It’s not just new cars that people are after. The used car market is full of good cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans that are available at prices far lower than a brand new car.
iSeeCars, a car search engine, analyzed over 6.1 million cars from model years 2011 and newer to determine the used cars that demonstrated long-term reliability and have an average safety rating of at least 4 stars out of 5 from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Shoppers with a budget of $10,000 can purchase the following reliable vehicles that are less than 10 years old.
2011 Toyota Prius
Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc.
Average Used Price: $9,076
The five-passenger Toyota Prius was new for the 2010 model year and mostly unchanged for 2011. In the second-generation Prius buyers could get a moonroof with solar panels, four driving modes, a guidance parking system, and steering wheel controls on their Prius when it was new.
2012 Chevrolet Impala
Photo courtesy of Chevrolet
Average Used Price: $9,240
The Chevrolet Impala is spacious and reliable. It isn’t as well-appointed as some of its rivals, but it is powered by a strong 300-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine that is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
2011 Honda Accord
Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Co., Inc
Average Used Price: $9,363
The Honda Accord was upgraded for 2011 with increased fuel economy, fresh from and rear fascia, a new SE trim level, and two engine options (four-cylinder or V6). Some models were available with paddle shifters and navigaton when the Accord was new.
2012 Honda Civic Coupe
Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Co., Inc
Average Used Price: $9,406
Honda redesigned the Civic for the 2012 model year debuting a more streamlined look, spacious cabin, and enhanced technology. When the model was new, it was available with a USB audio interface, Bluetooth, navigation, and voice recognition technology.
2013 Mazda Mazda6
Photo courtesy of Mazda North American Operations
Average Used Price: $9,534
Mazda strived to make the Mazda6 a true sports sedan. It was available with either a four-cylinder or V6 engine and came standard with automatic headlight shutoff, air conditioning with pollen filter, power door locks and windows, driver’s side one-touch window control, cruise control, steering wheel-mounted controls, a AM/FM/CD/MP3-compatible six-speaker audio system, and remote keyless entry. The car was well-appointed in top trims with wood grain pattern, satin silver, and polished chrome accents.
2012 Honda Civic Sedan
Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Co., Inc
Average Used Price: $9,552
The Honda Civic sedan got the same revisions as the coupe model for the 2012 model year. It was a good buy then and it continues to be one today.
2012 Toyota Corolla
Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc.
Average Used Price: $9,655
Toyota refreshed the Corolla for the 211 model year. For 2012, the Corolla gained standard with color-keyed power side mirrors, power windows, driver’s side auto-down window, power door locks, and remote keyless entry. Higher trim levels have an upgraded head unit with a USB port.
