Not everyone can afford a new car or truck, but fortunately there are some great deals in the used car market. Cars.com released, its list of top buys for around $10,000 and though it is dominated by Asian makers, Ford actually has the most cars on the list with three.
The 2009 Ford Focus, 2008 Ford Fusion and 2008 Ford Taurus all got approvals from the website. The Focus and Fusion were lauded for their handling while the Taurus received kudos for its large trunk and back seat as well as its ride and handling.
Today’s cars and trucks are more expensive than ever, averaging just more than $32,000, which prices many buyers out of the new vehicle market.
“The price gap between the average new and used car is right around $20,000,” according to Joe Wiesenfelder, executive editor, Cars.com. “There are a lot of great used cars on the market, and with a significant price difference between new and used cars, we know that many shoppers choose to go the used route.
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“We sifted through a lot of data, crunched a lot of numbers, and from a pool of more than 60 candidates, we chose the 10 best used cars that shoppers can find for around $10,000.”
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Here’s the rest of the list, along with the website’s comments about the cars, in alphabetical order:
- 2007 Honda Civic: It set the standard for commuter compacts in the late 2000s. Nimble handling, impressive cabin materials and good fuel efficiency make this Honda an excellent choice for compact-car shoppers.
- 2009 Hyundai Sonata: With a host of cabin and drivetrain updates for 2009, it remains a sound choice for first-time drivers and family car shoppers alike, thanks to its roomy cabin and long list of standard safety features.
- 2008 Kia Sportage: A small crossover whose new-car pricing translates to used-car affordability. The Sportage delivers better highway composure than its small size suggests.
- 2008 Mazda6: The first-gen Mazda6 remains a compelling choice for family-sedan shoppers who can sacrifice a little cabin room for sportiness. Sharp steering and handling distinguish the car among other sedans.
- 2007 Nissan Altima: Lead-footed sedan shoppers have their chariot in the Altima. Nissan even matched strong power with unexpected fuel efficiency in this model.
- 2008 Scion xB: There’s a lot to love about Scion’s boxy xB, whose current generation dates all the way back to ’08. Safety features included six airbags and an electronic stability system, which makes the xB a natural choice for first-time drivers.
- 2007 Toyota Prius: Even by today’s standards, Toyota’s iconic second-gen Prius still gets excellent mileage (46 mpg) and given its efficiency, its drivability is impressive.
“The used car market is constantly changing, and prices may vary from one city to another,” said Wiesenfelder. “We think these are all great, diverse options that pack a lot of value for every type of car shopper.”
