The Worst Used Cars To Buy Under $5000 Will Cost You Big Time

Car shopping can be both fun and frustrating, particularly if you are in the market for a used vehicle and have a limited amount you can spend on a new ride. Don't get it wrong: there are some great used cars that cost around $10,000 for retirees and others on a fixed income, but dropping down to the $5,000 price range tends to be more dicey.

Kelley Blue Book recommended ten used cars for under $5,000 in 2025, noting that when it comes to purchasing a used vehicle, there are a few key characteristics to take into consideration: the condition of the car, as well as its track record on the road. While make, model, and year all are important components, you still want to ensure you have a safe and secure ride on the road. While some cars should only be bought used, this selection of vehicles for less than $5,000 should not be on your list for must-haves.

You might want to think twice before buying a new car, but give some extra thought and consideration when it comes to not purchasing a used Mercedes-Benz E-Class model from the first decade of the 21st Century. You'll be happy you used the brainpower to save you from bringing home a lemon.

There are two specific years of Mercedes-Benz E350 models to stay away from buying used. According to Hot Cars, the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350 is known for having handling and steering problems, which can cost an average of anywhere between $451 to $800 to fix. The 2007 model does not fare much better, tending to come with stalling and engine failure that can come with a $5,000 to $10,000 price tag for replacement. To make matters worse, both the 2006 and 2007 had to be recalled three times, meaning finding a reliable one that will not cost you an arm and a leg to keep in roadworthy condition is a herculean task.

Chevrolet tends to be a reliable automaker, which is why it is known as one of the car brands that is supposed to have the least amount of repair costs over the course of a vehicle's lifetime. The exception comes in the form of the HHR model produced between 2006 and 2011, which are even more expensive if you buy them used.

2006-2011 HHR models have 604 customer complaints and issues logged on CarComplaints.com including a reputation for expensive transmission problems, as well as a clunking noise when riding over choppy terrain.

As 1A Auto has noted, the electric power steering motor on these Chevys experiences high failure rates and maintenance repair cost to the tune of $1,500. Early wear and tear to HRR timing chain guides has led to chain-jumping timing failures in a lot of these models, a fix that can cost you on average between $986 and $1,249.

If you were thinking that the average price of a new car in 2024 was too high and so now you are waiting for a drop in cost by purchasing it used, you might have found a winning solution, just not with a 2007 Dodge Caliber. As Car Club USA's data showcased the amount of complaints, severity of issues reported, and recalls for the 2007 Dodge Caliber comes from an array of issues, including electrical system, suspension, vehicle speed control, body structure, and steering problems.

Drivers of 2007 Calibers have reported that even new models have ball joints that cannot operate correctly and problems with the CVT transmission, not to mention water Leakage coming from the drain tubes in the sunroof. Because there are numerous issues with the 2007 Calibers, the cost to maintain and repair one can range from runs anywhere between $105 to $2063, as highlighted by Your Mechanic. At the end of the day, the amount of money to fix a used 2007 Dodge Caliber might be more than some of these vehicles are worth.