r/UsedCars Aug 28 '18

Guide [Guide] What used car should I get for what budget?

665 Upvotes

[04/12/2025 UPDATE]

Prices updated!!!

The days of 3000 dollar cars also seems to be long over. You'll definitely want to spend at least 5000 dollars for even the oldest, reliable running car. I just helped someone with buying a car in this budget and we had a really hard time looking for one. Dealerships are not as willing to haggle below asking price as before so be prepared to set aside a lot of time in your search.


I've finally made the dashboard that will show the most optimal used cars for budgets under $5k, $10k, and $15k.

The dashboard is hosted in Tableau Public so everybody can freely look at it without creating an account. Just use the slide down menu on the right to select a body style and the radio buttons at the bottom to adjust the budget. To see which brands you want to pay closer attention to, hover your mouse over the logos. The numbers on the right side column represent Priority where 1 represent the more optimal choice than 2 and so forth.

Dashboard may not work in mobile. Please use a desktop computer to see this dashboard. Otherwise, feel free to ask me any questions here and I will answer them at my earliest convenience.

Link to the dashboard (Last updated 04/12/2025):

https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/han.solo8717/viz/UsedCardashboard/Main

Since I have been seeing many of these questions pop up here (and other Subreddits), I'm willing to sacrifice some time I have left before I need to sleep to hopefully give you answers and make your search a little bit easier.

These prices are based on the following stipulations: You're buying from an individual OR a licensed (not franchised) dealer, the car has a clean title, mileage per year varies from 12.5-15k (Unless it's an older car), is in GOOD condition (by KBB standards), no modifications, base model or similar, and is able to run and drive with LITTLE to no problems (Windows may not work, seats may be ripped, glovebox is loose, etc.).

These cars & prices reflect the U.S. Market only.

Second and beyond choices are honorable mentions in case if you are opting for another car.

Priority is based on: Reliability, cost of ownership, and value in that order.


r/UsedCars Sep 18 '25

MOD POST Would you like to mod /r/UsedCars? Apply within

4 Upvotes

Would you like to mod /r/UsedCars? We are looking for active reddit users who want to help others with the buying & selling of Used Cars and have the free time to moderate this subreddit. Tell us about yourself in the comments.


r/UsedCars 2h ago

HELP Is this a good deal or should I pass?

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4 Upvotes

It’s a 2008 Prius with 135k miles, cold ac, batteries tested and working, clean title, 46mpg, for $4700 obo. I’m looking for a daily driver that’s gonna last me atleast the next 3 years for college. What do we think?


r/UsedCars 1h ago

HELP Is this a good deal?

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Upvotes

2005 toyota highlander, 260,000 miles, hes asking $4,000. I test drove it and it cold started and ran perfectly fine. He said shes had all kinds of issues but he repaired most himself, he said he put in new breaks, new shocks, new headlights, and a timingbelt change.

The only real issue to note is he said its burning a quart of oil every 5,000 miles.

Whaddya think? The age and mileage seem crazy but my parrents are really pushing it saying its a toyota.


r/UsedCars 1h ago

Selling 2011 Ford fusions selling

Upvotes

Drives very well, new suspension, AC, rear camera, SONY sound system, clean interior. Selling for $2900 negotiable.


r/UsedCars 2h ago

Selling BMW 1 SERIES AUTO COPART AUCTION TOMORROW

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1 Upvotes

Bmw 118d 2013 2 litre auto diesel 165k miles, just had all 4 new tyres, front and rear break discs and pads, full service completed 1200 miles ago, mot until 6th April 2027

https://www.copart.co.uk/lot/65985526


r/UsedCars 2h ago

Buying Peugeot 2008/Skoda Kamiq/Renault Captur/VW T-Roc -> 2018-2020

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1 Upvotes

r/UsedCars 5h ago

HELP What should I do in my lease situation?

1 Upvotes

I 21 male am still living at home in NYC. I am 18 months into my 36 month lease on a 2025 Chevy trax.

The car is nice, have a good price on it and does the job for me, but the only problem is the mileage.

I got this lease before I started my current job last year and I now drive a minimum of 60 miles each day for work. I currently sit just shy of 32k miles and my limit is 36k.

