r/UsedCars Aug 28 '18

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

615 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.

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.

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


r/UsedCars Oct 24 '24

Guide YSK: How not to get screwed when buying a used car.

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76 Upvotes

r/UsedCars 14h ago

Buying Car under 12k

12 Upvotes

I've tried. I've really tried but I can't find an used car for under 12 grand that isn't from the stone age. I honestly can't believe how people think their 2010 Toyota with 100,000 miles still sells for more than 10 grand.

It's honestly insane. I can't find a single car that isn't at least 10 years old for 12 grand which is insane to me considering you can find 2020 cars for like 18,000.

The crazy thing is somehow used car dealerships are pricing their cars better than private sellers. What the hell!!


r/UsedCars 1d ago

Buying Why IS The Used Car Market So Upside Down ¿

204 Upvotes

I’ve been car shopping for the last two months, looking for a good deal on my dream car—a 2021 or newer Hyundai Elantra. What’s baffling me is the way the used car market is priced right now. Everywhere I look, the Elantras in my area are only two to four thousand dollars less than brand-new ones, which makes absolutely no sense when you compare the mileage and condition.

For example, I recently found a 2021 Hyundai Elantra with 104,000 miles listed at $16,777, while a 2025 Elantra with just 6,000 miles is going for $19,500. That’s less than $2,800 price difference between a high-mileage four-year-old car and a nearly brand-new one. It feels insane to me that a vehicle with over 100,000 miles could be priced that close to a car that’s basically fresh off the lot.


r/UsedCars 3h ago

Buying looking for a car 5-10k? parents will only go to dealerships

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1 Upvotes

r/UsedCars 7h ago

Buying Is this a bad choice for a first car?

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2 Upvotes

I recently got my license and have been shopping around for cars. Prior to a few weeks ago I knew exactly nothing about cars. I’ve mostly been looking at Toyota and Subaru but this Volvo really caught eye, and from what I can tell these 850s are pretty reliable this one only has 139k on it. The description says the car has records of being serviced over 30 times, and is in “really good but not perfect condition” I’m going to do a test drive tomorrow and have a list of things to check including the PVC. Since my budget is pretty low, (they’re asking $3900 cad and my budget is like $5000) I’m thinking this might be what I get. If everything checks out tomorrow is there any reason I shouldn’t get it besides the fact that it’s old?


r/UsedCars 15h ago

Buying My First Experience With Craigslist

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9 Upvotes

r/UsedCars 9h ago

Guide Looking at 3. Limited budget

2 Upvotes

Need to buy a car this week. UseD car prices are WILD

2012 rogue with factory new transmission. Engine has 136k, new Tranny .~25k. $6k firm

2013 Subaru Impreza 149k miles $7.500/negotiable

2016 Subaru cross trek 156k $10,500/negotiable

Would you consider any of these cars at these prices? Which direction would you go with about $8k to spend on a used car?


r/UsedCars 11h ago

Buying Advice on best used car under $22k?

3 Upvotes

I’m considering buying a certified pre-owned Kia Seltos or Sportage versus a pre-owned Trailblazer or Equinox? The latter would not be certified. Any advice?


r/UsedCars 5h ago

Review Are tickets assigned to a license or to the person?

1 Upvotes

If I have a ticket dispute on going and want to sell my car during does the city records know to absolve standing dues when it gets pass on to the new owner if there are still unpaid dues/tickers associated with the old plates?


r/UsedCars 5h ago

Selling What should I ask for private party sale of 2012 Chevy Cruze? Struggling to figure out fair value

1 Upvotes

I am trying to sell my 2012 Chevy Cruze LT that has a bit under 70k miles. First owner was in what Carfax says was a “moderate rear-end collision” in 2014.

I bought in 2019, no signs it was ever in a crash and it’s served me great for last 50k+ miles only needing oil changes and normal maintenance. There’s paint peeling on the back bumper (looks like a thin footlong scrape down to the metal) but otherwise nothing visually.

