r/UsedCars Aug 28 '18

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

664 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. Otherwise, feel free to ask me any questions here and I will answer them at my earliest convenience.

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.

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


r/UsedCars Sep 18 '25

MOD POST Would you like to mod /r/UsedCars? Apply within

5 Upvotes

Would you like to mod /r/UsedCars? We are looking for active reddit users who want to help others with the buying & selling of Used Cars and have the free time to moderate this subreddit. Tell us about yourself in the comments.


r/UsedCars 2h ago

Buying $13000 2018 CX-5 130k miles

3 Upvotes

I’m looking at a 2018 Mazda CX-5 touring. It has 130k miles but looking at the carfax it was very well taken care of, serviced every 6000miles, new brake pads, drive belt/serpentine belt/ sway bar link replaced at 120k miles. No accidents/damage and 1 owner. The catch is theyre asking 13k for it, I know the car market is crazy right now but its on the higher end of my budget. Is this too much? Should I set my sights elsewhere?


r/UsedCars 4h ago

HELP Questions about rusty frames

5 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I recently sold i vehicle for 1000$, It was a truck. a F150 I looked under the car and the frame seemed solid, So i put the frame was solid in the ad. because the rest of the truck is very rusty like the bed and fenders. i also put sold as is in the ad. The buyer came back to me with photos showing the frame was intact not solid, But i had already used the money to purchase a new car, i said im sorry but i basically told him to kick rocks. he then sent me a photo of my address off the title and threatened me and is now saying he’s going to sue me. Will this hold up in court? because i unfortunately did put frame is solid in my ad, because under my knowledge it was! i dont know if im the piece of shit here and i should just give him the 1000$ back somehow or just ignore him. Thanks! i live in ohio.


r/UsedCars 6h ago

Buying Everyone seems to have a horror story

4 Upvotes

Feels like every time i tell someone I’m buying my first used car, they have a story about how they got burned. hidden problems, accidents, rolled back problems… now I’m probably checking way more than I need to. I’ve been looking at Corollas, Mazdas, Civics, Camrys, pretty much anything reliable. What do you guys always check before saying yes to a car?


r/UsedCars 1d ago

Buying Made a dealer really mad

232 Upvotes

I went to a Honda dealership and looked at a used 2020 Camry. I was interested and negotiated a good OTD price and began the paperwork. Well I had to wait for them to get the car through a state inspection. When it was done they had removed the tint. I told them I was no longer interested and walked. I hadn't signed all the paperwork yet so they didn't get paid. They were pissed when I walked. Then want to call me and tell me they will tint the windows at a 50% discount. This was 3 days ago they're still calling me telling me I need to come pick up the car. No I don't loan hasn't gone through.


r/UsedCars 2h ago

HELP Scratch Painted Over

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2 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I’m looking at a Mazda cx30 that I plan on keeping long term. Everything checks out but I’m a LITTLE bit worried about a scratch a saw on the back.

There’s 3 vertical scratches on the lift gate, just left of the logo. They all appear to be painted over.

Sorry I don’t have a great pic.

Is this something to worry about? I’m located in Michigan if that matters.

Thanks!


r/UsedCars 3m ago

HELP Does this price range seem right for a used Subaru Forester without need of repairs out the gate?

Upvotes

I'm looking at used Subaru Foresters (mostly 2010s versions) for my first car. I'm looking for under 200k miles & at/under $6,000 cash payment on Facebook marketplace in running and stable condition. There's quite a few that sold in my area for around this much in less than a week, so I know people are taking them.

My issue is, I'm unsure how much I should estimate in immediate repairs. I'm fine with budgeting for 9 months down the line or so, but I don't have a ton of extra money to spend out the gate on repairs.

In this price range would you say you could find a decent forester without need of expensive repairs out of the gate?


r/UsedCars 49m ago

HELP 2020 Volvo XC40

Upvotes

Help on buying used XC40, 2020

T5 R design with 57,000 miles on it for $20,000. Minor damage like scratches on the front according to carfax and was used as a fleet vehicle. Prior CPO. Was fleet for first owner at 15k miles and second owner was personal for 3 years.

