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Evaldas Zabitis

Cheaper vehicles tend to be older or in worse condition, but that doesn’t mean $5,000 can’t get you a nice car. At this price point, most cars are 10-15 years old, but proper maintenance can keep them running for years. Moreover, since the car is already cheap, it won’t depreciate much in the future.

With a bit of patience and research, you can dodge potential issues and figure out what model best fits your needs. So, what are the most reliable cars under $5k, and how to pick one?

Don't risk your safety - check it with carVertical first

Looks can be deceiving!

One of the best things about buying a used car is that you can find proven data about its reliability. We use our experts’ insights and dig into well-known platforms, such as 

, to explore consumer reviews, weak spots, and test results of specific models.

A car’s reliability can be measured in several ways, but the main point is to find out how often issues appear when a car has been properly maintained. Therefore, vehicle testing organizations often evaluate reliability based on how many issues have been reported in a certain number of cars.

A list of the most reliable used cars under $5000

The Camry has always been among the most reliable cars on the market. While it lacks excitement, especially when compared to trending designs, most Camry owners say it’s “an all-around pleasant car”. Apart from a few cheap interior materials, 

you can hardly find any weak spots in this model

 – everything runs and functions perfectly when a car is maintained well.

You can choose from 2 inline-4 and 2 V6 engines with power ranging from 144 hp to 225 hp. You can also choose from several transmission versions, including a manual, a 4-speed automatic, and a 5-speed automatic variation. All of them are dependable, but 4-speed options seem too sluggish for today’s traffic.

$5,000 can get you an even newer Camry model, but be aware that 

. Since $5,000 would be the entry price, you’ll have a hard time finding a car in decent condition.

Honda has always been among the most dependable car makers, but this model is next level. Sure, such a compact size makes the car a bit bumpy and noisy, but it won’t let you down for years. All engines are robust, electronics hold up very well (there aren’t many of them anyway), and suspension repairs are rare and cheap.

With the 1.5-liter being the largest engine in this model, it’s a generally slow car, but perfectly fine for city commuting. Also, the innovative fuel tank design allows the rear seats to fold very low, making the Fit one of the most practical and 

 and is driven by anyone from teachers to taxi drivers. Car enthusiasts often hate the Prius for its bland design and poor performance… Or perhaps it’s because their modified cars consume twice as much fuel and suffer from various problems.

The Prius series is known for its efficient hybrid system. The second generation model uses a power-split (series-parallel) hybrid drivetrain, making about 46 mpg combined. Its shallow cycling charging system ensures the battery is always at a healthy 40-80% charge, therefore, Prius 

batteries tend to last longer than other hybrid vehicles

Don’t expect an exciting ride or performance, though. The Prius was developed as “the car of the 21st century”, focusing on reducing the carbon footprint, fuel consumption, and providing everything a family needs without being excessive.

A work truck, a family car, an off-roader – you name it. The F-150 has always been the pinnacle of reliable trucks for all kinds of activities, and the 10th generation model proves to be among the 

. Not only do they look good, but they’re also equipped with Triton V8 engines that provide a good balance of performance and reliability.

This model has aged very well design and technology-wise. The 10th generation F-150 was the first one in the lineup to receive an improved, more durable and agile front suspension, a wide variety of body options, and an entirely renewed engine lineup. These changes are among the major reasons to keep so many 10th-gen F-150s on the roads today, and you can get one in a decent condition for under $5,000.

The Town Car is one of the most iconic cars in the U.S. Technically, it’s the same car as the Ford Crown Victoria, which has been chosen by police, taxi, and the government as pure American and dependable transportation, but the main difference is that the Lincoln Town Car falls into the 

 segment. J.D. Power gave it an 88/100 reliability rating, which is considered great.

This model is very large and thirsty (15 mpg around town). On the other hand, it’s so comfort-focused that some owners complain about the engine and exhaust being too quiet. Even though the Town Car is equipped with the 4.6-liter V8, it’s not a muscle car and doesn’t sound like one.

