Trust us, we know a thing or two about used cars. In fact, we built our entire business from used cars! Almost everyone needs a car in this day and age, but you don’t always have to buy a new one. Sometimes, new to me is new enough! That’s why we want to point out some of the best used cars for under 5000 dollars to help you narrow down what you should be looking for on your quest for a cheap ride!
2000 – 2011 Honda Civic
This should come as no surprise to anyone who is looking for a cheap, dependable, and driveable car. The Honda Civic is an absolute mainstay as far as used cars go because of their dependable build quality. Also they have seemingly immortal engines, and driver friendly power and handling. As testament to their dependability, here’s an article from The Drive about a 2006 Honda Civic with over one million miles on it with the original engine and transmission. Stories like this have given Honda the reputation of making the most reliable and dependable cars in the auto industry.
1989 – 1994 Lexus LS400
You can find Honda Civics for under $5000 all day. On the other hand, the Lexus LS400 is a luxury vehicle with a reputation for being a rally machine. This might make it a bit more difficult to find a Lexus LS400 for under $5000. Although, it’s not impossible with a little work and looking around! If you’re looking for something a bit more interesting to drive with a little more oomph, first generation LS400’s are a great way to go. 4.0 L naturally-aspirated V8 making up to 250 horsepower is great for going fast on a budget. You’ll probably have to settle for one with a higher mileage and in “Okay” condition.
2007 – 2009 Saturn Aura
You may have never heard of this one, but you can get a Saturn Aura for right around $5000 or less. Saturn, a now defunct GM subsidiary, was not around long in comparison to GM. The Saturn Aura is known for its dependability, sportiness, and excellent handling. The Saturn Aura also has the title as the #1 Best Affordable Midsized Car by US News, tying with the Ford Fusion. As long as you don’t mind the cheap interior, it doesn’t get better than the Aura for a used car for under $5000.
2006 – 2011 Ford Fusion
The Ford Fusion falls into the same category that the Honda Civic does. There are tons of them, they’re not particularly interesting to drive, but they’re dependable, tough, and they’ll get you from Point A to Point B in one piece. The 2009 Ford Fusion also tied with the 2009 Saturn Aura for the Best Affordable Midsized Car of 2009, as mentioned above. Used Ford Fusions are plentiful and can usually be found for under $5000 with relatively low mileage, one owner, and a decent maintenance record. It’s not an attention grabber but if you care about reliability, the Fusion is as solid as an anvil.
2001 – 2007 Nissan Pathfinder
We have listed a lot of midsized and compact sedans, so here’s an SUV that you should be able to find for under $5000. The Nissan Pathfinder has been a staple of the Nissan vehicle catalog because of its reliability, and its appeal to both families and the outdoorsy types. As testament to its reliability, here’s the story of Goldie. Goldie is a 1992 Nissan Pathfinder with around 225,000 miles that has been through the wringer. Despite multiple cosmetic damages, Goldie is still kicking to this day. That should say a lot about the dependability of this offroad SUV and what it’s capable of.
Are You Tired of Your Car?
Maybe you’re reading this article out of necessity for a cheap vehicle. Maybe you’re reading this article of curiosity. Or maybe you have old junker that is costing you more money in repair bills than the car is worth and you need a recommendation on what to get instead. Whatever the reason, 1-800 Cash-For-Junk-Cars is one of the premier car buyers in the United States! Go to 1800cashforjunkcars.com/ and fill out the offer form on the right! You’ll get an instant quote and see what you could get for your junk vehicle to turn into a dependable every day driver!
Thank you for reading!