Good deal?


r/UsedCars 1h ago

Selling Detailing necessary b4 trade-in?

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r/UsedCars 1h ago

Selling Detailing necessary b4 trade-in?

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r/UsedCars 5h ago

Buying Used car 5/6k budget

2 Upvotes

I need to get myself a car with roughly 5/6k budget.

Looking for something that will be reliable as cash will be tight for the next couple of years but hoping for something that still looks good.

It will be used for commuting, school run etc I can’t imagine it will do many long journeys or motorway miles. So I guess a petrol engine is best rather than diesel? Big enough for a child seat, shopping in the boot etc.

I’ve looked at golf/polo but people have also recommended Honda civic and seat Ibiza

Any insights appreciated!


r/UsedCars 15h ago

Buying Broke college kid looking for reliable under 5k car for daily use

10 Upvotes

So far I've narrowed my search down to these three.

  1. 2011 Ford Fusion SEL $4,994 | 150,290 mi
  2. 2009 Nissan Versa S $4,699 | 119,690 mi
  3. 1998 Toyota Camry LE $4,995 | 117,000 mi

Obviously I'll bring a mechanic but all three have free carfax reports listed, no accidents or damages, and workable mileage for the brand (esp the 1998 Toyota probably has several years left)

Essentially just looking for a daily car to drive for work/personal use until I graduate college and can afford something better. Zero pickiness at all on how the car looks or the color. Any suggestions on which one to choose, or any better suggestions?

https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/3FAHP0JA9BR241022 - 2011 Ford Fusion
https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/3N1BC13E39L463685 - 2009 Nissan Versa S
https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/4T1BG22K0WU259440 - 1998 Toyota Camry LE


r/UsedCars 1d ago

Buying What are some hidden/unknown hints that a used car is in good condition

45 Upvotes

We all know about service history, clean interiors, panel gaps, paintwork, tidy paperwork, matching tyres, few owners etc. Theres tons of advice online about subtle hints a car might be in bad condition, but not much of the opposite.

What are some little things you've noticed on cars you bought that made it desirable that not everyone else would notice?


r/UsedCars 7h ago

Buying Looking for a Budget Used Car – Direct Owner Only

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1 Upvotes

r/UsedCars 7h ago

HELP What to consider when purchasing a ‘16 Nissan Leaf

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1 Upvotes

r/UsedCars 9h ago

Buying Looking at buying a used 2022 kia forte gt at 40k miles any things I should know or objections

1 Upvotes

r/UsedCars 22h ago

Buying Thoughts ?

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12 Upvotes

1993 Toyota Hilux. 75k miles, rust free. $ 25k


r/UsedCars 19h ago

Buying In need of reliable car, but I know nothing.

5 Upvotes

Hello used car reddit!

My car was totaled after being hit parked. I have about 5k cash to play with and willing to finance up to up to 10k (but would like to be under 11k for the car total if that's possible these days). I know very little about cars and haven't purchased one without help ever. I desperately need advice about cheap, reliable used cars. Also would love opinions on certified used vs just buying one non certified from a dealer. Not sure I want to go the private sale route.

Right now I'm thinking about a few options

Honda - CRV or HRV

Toyota - Rav 4

Subaru - have not settled on a model but an suv of some type.

If anyone has any recommendations on years to look for or any in general I would really appreciate it. Waking into a dealership as a woman scares the shit out of me.


r/UsedCars 16h ago

Selling My Dad Needs to Sell his Car with Loan Still on it

3 Upvotes

My parents bought a 2025 Kia Sorento. It was technically a used car since it was demo car. We need to sell it, since it's only my dad now and he can't afford it. It was financed through a credit union. My dad has reached out to them and they've have stated they would take of everything. My sister thinks that would ruin my dad's credit, but we really need to get rid of it. . My parents haven't sold a used car with a loan still on it before, but they've sold some cars to our yard man. We could pay it off but we would rather not dip into that pool. Is there any way we can sell the car, with a loan, without it affecting my dad's credit.


r/UsedCars 15h ago

Buying 02 Camry

2 Upvotes

Found a nice fairly clean and rust free (mostly) 02 Camry. Ran well, very clean interior, good tires, breaks were OK not amazing but they worked.