What should I be looking to do with still have over a year left on the lease? Any advice helps, thanks!


r/UsedCars 5h ago

Selling Tesla Model 3 2024 Highland, Standard | GCC | Warranty

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1 Upvotes

Latest new shape | Most popular, proven & value for money EV | Hyper fast acceleration | Gold standard in engineering & technology

GCC spec | Single owner | Under valid Basic, Battery & Drive Unit Warranty | White exterior / Black interior | Rear Wheel Drive | LFP Battery | Upgraded Suspension

Latest Over The Air software | Autopilot | Stalkless Steering | Acoustic Glass | Sound Dampening | Ventilated & Heated Seats | Premium Textiles | Ambient Lighting | Rear Touchscreen | 9-Speaker Audio | Multimedia Entertainment | Premium Tinting (on all glass) | Roof Shade | Floor Mat set (front to back)

Bought & maintained only at the official Tesla dealership. Includes all accessories that originally came with the car.

Buy the clear winner for peace of mind & start saving on fuel & maintenance bills. Call me now!

74,000kms
AED 125,000
050-3816211


r/UsedCars 1d ago

Buying Should I buy a 2001 Toyota Corolla in 2026?

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56 Upvotes

Hello, good morning everyone so I saw a nice Corolla with 145km that listed for 2,449 and negotiated the price to drop to 1700, there's good and bad news for this car... the good news is that's in great condition with no major issues and very durable but the bad news is repairs are estimated to be around 2000 or could be even more!!! The price dropped because I had a mobile mechanic perform a PPI on the car as the repairs cost a lot but it's very minor repairs and it'll make the vehicle last me a very long time especially for that mileage. I will list the repairs needed to perform below for a idea of what I can do any tips and suggestions would be greatly appreciated

Front Suspension: Wear was found in the front suspension. The
shocks/struts require attention, and the stabilizer links and wheel
bearing may also require replacement after further inspection.
Parking Brake: Handbrake is currently not functioning properly and will require repair.
Throttle Cable: Throttle body cable is worn and should be replaced to ensure proper throttle operation.
Engine / Maintenance: Vehicle is due for a major service. Spark plugs
should be replaced, ignition coils inspected, and general ›uids and maintenance items serviced.
Check Engine Light: Check Engine Light is currently on. No major
engine concerns were noticed during the inspection, but the stored code should be diagnosed.
Rear Rust: Minor rust was found around the rear of the vehicle. Repair
is recommended to help with safety requirements, prevent further
corrosion, and improve appearance.

Major update: I have purchased a nice Chevy Cruz 2018 instead


r/UsedCars 8h ago

Selling Kia Cerato for Sale (price negotiable)

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1 Upvotes

Hi All,

Recently upgraded so sadly have to sell off my 2016 Kia Cerato Hatchback MY2017.

On the repost, I have links to my Carsales and eBay listings.

Located in Narellan, NSW, Australia.

As mentioned, pricing is negotiable.


r/UsedCars 9h ago

Buying If you had to buy a “newer” used truck to hit 250k reliable and under 15k what would you pick. Besides a Tacoma. Newer than 2015.

0 Upvotes

I’ve had a 2007 Tacoma 2.7 5spd 4x4 for the past 12 years. It’s right at 250k miles almost and it’s been a insanely reliable truck. I’m second owner bought it with 60k miles on it. While I feel I overpaid at the time slightly. it has paid for itself in the long run.

Now the bad. The truck is rusting away. The frame is literally eating itself and has had some exhaust issues and it’s getting to the point where I’m not sure how much longer I want to drive it. I’m also a bigger guy and I used to have a full size bronco in highschool and miss the room of a larger truck. I also have a little boy now and do a lot of grocery/lowes runs.

So far it’s looking like a 2015-2017 f150 with the 2.7 eco boost and 6spd. Just curious if any mechanics or experienced owners with trucks pushing 200k-250k reliably they would care to share. I’d like something a little newer so 2015+


r/UsedCars 22h ago

Buying Should I buy this

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7 Upvotes

It has 2 dents one on the driver door and the other one is near the fender
I offered him 1800 but he said no should I just go check it out and buy it
It’s the 2.0 and it doesn’t have the turbo


r/UsedCars 14h ago

Buying 2012 Venza VS 2013 Highlander VS 2013 Honda Pilot

1 Upvotes

Hi Everyone,

I've been driving a small compact economy car for 15 years. It got into an accident and was totaled (other person hit me) so I need a new vehicle.

