Ten best used cars for $10,000.
List looks at safety, reliability, practicality
Cash-strapped buyers used to have choices in new cars for $10,000, but that’s long been in the rear view mirror.
Even “cheap” cars today are no longer as cheap, and the average new car now sells for around $30,000 according to CNW Marketing Research.
Meanwhile, the average used car sold in January this year for $10,843 at franchised dealerships (e.g., Bob’s Honda) and $9,513 at independent dealerships (e.g., Bob’s Used Cars), according to CNW.
So for a buyer on a budget, what are the best used-car values for that $10,000 average? A pool of 60 candidates was assembled based on shopping site Cars.com’s listings. Then the data were crunched on crash tests, safety, reliability, practicality and overall driveability.
The Top 10 best-buy list (alphabetically):
2009 Ford Focus: Its nimble handling and smooth-revving four-cylinder are still appealing. Stick with the sedan version; the coupe lacks sufficient reliability data .
2008 Ford Fusion: The first-generation Fusion sedan still hits a sweet spot between ride quality and handling, and family shoppers will appreciate its roomy trunk.
2008 Ford Taurus: The renamed Ford 500 is in many ways a better car than today's Taurus, thanks to its mammoth backseat and trunk, excellent visibility and spot-on ride/ handling balance.
2007 Honda Civic: It set the standard for commuter compacts, with nimble handling, impressive cabin materials and good fuel efficiency. Had a busy, noisy ride.
2009 Hyundai Sonata: The 2009 remains a sound choice for first-time drivers and familycar shoppers alike thanks to its roomy cabin and long list of standard safety features. Drawbacks: Noisy suspension, numb steering.
2008 Kia Sportage: A small crossover whose new-car pricing translates to used-car affordability. Sportage delivers better highway composure than its small size suggests.
2008 Mazda6: The firstgen Mazda6 remains a compelling choice for family-sedan shop- pers who can sacrifice a little cabin room for sharp steering and sporty handling.
2007 Nissan Altima: Lead-footed sedan shoppers have their chariot in the Altima with its capable four-cylinder or big V-6. ) It suffered from a noisy, firm ride, but Nissan matched strong power with unexpected fuel efficiency.
2008 Scion xB: There’s a lot to love about Scion’s boxy xB, whose current generation dates to ’08. Safety features included six air bags and an electronic stability system, making it a natural choice for first-time drivers. Its four-cylinder is peppy, and the hatchback boasts 69.9 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume. A used xB packs terrific value.
2007 Toyota Prius: Even by today’s standards, Toyota’s iconic second-gen Prius still gets excellent mileage (46 mpg) and given its efficiency, its driveability is impressive. So is its reliability, even in this above-average crowd.
Full details available at Cars .com, along with shopping notes by model on versions, features and options to look for.