The Town Car and the Ford Crown Victoria can easily last over 250,000 miles under proper maintenance. If you’re going to buy one, make sure the car has a good service record, and get a 

Acura TSX (a.k.a. Honda Accord) (2004-2008)

The TSX, known as the Honda Accord in Europe and Japan, is one of the best all-rounders you can get for $5,000. Its 2.4-liter inline-4 engine is superior in terms of performance, reliability, and economy – it provides 205 horsepower and does 23 mpg combined. However, since it’s a compact executive car, it’s not as roomy as you’d expect a family car to be. J.D. Power gave it an 86/100 reliability rating.

The first-generation TSX is praised for its design, which blends in nicely even after almost 2 decades. Finding a mint-condition example can be challenging, but $5,000 should get you a really nice TSX.

Make sure you’re buying a car in good condition – get a carVertical report

Many used car sellers try to earn an additional buck by hiding damages or other issues – 

shoddy repairs, odometer fraud, and even thefts are common in the used car market

. While a professional inspection is still essential when buying a used car, even the sharpest eyes can’t identify some issues.

Get a history report whenever you’re considering buying a used car. It can show you a car’s odometer history, financial and legal status, damage history, and even historical photos. This data can help you reveal any current issues and make a better decision.

Avoid costly problems by checking a vehicle's history. Get a report instantly!

Check your VIN

The price of 2 cars of the same model can vary wildly depending on the condition, features, and specifications. Therefore, you should learn about the price margins of the model you’re interested in.

 to set your expectations straight. Remember – if the price seems too good to be true, there’s probably something wrong. Also, if the price is on the higher side, make sure you’re not overpaying.

Everything from researching a car to actually buying it can be done online, but your experience will depend on the platform.

Whenever you’re looking for a used car, 

choose reputable and well-known selling platforms.

 They’re used by more sellers, you’ll find a wider selection of cars and more information about them.

Some of the most popular used car marketplaces are Autotrader, Cars.com, and Craigslist. These are great for finding any car you want quickly, thanks to convenient filters and a user-friendly interface.

Facebook Marketplace is also booming – people sell all kinds of stuff there, including cars, and you can find pretty good deals. The search system is a bit chaotic, but a little patience can help you get what you’re looking for.

While you can buy a used car online without even seeing it in real life, this isn’t a safe option. Used car sellers often try to take as little responsibility as possible for the cars they sell, therefore, properly inspecting the car before handing over your money is highly recommended.

most common problems used car buyers face

Any of these and other potential issues can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars to fix, therefore, a proper pre-purchase inspection is a must. You can either ask your mechanic to come and check the car together with you, or you can book a professional inspection at any repair shop.

Some sellers may offer a specific repair shop for a pre-purchase inspection, but you should take the car to a repair shop of your choice to avoid the seller’s acquaintance or friend inspecting the car.

Why focus on cars under $5000?

How do you determine the reliability of a car?

Aren’t older cars less reliable?

What should I look out for when buying a used car in this price range?

Are parts for older cars readily available?

Can I expect modern features in cars under $5000?

Should I consider cars with higher mileage?

Most reliable used cars under $5,000

Karolis Bareckas

While the used car market has become more transparent throughout the years, odometer tampering is still prevalent worldwide. Buyers lose millions of euros to insincere sellers and it seems that the situation won’t change drastically any time soon.

But which models are the most popular among fraudsters? To answer this question, we explored thousands of history reports to make a list of the top 20 most clocked vehicle models.

 to premium vehicles – any car can have its odometer altered. However, some cars end up being clocked more than others. Let’s find out what happened in the clocking department in 2023.

Reveal them all! Just enter a VIN code and click the button:

Used cars have dark secrets

German vehicle brands suffer from mileage fraud the most

The Audi A8 was the most clocked car on carVertical 

10.67% of all models checked on our platform had an altered mileage

. These are significant numbers, suggesting that 1 out 10 A8s may have their original mileage forged.

Volkswagen Phaeton (10.46%), Audi A7 (9.56%), Toyota Prius (9.4%), and Volkswagen CC (9.28%)

13 out of 20 most clocked vehicles belong to German manufacturers: Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Porsche, and Opel. German brands are known for their reliability, technological advancement, and premium features, making them an appealing option in the second-hand car market.