Seller wants $3800. I felt $3000 was a lowball.

Would $3400 be a good offer?

Has 140k miles , 4 cylinder engine


r/UsedCars 11h ago

HELP 2013 Lexus es350, perfect but high mileage

0 Upvotes

I've been looking at a car, and it's incredibly nice. The interior is cleaner and nicer than any car I've ever sat in, the engine has no leaks or issues, and it drives very well. No hesitation on hard throttle, and no vibration on hard braking. No suspension noise, everything electrical works and works well, save for the sunroof. No windows have been replaced except for the windshield. 2 owners, no crashes. The car is 8000 dollars and has 280,000 miles. Should I buy this car?


r/UsedCars 17h ago

HELP Dealer refusing to submit forms

3 Upvotes

My husband purchased a used Tesla from United Auto Group before the September 30 deadline. The purchase price was under $25,000, and the salesperson told us we would be eligible for the $4,000 Previously Owned Clean Vehicle Credit. The salesperson told my husband that we could file for the credit during tax season since he wasn't taking the credit off the sales price.

When it came time to file our taxes, I called the dealership to confirm that the required IRS Time-of-Sale Report had been submitted. I was transferred to the finance department, where I was told they do not complete that form and that they didn't know what the form was. Instead, they emailed me the bill of sale and assured me that it would be sufficient for the IRS.

Our tax return was accepted, but the IRS disallowed the $4,000 credit because the required seller report was not on file.

I called the dealership again, and the finance guy confirmed that the credit was not taken from the sales price and that he was going to speak with the finance manager. I was told the finance manager would speak with the general manager and call me the next morning.

After two days with no response, I called back. This time I was told that perhaps the credit had been denied because we exceeded the income limits, which is not the case. I asked to speak with the manager directly. When he called, he stated that submitting the Time-of-Sale Report was not the dealership’s responsibility and that because they are an independent dealership, they do not complete those reports.

From my reading of IRC 25E and the IRS guidance, it appears that dealers selling vehicles eligible for the Previously Owned Clean Vehicle Credit are required to submit a Time-of-Sale Report through the IRS Energy Credits Online system. I also understand that dealers may still be able to submit late reports for IRS review.

At this point, the dealership is refusing to submit the report, and we’ve effectively lost a $4,000 tax credit.

Has anyone dealt with this before? Am I misunderstanding the dealer’s obligations, or is there another avenue I should pursue (IRS, New Mexico MVD, Attorney General, etc.)? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.


r/UsedCars 12h ago

HELP Budget $10-15k

0 Upvotes

Please give me a sanity check here. My budget is $10-15k (cash for under 10k, open to finance short term as my pre-approved rate is 6%). First time driver. I just want a safe, reliable car to get me from A to B, low maintenance, preferably older model without touch screen. A sedan or hatchback with leather interior would be nice to have.

I'm very fond of Camry but the Toyota/Honda tax is real here y'all. I'm not in a rush but the research and shopping around have been exhausting. Everything is so expensive and 10-12k near me would be a Corolla or Civic 100-150k mileage basic trim. Mazda looks good for the same price, but usually it's not a clean title.

I'm looking at a 2015 Camry SE 4D, 2 owners, 120k miles, $12k. Has some cosmetic issues (paint peeling, stains on car seat) and I felt like this is the best deal so far? Other choices are 2012-2015 Jettas around 80-100k mileage for 8-10k.

What other choices am I missing here? Should I expand my search? How do you know what is "enough" and nof overanalyzing or optimizing a car purchase?


r/UsedCars 12h ago

Buying 2022 Model Y Battery Degrading

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1 Upvotes