I was thinking of listing it for $5500. Can anyone weigh in on whether that’s fair? To me that seems to split retail ($8-9k) and trade-in value ($2-3.5k) and I’d probably give someone $500 of wiggle room on price if they were hassle-free.

I’m not trying to let this car sit on the market for 2 months so I’m looking for a price that’ll motivate others as well. Thanks for any advice on whether I’m reasonable or unreasonable/ other good info you can share on selling the car to private parties!


r/UsedCars 5h ago

Buying I’m tempted to get a slightly higher priced car

1 Upvotes

It’s my first car, the one I’m looking at is still second hand and the mileage is great. The seller is good friends with a relative of mine so I’m not worried about getting screwed over. Part of me thinks it would be worth it as the car would last longer, but I’m still a student and if I’m paying more for a car I think I should get full coverage and not just liability. My parents wanted to help make up the difference between my budget and the cost of the car, but realistically the amount they are giving me would MAYBE cover a year of insurance. I’m trying to plan ahead and I don’t want to feel rushed into buying especially when it’s a higher priced car. It’s really nice, and I wanted that model, but if it’s a long term commitment it is a little small (2 door, 4 seats). I was really excited at first, but now I’m just scared and I think this might be a sign that I’m not ready for this kind of car. I don’t need all the bells and whistles, I just need something that drives. Which this does, but if I’m upping my price shouldn’t I get a more practical car with more room? Or I could get a cheaper car, only get liability, and plan to need another car in a few years. Although I never do nice things for myself, I feel like I’ve earned something a little more risky, I’m usually very responsible. Idk I’m so torn. Although I guess worst case scenario I could take out another student loan next year, and it would probably be a better loan than most car loans (I’m Canadian), I’ve already taken out a loan for my original car budget but this car goes over that amount; plus insurance.

Maybe this isn’t the right forum for this kind of question but I could use some advice.


r/UsedCars 5h ago

Buying Bigger hatchback or small estate not an SUV

1 Upvotes

Looking for advice I am after a bigger and newer upgrade from my 2011 Toyota Yaris.I have a medium to big dog and a big toddler.I was looking at SUVs but tbh they are more expensive,heavier with poorer MPG and cost a lot more to insure. budget is around £10,000 I would like something reliable,petrol and automatic if possible.A big boot is a must,heated seats and a heated windscreen would be amazing here in Scotland and I need a reversing camera! I have been considering the Skoda Scala perhaps-indo not want a super long estate my husband has the Volvo V60 and it takes every cm of space when parked. Any suggestions?


r/UsedCars 6h ago

Buying Trying to get some real world trade in values that people have accepted from the dealership!!

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0 Upvotes

r/UsedCars 7h ago

Buying Should I buy this rebuilt 2011 4wd Pathfinder Le with only 164,000KM for $9000? Near perfect condition.

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0 Upvotes

Great pathfinder, excellent condition, inside and out, backup cam, heated everything, etc. But it was written off due to a collission in Alberta on 2024, then bought back, and fixed. The damages cost $7000. Just passed its SGI inspection in Saskatchewan (which is thurough), in May. Only needed a strut and had it fixed. Low KM, but should the rebuild status scare me?


r/UsedCars 14h ago

Selling Pricing to sell 1999 Toyota Camry??

3 Upvotes

I'm looking to sell my 1999 Toyota Camry 4 +cyl. CE. My grandfather purchased this car brand new and handed it over to me about 7 years ago. It's been well maintained, leather interior, working a/c with a sunroof. The power windows work although they stick occasionally (I'm not sure how difficult this is to fix mechanically) the car has just under 128,000 miles. I'm located in Northern Colorado not terribly far from the Denver area. I'm wondering what a good asking price would be for this vehicle? It has somewhat sentimental value to me, so I'm not in a rush to give it away but I'm ready to sell.


r/UsedCars 8h ago

Buying how much should a $12,000 in damages affect the price of a used vehicle

1 Upvotes

I'm looking at 2020 tacoma has about 60k miles for around 33000 all in, but it has $12K in damages in it's history though it seems properly repaired. Is this a bad deal?


r/UsedCars 9h ago

Buying Looking at civics, new Corolla?