Scammers in different countries have different preferences for models to clock. In France, the Porsche Panamera is the most clocked model (5.1%), in Czechia – the Porsche Cayenne (15.07%), in Poland – the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (12.38%), in Romania – the Audi A8 (16.25%), and in Lithuania – the Lexus IS (16.21%).

Among the 20 most clocked models in Slovakia, 7 are manufactured by Audi. This tendency is also noticeable in other countries. There’s a strong market demand for used high-end vehicles in good condition, explaining why Audis are so popular among fraudsters.

Economy class vehicles are clocked less often

13 out of 20 cars in the top 20 list are considered premium class

, meaning economy class vehicles are clocked less often. Tampering with the odometer readings of premium brands like Audi, Volvo, Porsche, Land Rover, or Mercedes-Benz allows wrongdoers to earn more money. They also don’t want to risk being caught by authorities for a profit of several hundred euros selling a clocked hatchback.

Clocked economy class vehicles are more common in Western and Southern Europe than in Eastern Europe. In the UK, the Kia Ceed is the most clocked vehicle, with a share of 9.43%. In Portugal, that’s Peugeot 206 – 6.38%, in Italy – Opel Zafira (10.49%). However, Spaniards are faithful to the Porsche Panamera, with a share of 13.1%.

Jeep Wrangler is the least clocked car on the list with the share of 6.32%

, meaning it’s 1.5 times riskier to buy the Audi A8 than the Wrangler. The 

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (6.35%), Volkswagen Touareg (6.38%), Audi A6 (6.49%), and Volvo S80 (6.87%)

 are also among the vehicles with the least mileage rollbacks.

The least risky cars in different countries vary. In Hungary, France, and Estonia, hatchbacks are clocked the least, in Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland – SUVs. However, every market is different, and the situation, even in neighboring countries, may differ significantly.

When looking for a used vehicle, nobody can be safe from fraudsters, therefore it’s important to check a car’s historical mileage and damage records. Performing a test drive and visiting a respectable dealership for an inspection also mitigates the chances of getting a vehicle in poor condition. Otherwise, you may risk losing money and compromise your safety.

So, you’ve checked a vehicle on carVertical and discovered that its mileage was altered – what should you do? Always inform the seller about mileage discrepancies you’ve found and allow them to explain the situation. Not every seller is necessarily a bad guy, even though they’re selling a clocked car.

Sometimes, the odometer may have been altered in the past and the current owner doesn’t have any idea about it!

Clocked mileage means that the vehicle you’re interested in is worth less than its asking price, so you can try to negotiate a better price with the seller. However, keep in mind that it may be in a significantly worse condition than you expect.

Passing a technical inspection with a forged mileage may also cause trouble if you get caught. Some countries allow you to restore a car’s mileage to the original one. However, check out your local laws beforehand so that you don’t have any trouble when registering such a vehicle.

carVertical’s research examined actual car history reports acquired by our users from November 2022 to November 2023. The odometer values were aggregated in the platform and sorted by models with the most rollbacks for easier understanding. Processing millions of car history checks allows us to see trends, insights, and forecasts of used car markets.

Most clocked cars 2023: which models are more likely to have their odometer altered?

Car reliability doesn’t necessarily increase with price – there’s plenty of dependable cars on a limited budget. But as is true with any significant purchase, the key to making the right decision lies in thorough research.

Exploring the car’s history, maintenance records, and reviews can steer you away from potential pitfalls, which is even more important when operating within a limited budget. With under $10,000 and the right resources at your disposal, you can still buy a reliable vehicle that can help you reduce maintenance costs and give you peace of mind on the road.

Check out our picks on the most reliable used cars under $10,000 and learn how to find 

Enter a VIN code to learn more about any vehicle!

Need help buying a used car?

Generally, the simpler the car, the more reliable it is due to fewer systems that can break. However, that doesn’t mean that bigger, more comfortable, or more powerful cars can’t serve for years without issues.

