-around choice when it was new and remains an excellent choice to purchase used, especially on a budget. You should be able to find a Mazda3 Grand Touring hatchback or sedan within your budget, with features like Bose audio, remote start, and 5-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels.
4. 2006 Honda Accord
The 2006 Honda Accord is a mid-size sedan that's fuel-efficient, spacious, and fun to drive. The Accord is known for long-term reliability, and you'll find plenty of affordable parts available when it's time for a repair.
5. 2007 Toyota Camry
The 2007 Toyota Camry is a mid-size sedan available with a 4-cylinder engine, a V6, or a hybrid powertrain. The Camry is unassuming, comfortable, and reliable.
6. 2007 Subaru Outback
The 2007 Subaru Outback came with standard all-wheel drive (AWD), and you should be able to find even the most loaded models within your budget. 2007 Outbacks are available in both sedan and wagon styles, with the sedan style being harder to find.
7. 2010 Kia Soul
The 2010 Kia Soul looks somewhat like an SUV, but drives more like a hatchback or small wagon. It's comfortable and easy to maneuver, while its unique square design creates a plethora of useful cargo space and passenger headroom. You might even be able to find a fully loaded model within your budget.
8. 2008 Chevy Malibu
The 2008 Chevrolet Malibu is a quality, affordable mid-size sedan. It is spacious, plush, and available as a hybrid. This roomy sedan provides reliable family transportation within your budget.
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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 ensure you get 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 simultaneously. Our agents are ready to help you get the auto coverage you need at a price you can afford.
https://www.kbb.com/best-cars/top-10-best-used-cars-under-5000/#:~:text=The%20newest%20model%20on%20our,as%20a%20peppy%20driving%20experience.
https://www.thestreet.com/automotive/consumer-reports-best-used-cars-suvs-under-5000#:~:text=The%20trusty%202005%20Toyota%20Corolla,still%20a%20solid%2C%20reliable%20buy.