Best used cars to buy under $10,000 right now: See our list

Billy Rehbock
| MotorTrend

Finding the right used car is a tough task, and finding a really good deal on a high-quality used car is even harder. With the surge in popularity of SUVs and trucks over the past decade, there aren’t quite as many sedans, hatchbacks or coupes available as there would have been in years prior. To help out shoppers scouring the internet for a solid used car under $10,000, we assembled this list of recommendations.

We considered cars from the 2015-2018 model years with average or better reliability and strong safety scores. Models that meet our criteria are small, basic cars with strong fuel efficiency. If you’re in the market for a small, practical and cheap used car, one of these might be a great match.

About MotorTrend’s methodology: The Buyer’s Guide recognizes how important a used car purchase can be, which is why we take this so seriously. Our methodology considers cars with multiple trim levels under the $10,000 mark to be recommended. To capture enough SUVs that garner our recommendation, we opened up the model-year window to include 2015-2019 vehicles. Additionally, an Average or greater score in JD Power reliability is a plus. We also consider safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA when recommending used cars on this list; a five-star overall NHTSA score isn’t required but is preferred.

2015-2017 Honda Fit: Subcompact Hatchback

Pros: We’re genuinely sad Honda no longer offers the Fit hatchback in our market. We love this subcompact car because it’s spacious, practical and enormous fun to drive. The Honda Fit can be found with a manual transmission, and it’s very efficient for a gas-powered car.

Cons: The base infotainment display is tiny, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality wasn’t offered until the 2018 model year. Manual versions of the Honda Fit are incompatible with the Honda Sensing suite of active safety features.

The best AWD cars: Our favorite all-wheel drive picks in 2024

2015-2017 Honda Fit: Subcompact Hatchback

Specifications

Approximate Price: From $9,000
Safety Ratings: 2015 IIHS Top Safety Pick, NHTSA 5 Stars overall
Fuel Economy: 29-33/36-40 mpg city/highway
Driving Range: 329-382 miles
0-60 mph Acceleration: 7.9-9.1 seconds

2015-2018 Kia Rio: Subcompact Sedan and Hatchback

Pros: Offered in both sedan and hatchback body styles, the Kia Rio has a lot going for it. It comes loaded with a lot of features for a subcompact model, and good build quality is another plus. Impressive fuel economy helps you save at the pump. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available for the 2018 Kia Rio EX.

Cons: An underpowered engine and somewhat vague steering prevent the Rio from being as fun to drive as some of the other small cars on this list. The weak engine doesn’t contribute to driving joy, either. A small second row and the sedan’s small trunk are other drawbacks.

2015-2018 Kia Rio: Subcompact Sedan and Hatchback

Specifications

Approximate Price: From $6,000
Safety Ratings: NHTSA 4 Stars overall
Fuel Economy: 27-29/36-37 mpg city/highway
Driving Range: 342-381 miles
0-60 mph Acceleration: 8.2-8.7 seconds

2015-2018 Chevrolet Sonic: Subcompact Sedan and Hatchback

Pros: Driving dynamics are the Chevrolet Sonic’s strong suit. Decent acceleration, a compliant ride, and sharp handling make this a solid choice for a daily driver. Hatchback models offer more versatility, with 19.0 cubic feet of cargo volume. A standard 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth compatibility.

Cons: Entry-level versions of the Chevy Sonic feel very stripped down; we recommend finding a better-equipped model if creature comforts are a necessity. The Sonic doesn’t have many driver assistance features. Manual models are geared very closely.

2015-2018 Chevrolet Sonic: Subcompact Sedan and Hatchback

Specifications

Approximate Price: From $5,300
Safety Ratings: 2015-2016 IIHS Top Safety Pick, NHTSA 5 Stars overall
Fuel Economy: 24-28/33-38 mpg city/highway
Driving Range: 342-390 miles
0-60 mph Acceleration: 8.1 seconds

2017-2018 Kia Forte: Subcompact Sedan and Hatchback

Pros: An attractive exterior and strong safety scores contribute to the Kia Forte’s appeal. A strong suite of features and available driver assistance tech sweeten the deal. The Forte is available with a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen that includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, an auxiliary input jack and Bluetooth streaming audio.

Cons: Slow acceleration and a firm ride might turn off some prospective buyers. The cabin isn’t particularly handsome, either. If you’re looking for something compact that feels special, this isn’t it.

2017-2018 Kia Forte: Compact Sedan and Hatchback

Specifications

Approximate Price: From $6,000
Safety Ratings: IIHS 2017 Top Safety Pick+, NHTSA 5 Stars overall
Fuel Economy: 23-29/29-38 mpg city/highway
Driving Range: 317-422 miles
0-60 mph Acceleration: 8.4 seconds

The best electric SUVs: Top picks to go EV in 2024

2015-2016 Toyota Corolla: Compact Sedan

Pros: The Toyota Corolla has all of the hallmarks of a dependable used car. It boasts strong fuel efficiency, good safety scores and proven reliability. The exterior and interior designs still look sharp. Back seat space is notable; adults can fit comfortably in the second row.

Cons: This generation of Corolla wasn’t particularly fun to drive. Acceleration is one of its weakest aspects. If you do push the Corolla in the corner, its seats don’t offer much lateral support. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto weren’t offered on either of these model years.

2015-2016 Toyota Corolla: Compact Sedan

Specifications

Approximate Price: From $8,700
Safety Ratings: NHTSA 5 Stars overall
Fuel Economy: 27-30/35-40 mpg city/highway
Driving Range: 369-449 miles
0-60 mph Acceleration: 9.2-9.7 seconds

Best Used Cars Under $10,000

2015-2017 Honda Fit
2015-2018 Kia Rio
2015-2018 Chevrolet Sonic
2017-2018 Kia Forte
2015-2016 Toyota Corolla

Photos by MotorTrend Staff and Manufacturer