Our list of the most reliable cars under $10,000 is based on the knowledge and research made by our team of automotive experts and data provided by 

Drivers and experts share their opinions about specific cars online, rating their reliability, value, styling, and other features. This is one of the most effective ways to find the most

What are the top most reliable used cars under $10,000?

If you’re looking for a car under $10,000 that you can trust, consider the following makes, known for their reliability and other valuable qualities.

Toyota introduced the new Camry in 2006, revealing a completely revised design and, for the first time in this lineup, a hybrid version. The 8th generation Camry is available with a variety of inline-4 engines and one V6 version – 

all powertrain combinations are robust and smooth, so feel free to choose one according to your power requirements

However, be careful if you’re opting for the 

 because batteries in a 10-15-year-old car can be extremely worn.

While all Camrys are generally reliable, it’s recommended to avoid 2007 and 2008 model years due to numerous flaws, such as a slow and overheating transmission, a faulty 

Overall, the 8th-gen Camry is a comfortable and dependable midsize car that’s packed with modern features and is available with both automatic and manual transmissions. J.D. Power gave the 2009 model an 85/100 reliability score, proving that owners don’t face issues often.

If you’re looking for a tougher car that can cope with more difficult terrain, the Subaru Legacy is definitely one of the best and most reliable used cars under 10,000 dollars.

Subarus are known for their strong and consistent 

 system, found even in urban cars. At $10,000 (or less), you can find mint-condition, low-mileage 5th-gen examples, providing an exciting and dependable driving experience for years to come.

This model has changed significantly when compared to its predecessors – no more frameless side windows and the car received numerous standard features, such as an electronic parking brake, electronic stability control, and brake assist.

Another big change was that in some markets, this Subaru Legacy was available with the very first Subaru diesel engine. With that said, it’s best to 

 – owners complain about numerous problems with their DPF systems, glow plugs, starter motor, oil leaks, and much more. 

We’ve called the Kia Soul one of the most reliable and 

 for teens. $10,000 can get you a 2nd generation model that was unveiled in 2013 and was in production until 2019. It saw big improvements compared to its predecessor – the overall exterior dimensions increased, the chassis became much more rigid, and it became prettier (for our money).

, but it’s offered exclusively with a front-wheel-drive drivetrain. Therefore, only some of its design features and higher ground clearance reminds us that it’s not a regular hatchback. The Soul is available mostly with inline-4 gasoline engines, ranging from 122 hp to 164 hp. Some markets have also received a 1.6 CRDi diesel version, which gets almost 59 mpg, while a gasoline 1.6-liter engine gets around 44 mpg.

If you dig its funky design, you can have a dependable, agile, and smart car for a reasonable price.

The Honda Civic is one of the best-selling and 

 of all time due to its simplicity, reliability, and agility. $10,000 can get you a well-maintained 8th-gen Civic, which is available with a wide variety of gasoline engines and one hybrid version. All of them are super dependable and easy to maintain. However, hybrid 

 6-10 years, so you may need to spend around $2,000 on new ones.

Even though the Civic isn’t a premium model, its comfort and handling are praiseworthy – it does well in all kinds of journeys and it’s quite agile. Also, the Civic has lots of space for a compact car.

It may look a bit dated for the price, but the Civic holds its value so well because of its undeniable reliability. J.D. Power gives it an 83/100 reliability score, making it one of the best-rated cars in its class.

The first-gen Chevy Silverado (whose predecessors were named C/K) is a genuine American pickup truck, offering numerous bulletproof engines, great utility features, and a simple structure. Unlike modern trucks, this one was never meant to be luxurious or comfortable, therefore, some people will find it overpriced.

However, its classic exterior lines and legendary engine lineup are the main reasons for its high resale value. 

The 1st-gen Silverados have LS-based Vortec engines that can easily last well over 300,000 miles, even with heavy modifications.

 Avoid 2nd-gen models, though, because they have active fuel management systems that can deactivate half of the cylinders under light conditions to save fuel. These systems are prone to major failures, so it’s much wiser to choose an older model.

