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Best Used Cars and SUVs Under $10,000 That You Can Buy Right Now

These cars, hatchbacks, and SUVs are safe, reliable, and available for far less than the average used car

2014 Toyota Corolla driving on a road.
2014 Toyota Corolla
Photo: Toyota

Buying a used car is a smart financial strategy to save money because most new vehicles depreciate quickly during the first 36 to 48 months of ownership. This rapid loss of value lets shoppers find highly rated models for a fraction of their new-car price.

Our list of recommended models below is based on how well the models performed when new in Consumer Reports’ rigorous tests and evaluations conducted at our Auto Test Center and the results of our Annual Auto Surveys of CR members. Every year, thousands of CR members provide detailed reports on the real-world reliability and repair history of their vehicles to help us identify the best options for your budget.

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We have data on many models going back 20 years, so we can also tell you which will be dependable and which could be expensive to maintain.

Every model listed below came with electronic stability control (ESC) as standard or optional equipment. Many came with standard backup cameras, and some were available with advanced safety systems such as forward collision warning (FCW), automatic emergency braking (AEB), blind spot warning (BSW), and/or rear cross traffic warning (RCTW).

Keep in mind that every vehicle has a different history, which is why it’s important to have the one you’re considering inspected by a mechanic who can look for potential trouble spots.

Vehicles are listed alphabetically within the category, and price ranges are given for each model year. Each one has above- or well-above-average reliability according to our most recent survey. The prices in the ratings boxes are dynamic and reflect the latest data available. 

See the Top Picks in used cars and find out which brands make the best used cars.

CR members can search our Used Car Marketplace for vehicles for sale in their area, sorting by the factors that matter most. The listings include CR reliability and owner satisfaction ratings, and most vehicles include a free Carfax report.

Small Cars

Honda Fit

2016: $8,850-$9,975
2013: $6,625-$8,150
2012: $6,200-$7,600
2011: $5,800-$7,025

Hyundai Elantra

2019: $7,750-$10,950

Mazda3

2017: $6,600-$10,000
2015: $6,250-$8,875
2013: $5,025-$7,600

Toyota Corolla

2016: $8,575-$11,025
2015: $8,025-$9,800
2014: $7,550-$8,450
2012: $7,050-$7,550

Toyota Prius C

2016: $8,700-$9,625
2015: $8,100
2014: $7,525
2013: $6,975

Toyota Prius

2015: $9,675-$10,300
2014: $8,450-$9,675
2013: $7,900-$8,275
2012: $7,375-$8,025

Toyota Prius V

2013: $8,000


Midsized and Large Sedans

Honda Accord

2013: $7,700-$9,125
2012: $7,100-$7,825
2006: $4,075-$5,425

Mazda6

2016: $7,400-$9,925
2015: $6,750-$8,700

Subaru Legacy

2017: $8,375-$13,125

Toyota Avalon

2013: $8,875-$9,975
2010: $6,225–$7,375

Toyota Camry

2014: $8,275-$10,625
2013:  $7,350-$9,225
2012: $6,550-$8,000
2010: $5,400-$6,650

Toyota Camry Hybrid

2014: $8,300-$10,650
2013: $7,350-$9,225
2012: $6,575-$8,025
2011: $5,650-$7,075
2010: $5,425-$6,675


Small SUVs

Honda CR-V

2013: $8,175-$10,975
2012: $7,575-$10,500

Mazda CX-5

2015: $8,500-$9,775
2014: $7,675–$9,025

Toyota RAV4

2012: $7,525-$9,525
2011: $6,775-$8,450


Midsized SUVs

Nissan Murano

2016: $7,400-$11,325

Toyota Highlander

2012: $8,450-$10,800
2010: $6,950-$9,100
2007: $4,70-$6,400

Toyota Venza

2011: $6,750-$8,050


Jon Linkov

Jon Linkov is the deputy auto editor at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2002, covering varied automotive topics including buying and leasing, maintenance and repair, ownership, reliability, used cars, and electric vehicles. He manages CR’s lineup of special interest publications, hosts CR’s “Talking Cars” podcast, and writes and edits content for CR’s online and print products. An avid cyclist, Jon also enjoys driving his ’80s-era sports car and instructing at track days.