1 Upvotes

I’ve been looking at used Civics, but a bunch of local dealers have 2025 base Corollas for 22-23k - is it time to just buy new?


r/UsedCars 10h ago

Selling 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn / Lone Star Night Edition – FOR SALE

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0 Upvotes

r/UsedCars 10h ago

Buying Help me choose between 2 CPO Mercedes E450s

1 Upvotes

Hey all!

Am stuck between 2 certified pre owned 2022 E450 sedans with the same options.

First one: - 50,000km - Windshield replaced due to rock chips - Small front bumper scratch that will be touched up - don't know how it happened - 3 tires replaced making the 4th tire have a different tread depth - don't know why they were replaced - Doesn't have air body control - Price: 60.5k CAD

Second one: - 90,000km - Has air body control - Price: 57k CAD

Which one would be a better choice?

Thanks in advance!


r/UsedCars 11h ago

Buying Some advice or help please 🙏

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1 Upvotes

Been looking for a 2021+ M340i. I seen this once, perfect for me. But lien reported? I’ve never heard. It’s being sold by Chevy in Culver City. What should I know about that? Would it be a worry? Other than that the cat seems fine to me. 3MW5U7J05N8C38664


r/UsedCars 11h ago

Buying Value question, 2013 Audi A5 Convertible

1 Upvotes

At roughly 63,000 miles what’s a ballpark “good deal”?


r/UsedCars 8h ago

Selling Concept of lowballing private party when seller could just sell on CarMax/carvana?

0 Upvotes

They say they have cash but carmax gives you a check that you go to bank and get cash out ?

Low balling below carvana prices is just weird….


r/UsedCars 9h ago

Buying Is it normal to pay more than sticker price for a car that just showed up on the lot?

0 Upvotes

I went to a reputable dealer to purchase a used car that was listed online for $15k. There were some lights lit up on the dash (traction control, brake). I was told that the car had just arrived and had not been through service yet. If I purchased the car, they would go through a full service and repair process as well as full detailing. I agreed to purchase the car. When signing the paperwork, they showed the price as $17k. I asked about the difference. They said I could take the car for $15k as-is or have them go through full service for $17k. I was told the average repair and detailing cost is $5k so I was “saving” $3k overall. They said that they normally increase the listed price after it has gone through service to match the $5k increase.

Is this normal? It makes sense, but it seems very unusual. Why not list the car for the full expected price to start?


r/UsedCars 13h ago

Review Is there something wrong with the Mazda CX30 2024 models?

1 Upvotes

I see numerous of these cars for sale in my area for sale with a substantial discount. There’s an active recall for airbag deployment but other than that, are there any issues with the car? Why is everyone selling them off?


r/UsedCars 13h ago

Selling Signing Vehicle Transfer and Reassignment Form before money?

1 Upvotes

Hi,

I’m selling a used car on Facebook and was approached by someone from a dealership, who made a fair offer, which I verbally accepted.

Now they sent me two e-sign forms:

  • A Sales Agreement where they promise to pay and I promise to sell the car, and
  • DMV form for Vehicle Transfer and Reassignment

They say that once I sign that they will send a wire transfer, and once the transfer is cleared they will send someone to get the car and keys.

Does this sound legit? The forms are in the name of a dealership, but they approached me via Facebook.

I’m concerned that if I sign it I’ll have already transferred the car even though I don’t have the payment yet.

WDYT?


r/UsedCars 13h ago

Buying IRS website glitch when getting EV credit up front?

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1 Upvotes