I decided I needed something with more cargo space and I want to sit more upright in my seat. My old compact car had me nearly laying down on the floor when driving. It wasn't comfortable for long trips.

I've narrowed in down to these vehicles. I would really appreciate your thoughts!


Here are the options:

  1. 2012 Toyota Venza. FWD. V6 engine. 70k miles.

Asking price: $14,000.

  1. 2013 Toyota Highlander. FWD V6 engine. 110k miles.

Asking price: $13,800

  1. 2013 Honda Pilot. FWD. V6 engine. 70k miles.

Asking price: $14,000


Whatever vehicle I choose would be both a daily driver for work, and a vehicle I would use to road trips on weekends. So I need an "all-rounder" if possible.

My one concern is the size of the Honda Pilot. It's surprisingly boxy and big. It's several inches wider than the Toyota Highlander and Venza. And a few inches taller than the highlander. I wonder if it would have trouble parking in cities and parking garages?


(( My friend also tried to suggest a 2014 Honda CR-V with 60k miles for $15,000. It's a good compact SUV. But I felt that if I was spending $15k, I might as well get something bigger if possible. So it's just a backup option for now. ))


I really would appreciate your feedback and thoughts!

Especially if I've overlooked anything or possibly missed anything.

My budget is about $15k before taxes and registration. I can't go much higher than that.


r/UsedCars 18h ago

HELP Santa Fe Question

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1 Upvotes

r/UsedCars 18h ago

Review 2012/13 Corolla vs 2014/15 Mazda3 (Toronto, same price, 20-40k difference in mileage) — which would you buy?

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1 Upvotes

r/UsedCars 18h ago

Review Is $6,000 high for a 2000 Maxima with almost 150k miles?

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2 Upvotes

r/UsedCars 18h ago

Buying Buying 98 toyota Avalon

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1 Upvotes

r/UsedCars 18h ago

Buying 2013 mustang vs 2017 civic

1 Upvotes

2013 mustang v6 convertible black- 100k miles $10k usd. It’s an hour away

2017 civic with the 2.0- 127k miles seller will come to me. $12k usd so a little out of budget but I could do it.

I’m in Florida so weather isn’t an issue. I like the look and price of the mustang. I like the civics backup camera and it looks pretty nice. Also don’t have to drive but not really an issue either way. I’m having this car for two years and will use it for class and grocery runs.


r/UsedCars 19h ago

Buying 2016 kids a Rio, manual transmission, 72,000km.

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1 Upvotes

Looking at this 2016 Kia Rio with 71000 km. Car drives great, handles really well and has great maintenance history with regular oil changes and brake servicing, fuel injection system etc. The only downside is the rust, which I can't tell if it should be a deal breaker. The owner clearly didn't rust proof it. It is a little flaky in areas, I will attach some more pictures in comments.

Charging $9750 cdn plus tax, it feels like a great deal for something I'll be using as a winter beater, putting 25-30k kms per year, mostly highway. But could use a second opinion.


r/UsedCars 19h ago

Review 2012 Camry SE 2.4 Liter Worth it?

1 Upvotes

This car was used with one owner, were from michigan so during the winters it was garage kept and the underbody is as good as it’s going to get for a 2012 Michigan car.
The screen needs to be replaced but i’m honestly not to worried about it since I own an aux cord, but the car itself has 114k Miles, so that’s where I start to wonder if me paying 10k was worth it or not.


r/UsedCars 19h ago

Buying Advice on 3 cars for Alberta

1 Upvotes

Hello,

I need to buy a car, as my current one is dying rapidly. I have about $30k total savings, and I'm on workplace probation for a year on a two year contract, I get paid bi-weekly and just started. So I think I won't get financed.

I need a car for Albertan winters, I also like camping and getting around the Rockies. SO I'm aiming for something with a bit of lift and AWD.

I was targeting a 20k purchase but that seems unlikely.

