What is a good car for $10,000 or less?

Question

Most likely it will be a used car. Im going for a economicle car that isn't tiny. Im not a small guy but since gas prices are so high, I've decided to stay away from pick up trucks. A nice looking 4 cylinder would be great, but it can't be tiny. I do not like Hondas although they are great cars. So please anything thats good, reliable, nice, a little roomy, and not a gas guzzler would be great. Any options? Thanks

Answer 1

try some type of toyota compact car...they don't kill gas.

Answer 2

chevy cobalt.

Answer 3

The Subaru Impreza for many reasons :

1. Reliable

2. Fuel efficient

3. Excellent Crash tests

4. Pretty roomy for an economy car

5. One of the best All Wheel Drive systems in the world

6. Pretty fast

2004 Subaru Impreza RS sounds like the one for you

p.s. i have owned many Subarus that are very nice cars, Also, Subaru is more reliable than Toyota, and Honda.

My current Subaru is a 2006 Outback, with 80,000 miles. and oh yeah, those 80,000 miles have been completely trouble FREE. Seriously Subaru makes a great car

Answer 4

I guess you should also check insurance quotes for the car before buying one, for example here: http://autoinsurance.hotusa.org

I would prefer Toyota.

Answer 5

For $10K or less, you'll want to buy used.  I always buy used, and apply the following principles:

1) Look for something around 50K miles... from some of the number-crunching I've done, it's the best point to balance  depreciation and reliability... meaning, you want the value to have dropped significantly, but you also want to drive the car for many miles to come

2) Look for low mileage.  If you find a 1998 vehicle with 50K miles and the same model vehicle from 2004 with 50K,  the '98 will always cost you less, but you'll still get the same reliability and overall drivability.  You'll sacrifice some of the newer bells and whistles, but your total overall cost of ownership will drop significantly.

3) Buy from dealers instead of private owners.  This seems counter-intuitive, since you can always get a better deal from a private seller.  However, you'll gamble on the honesty of the seller, who couldn't care less if you end up not liking him.  On the other hand, a dealer has his reputation at stake, and needs to keep that reputation in tact to stay in business... look for a dealer that has been around for a while, and ask your friends for referrals to dealers that they know and trust.

Best wishes!

Answer 6

Chevrolet Impala. It is classified as a large sedan, yet it is not too big. They are actually quite reliable and somewhat good on gas. Considering your price range, you will have to consider the previous generation which is still pretty good. It will look something like this:

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2004/...

Or, If you want something that will most likely still be on warranty, perhaps you could check out the Hyundai XG300. It was introduced as Hyundai's luxury car years ago.  It will look something like this:

http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/auto...

Good Luck & Drive Safe

Answer 7

Honda lasts a long time and are very reliable

Answer 8

Crown Vic..

They are not soo good on gas.

But they are fast and big inside.

Answer 9

A Chevy Malibu, not small good gas mileage butt ugly

Answer 10

You can get a new Kia car for under $10,000.  They have a 100,000 miles guarantee or 10 years.  If not, go with Ford Focus, they are the top car for Ford.  I rather going for a new car then a used car because less maintenance and you know you are the only one that drive the car from the beginning to finish.  That's two cents.

Answer 11

a 2001 olds alero  with 65k on it--  loaded-- 1 owner-  

  $9995.00    see still under your budget--  i'll even fill the tank--   call me        kidding   ---    seriously, the  Chevy Cobalt is a good car for the money-- you can pick one up  1 year old with less than 20k miles  very well equipped for around 10 grand--   good warranty--

Answer 12

We bought a fine new Kia Rio almost four years ago; they are reasonably priced, and I've still never had to take it in for any repairs. It has been completely reliable, and has excellent mileage. It isn't tiny, but it is definitely a compact car. Yet there is a very roomy trunk which can accommodate an entire grocery store run easily, with space to spare.

I can certainly recommend this one to you!

Answer 13

I would go with a Hyundai.  A very good car . . . and economical too!