Owners of the 1st-gen Silverado share their praise for this truck on Consumer Reports. The chief compliments are that it handles very well, the V8 engines are very good for towing and carrying heavy loads, and the ride is surprisingly smooth and quiet for an old pickup truck.

The Lexus RX series has always been among the 

. Even after 20 years, this luxury SUV is still rocking thanks to its bold design and numerous revolutionary features, such as having 8 airbags, vehicle stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system as standard. However, many used RX models also come with cool additional extras, such as adaptive headlights, a backup camera, a pre-collision system, and adaptive cruise control.

This RX is available with multiple gasoline engines and one hybrid version. However, the hybrid will only give you a few additional miles per gallon at the cost of a complicated hybrid management system and expensive batteries. If fuel consumption isn’t a critical factor, go for the gasoline engine to avoid hassle.

Lexus is a luxury division of Toyota, so you’re getting a Toyota’s reliability, combined with higher quality interior materials and better ride quality.

 The RX is a perfect SUV for those who want a 

, without worrying about things under the hood.

Toyota has created many affordable and dependable vehicles over the years, but when it comes to finding the best balance between rigidity, practicality, comfort, and reliability – the Highlander is usually the top choice.

As owners of the 1st-gen Highlander keep saying on Consumer Reports: “They just don’t make these cars anymore.”

 Its V6 engines are punchy, the SUV itself handles very well, and the 2004-2007 models were available with a 7-seat configuration.

Potential buyers should know that this Highlander has had a few major 

, such as for faulty service brakes, a stuck accelerator pedal, and faulty power steering (potentially causing safety issues). If you’re looking to buy a used Highlander or are already driving one, make sure to check it at 

 to make sure all recall repairs have been performed.

While it’s true that most 20-year-old cars cost way less than $10,000, the Highlander is actually worth the higher price tag. It’s very comfortable, somewhat modern, and it can last hundreds of thousands of miles without any major problems.

Whatever you’re buying – get a vehicle history report

A vehicle’s history plays a significant role in its reliability for numerous reasons – poor body repairs cause corrosion, structural damages can make a car unsafe, and skipped maintenance can affect even the toughest engines.

Checking a vehicle’s history before buying a used car can help you prevent these issues, also 

revealing historical photos, mileage and theft records, and legal status.

All you need to generate a history report is a VIN number. In most cars, you can find it on the dashboard, near the windshield on the driver’s side, or in the documents.

You can even get the report without taking a trip to check the car and save your time and money if you discover unpleasant entries. 

Bear in mind that a VIN number doesn’t hold any sensitive data

, therefore, if a seller doesn’t provide it when asked, there are probably some devaluing facts they want to keep secret.

They say that you get what you pay for, but the price doesn’t always reflect the actual value of a car.

You shouldn’t expect a pristine condition from a car that’s priced way below its average market value, but even if you’re focusing on more expensive examples, you should still make sure you’re getting good value.

First of all, it’s important to understand the realistic price range for a specific model. For example, for a model that costs from $5,000 to $10,000, the latter amount should buy a very well-maintained example. You can check the prices at 

Pay attention to the car’s equipment, colour, and specs (such as engine, transmission, and configuration). Engines and transmissions with proven reliability add more value to the car. Also, as sad as it sounds, black, gray, white, and silver colours usually maintain the car’s value better than other ones.

People choose different ways to sell their cars depending on their skills, needs, price, and overall convenience. Since there are many different used car selling platforms, you should also check at least several different ones, such as:

Different platforms often have unique features worth noting. For instance, Cars.com is great for easy comparison of prices with nearby dealerships, Autotrader offers convenient implementation of reviews, while Facebook Marketplace can have many “hidden gems” since it’s free and very simple to use.

Also, don’t forget to visit a few local dealerships to compare their prices and see how the cars look in reality. Dealers offer good conditions, test drives, and a trade-in service, providing you with a stress-free experience (at a price, of course).

The importance of pre-purchase inspections

Cars are a combination of very complicated mechanical and electrical systems. They may have all sorts of issues if they’re not well maintained.

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