5 Reliable Used Cars You Can Buy Under $10,000

With the astronomical price tag attached to many new cars in 2025, budget-conscious shoppers are turning to used models more and more. Knowing which used cars are actually a good deal, though, is crucial to finding a model that's both reliable and affordable. Just because a car is made by one of consumers' top 10 favorite car brands doesn't guarantee a used model from one of these makers will fit into either the reliable or affordable categories. Just look at the Mitsubishi Outlander, it's a best-selling vehicle that's among the worst used cars you can buy despite coming from a popular brand. So, it's imperative to use caution when searching for a used car that won't break the bank.

However, by reading owner reviews, consulting trusted vehicle ratings sites, and researching recalls and repair issues before you buy a used car, you can go into your vehicle purchase with some confidence. As a list recently published by U.S. News shows, there are actually quite a few reliable used cars you can buy for under $10,000 in 2025. Among those options, these are our five favorites that we think are perfect for savvy shoppers who want to save while still picking up a vehicle that's proven to last.

Cadillac is well known for its luxury vehicle lineup, and scoring a model from this auto brand for $10,000 or less is an achievement in itself. Luckily, the 2011 Cadillac DTS not only got a 93 out of 100 quality and reliability rating from J.D. Power, but this used sedan also frequently comes in for under $7,000. It ranked No. 3 in the website's list of large premium 2011 cars, and owners love that it has a large trunk and an easy-to-use navigation system. Drivers enjoy the smooth gear changes from the four-speed automatic transmission, while models with the 292-horsepower V8 engine provide plenty of power for any commute.

The 2011 DTS has only had two recalls since it first hit the streets. Seeing as that was nearly two decades ago, we'd call that a pretty solid track record. Both recalls were related to electrical system issues, the more recent of which occurred way back in 2014. So, if the vehicle's been kept in good shape, odds are those issues were already addressed if the specific model you're considering was impacted to begin with. So, if you're looking for an affordable used car with a spacious interior and comfortable seats, this could be the model for you.

Buick has a solid reputation for building quality vehicles, and the sophisticated 2013 Buick Verano won't disappoint. This four-door sedan has a 91 out of 100 quality and reliability score on J.D. Power and ties with the Toyota Corolla for first place in the company's roundup of 2013 compact cars. You can pick up a used 2013 Verano for under $9,000 in some markets, and combining its low price with its potential to get up to 32 miles per gallon on the highway makes it an unbeatable value. The Verano's turbocharged engine isn't just efficient, it gives drivers plenty of power for a car of its size. Cars.com gives the Verano a 4.6 out of 5 rating for reliability, with 90% of drivers saying they would recommend the model.

What awaits you with the 2013 Verano is a quiet cabin with some surprisingly modern tech features. Voice recognition makes it simple to use Bluetooth, and the infotainment interface is decent for a car that's more than 10 years old. It offers a luxurious, upscale feel in the cabin, with many owners pleased that, despite it not being a full-size sedan, the car feels quite roomy when you're riding in it. 2013 Veranos have only been recalled three times for minor problems with their air bags, powertrain, and wiring, so you should be in for a smooth ride for years to come if you can find one in the right shape.

If you need a well-rounded used sedan with an affordable price, choosing a Toyota model is a wise decision. Often selling for between $8,000 and $10,000, the 2013 Toyota Corolla is an auto industry staple that drivers all over confirm is well worth the asking price. J.D. Power gives the Corolla an 89 out of 100 for quality and reliability and ranks it No. 1 in the compact car category alongside the Verano for vehicles with this model year. On Cars.com, the Corolla gets a 4.8 out of 5 for reliability, and 93% of owners say they would recommend the car. It's the perfect used car if you're on a budget, as it can get over 30 miles per gallon.

For being a compact Toyota model, the Corolla's surprisingly large trunk provides plenty of room for luggage or groceries. The cabin is quiet, but the engine provides plenty of power for daily driving. Many owners value the car's dependability, with several reports stating the car rarely, if ever, has mechanical issues. It is worth noting that the 2013 Corolla has been recalled for issues with its airbags on five separate occasions, though it's been over five years since the latest example. Still, earlier Corollas were impacted by one of the largest car recalls in recent history involving Takata air bags, so issues like this are a bit of a theme with these Japanese sedans.

Another exceptional used Toyota that's reliable and affordable is the 2010 Avalon. Discovering you can get this sedan for around $10,000 or less might just make your day. This car gets an 89 out of 100 for quality and reliability from J.D. Power, not to mention it's in the No.1 position in the large car category for its model year. Even on Edmunds, the Avalon gets a 4.5 out of 5 rating from consumers for its reliability. Drivers love that five adults can ride comfortably in the Avalon's cabin thanks to ample legroom for passengers in both the front and rear rows.

An upscale cabin features high-quality materials that make the Avalon feel like a luxury car. The V6 engine produces 268 horsepower and pairs with a smooth six-speed transmission for a quiet, refined ride. Though not quite as fuel efficient as the Corolla, it's still reported to get in the range of 20 to 28 miles per gallon. Of all the models on this list, it has had the highest number of recalls — largely to do with its seats and acceleration — but the most recent of them was resolved in 2016. If you're looking for a safe ride with smooth handling, you'd be hard pressed to find a better deal.

Toyota eliminated the Scion brand back in 2016, but it wasn't because there was anything wrong with the vehicles. So, if you can find a 2012 Scion xD at your local used car lot, consider yourself lucky. This unique hatchback scores an 89 out of 100 from J.D. Power for quality and reliability, while also maintaining the top spot alongside the Toyota Yaris in the site's roundup of 2012 small cars. You can frequently find a used Scion xD for between $5,500 and $6,500, putting it well within reach for most budget-minded shoppers.

Under the hood, the Scion xD features an efficient four-cylinder engine capable of delivering up to 128 horsepower. The engine pairs with either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission for smooth gear changes. Inside, the 2012 xD is comfortable to drive around town, with plenty of space in the second row. However, it does lack a little in the cargo space department, so it may not be the used car for you if you need something for long road trips or packing a lot of gear. An analysis from iSeeCars reports the average lifespan of a 2012 xD is around 163,000 miles, so hunting down a model with low mileage and good maintenance could be particularly worth the effort in this case.