10 Cars For $10K in 2010
They aren’t all 2010 models, but finding a car around $10,000 or less that won’t spontaneously combust (or accelerate) can be tough. Automopedia tracked down 10 great new and used rides for you to purchase, hassle free. Almost.
Keep in mind, most of the choices below will be found under the “Pre-owned” section of sites like Autotrader.com. If they’re new expect each to be a base model.
MINI Cooper
MINI is produced by BMW (where it use to be a stand alone company) – so one might imagine paying hefty prices for a Cooper or Clubman. But if you hunt around, finding a low mileage MINI for $9,995 is possible. If you’re going for a small yet luxurious city car with plenty of ‘go’ MINI is the budget saver for you.
Nissan Versa
Last year, Nissan began their “Own a new Versa for under $10k.” Sure, you didn’t even get AC or a radio in that model, but the deals brought shoppers to Nissan lots. Nissan continues their New Versa sales for $10,000 in 2010, but now you at least get an AM/FM receiver.
Chevy Aveo
Chevy’s popular economy class vehicle is the doll of rental lots nationwide. With manual windows and a cozy cabin, Aveo has morphed from a boring Hertz ride to a nifty little post-college new car. A new Chevy Aveo starts around $11,000 MSRP, but plenty of certified ’09 models can be found for under $10k.
Hyundai Accent
Hyundai’s 2-door adaptation of Aveo is becoming more popular then its 4-door counterpart. Accent’s hatchback recently went thought a remodeling which has it looking like an “egg-car.” With a base MSRP of $9,970 for the 2010 model, even a brand-spanking-new Accent will make sweet love to your wallet.
VW Golf/Rabbit
Volkswagen vehicles always had a high re-sell rate, but the Rabbit and Golf both hover in the affordable certified-used arena. With a MPG rating of 22 City / 30 Hwy, Golf was recently named #7 in a list of the top 30 best used cars. Not a bad number, and with pre-owned models hovering around $10,000 you can slip into a fine German automobile with little struggle.
PT Cruiser Convertible
They tried to kill off PT Cruiser…well more times then I can remember. But the small convertible model has made Chrysler popular, especially after Michael from The Office sported one over these past few seasons. And a long-running Chrysler model still alive in 2010? That’s worth checking out.
Mazda MX-5
Formerly the Miata, MX-5 might be the fastest car on this list. Commonly referred to as the old man’s midlife crisis car, MX-5 holds its own in a world of larger coupes. Available in both manual and automatic, Mazda has continued to sell an inexpensive gem with Miata…I mean MX-5, sorry.
Ford Ranger
Let us not forget the all might pickup truck. Capable of going 200,000 miles with just regular maintenance, Ranger finally met its model demise last year. Fortunately for you, the car buyer, you can find plenty of under-100k, around $10k Rangers at Ford Dealerships nationwide.
Toyota Corolla
Toyota’s name may be mud these days, but Corolla has always been a popular little Japanese car for the sporty, “I just graduated community college and need a car” group. As long as you get that pesky recall/braking matter taken care of, one can find a perfectly respectable used car for around $9,995.
Dodge Caliber
Dodge has few good cars these days, but one standout diamond is the Caliber. Its reviews on consumer websites range from moderate to good. Caliber seems to be one of those rare American made autos that doesn’t need an insane amount of repair. Dodge may discontinue Caliber soon, but plenty of pre-owned versions can be found with low mileage and a low starting price.
The Mazda looks nice for the price…and for a sedan the Nissan isn’t bad. All the other cars just isn’t worth owning. They look terrible.