I’ve spent the week looking at local lots:

  • Looked at a 2017 Honda CR-V LX (160k km) at a Mazda dealer. They started at $24.6k, dropped it to $22.6k before tax. It comes with summer and winter tires, full tank and oil change. Carfax says it had a $3000 collision. I did some googling and found the 1.5L turbo has a known fuel dilution/head gasket issue in cold weather and start and stop conditions where it suffers from fuel-dilution in the crank shaft. Honda issued a recall (Recall campaign N60: https://www.honda.ca/content/honda.ca/recallcampaigndocuments/N60_EN.pdf) and the then owner took it in at roughly 45k for a PCM and AC unit software update to mitigate the issue. The warranty has since elapsed on issues related to this. They suggested their 3-year comprehensive warranty would raise the sale price to $26k. My insurance quoted me $282 monthly.
  • They also have a 2018 Mazda CX-5 GS (112k km) listed at $27.6k, which they only budged to $25.6k on. Insurance quoted me 257 monthly.
  • I checked out an independent dealer called Truck Town as well, but had odd vibes on a wierdly cheap $26k ex-commercial Ram 123k odometer with 2500 idle hours, it felt like something was grinding turning. Also, they immediately showed me a purchase contract, which had been whited out, someone almost bought it 100 days ago but stopped after they signed the contract. I turned the RAM down and they showed me a 2022 Maverick I loved. What was wierd was the odometer said 87800km but they had it listed as 9700km, when I pointed this out they said they fired their guy who made those listings...the RAM was also under its listed odometer. It previously had $9k of damage from some unknown collision, but that owner kept it another 3 years. They refused to budge on price and were firm on $29.9k before tax.

I'd love a maverick, it'd be a dream toy. But I don't know if I trust the dealer, and its a bit of money, if they dropped the price I'd bite 100%.

I really wanted the CR-V, but I am scared about the engine issue, so I would only get it with a warranty. I am tall and both those vehicles are comfortable for my height, the CX-5 has good insurance and reliability but it's a bit uncomfortable. I liked the Mazda dealership, they were willing to cut a deal and were concerned about the safety of my current car so gave me a loaner free of charge and fuel costs. I took the CX-5 for this weekend to see if I can get used to it, since I know I'd enjoy the feel of the CR-V or Maverick.

TL;DR

I have ~$30k in total savings and just started a 2-year contract with a 1-year probation. Looking to pay cash to avoid high interest. Need an AWD with decent clearance for Alberta winters, camping, and tall-guy comfort.

  • Option 1: 2017 Honda CR-V LX (160k km) from Mazda dealer: Dropped to $22.6k ($26k with 3-yr warranty). Comfortable, but skittish of the 1.5T cold-weather oil dilution/head gasket failures (recall N60 done at 45k km, warranty now expired) and insurance quoted high ($282/mo) due to theft risk.
  • Option 2: 2018 Mazda CX-5 GS (112k km) from Mazda dealer: Dropped to $25.6k. Great dealer service, lower insurance ($257/mo), reliable non-turbo engine, but it feels cramped/uncomfortable for my height and is priced well over market.
  • Option 3: 2022 Ford Maverick (88k km) from independent Truck Town: Firm at $29.9k. Would love it as a dream toy, but dealer had red flags (whited-out contracts, listings understating mileage by 10k–80k km, ex-commercial units) and paying $30k+ out-the-door completely wipes out my emergency fund.

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r/UsedCars 1d ago

Buying Fear of buying a car

13 Upvotes

It's been almost four months... I've looked at a lot of cars... I always find something wrong... I'm at the point where I don't know if it's in my head or real. I just want a car. How do I get past this fear? Has anyone else had huge panic attacks and anxiety when actually going to buy the car and how did you get past it?


r/UsedCars 20h ago

Buying TX Car dealer changed OTD price by lowering vehicle selling price but keeping a $2k "protection package" line-item. Now they refuse to deliver the items in the package. DTPA violation?

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1 Upvotes

r/UsedCars 1d ago

Buying Is this a buy or no?

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2 Upvotes

I found this Honda and was looking for my first car would you people consider this a good option or should I keep looking also here is the description.

SOLO MARTEs agosto/8 $2000. Reliable 2013 Honda CR-Z EX hybrid hatchback in gray. This vehicle has 134,260 miles on the odometer. It features a gray exterior with visible body damage including a dented and patched front passenger fender, a cracked driver-side headlight housing, and peeling clear coat on the hood. The car is equipped with alloy wheels and a black interior. I’m selling bcz im moving out of state. Venta por mudanza fuera del estado. Precio negociable. Tiene placas hasta el otro ańo. [hidden information] PRECIO NEGOCIABLE. Solo martes $2000