Ten Cars for $10K: The Best Used Cars for $10,000

We write a lot about the latest and greatest cars, but let's face it: A lot of people don't want to commit to five years of monthly payments for a brand-new car. Still, everybody needs wheels — a cheap ride for college, a grocery-getter for the family, something for the daily commute. Needs vary, but lots of shoppers seem to want the same thing: a late-model, low-mileage car that's reliable, safe and fuel-efficient. With surprising frequency, the intended budget runs somewhere around $10,000.

With that in mind, we crunched retail values for late-model used cars and factored in reliability ratings, safety equipment and crash-test scores. Using those criteria, what began as a list of 215 contenders from 2002 onward shrank to 40 finalists. To pare things down further, we solicited our experts for opinions on each car — things like gas mileage, cabin comfort and driving refinement. Finally, we took a hard look at how many of these used cars had key safety features like side-impact airbags and antilock brakes installed.

The top 10 we came up with may not be the fanciest models out there, but each should prove a worthwhile companion for the long haul. As always, we recommend having any used car inspected by a trusted mechanic before you buy.

2005 Ford Focus

Why we like it: The restyled 2005 Focus offers nimble handling with few of the equipment recalls that beset the early-2000s original. Teach your teen to drive a stick, and the Focus returns highway gas mileage in the 30s. Automatic versions drop into the high 20s. Frontal crash-test scores for the sedan are good, though we can't recommend the ZXW wagon, which hasn't been tested, or the ZX3 hatchback, whose side-impact scores give reason for concern. The sedan's optional antilock brakes and front-seat side airbags are well worth having, as this car's compact dimensions put it at a disadvantage in crashes. Nearly one-third of all '05 Focuses had ABS, while just 10 percent came with side airbags.
The numbers: Expect to shell out around $10,500 for an entry-level ZX4 sedan with ABS, side airbags, a stick shift and 40,000 miles. Automatic transmissions add around $650. The sprightlier Focus ST can cost upward of $13,000.
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2003 Ford Taurus

Why we like it: Not quite the competitive new car in recent years, the Taurus is still a sound used-car choice for families and sensible — if not particularly trendsetting — young drivers. Both the wagon and sedan offer generous cabin and luggage space, not to mention top-notch reliability and crash-test scores. Most drivers will find the base engine underwhelming; choose a model with the Duratec V-6, signaled by a "24V" emblem near the fenders. It provides ample power and returns nearly the same low-20s overall gas mileage. Antilock brakes and side airbags were both optional; 85 percent of '03 Tauruses came with ABS, and around 11 percent had the extra airbags.
The numbers: With ABS and side airbags, a Taurus sedan with 60,000 miles should run between $8,000 and $12,000. Similarly equipped wagons range from $10,500 to $12,000. Expect to fork over an extra $400 or so for the Duratec V-6.
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2003 Mazda Protegé

Why we like it: Those wary of Civic and Corolla homogeny should consider the Protegé. It's a fun little car, with Mazda's trademark handling performance and affable styling that has yet to grow old. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder is zippier than you'd think, and highway gas mileage rates in the high 20s. The top, ES, trim level comes with stronger four-wheel-disc brakes, and ABS and side airbags are optional across the line. About one-fifth of all Protegés had both features. We like the Protegé's respectable marks for safety and reliability, though we can't recommend the Protegé5 hatchback, which hasn't been crash tested.
The numbers: With antilock brakes, side airbags and 60,000 miles, the no-frills DX trim should cost around $8,500 with a stick shift. The LX and ES models have more features and run between $9,500 and $10,500. Add around $600 if you want an automatic. The turbocharged Mazdaspeed Protegé commands close to $15,000.
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2003 Mercury Sable

Why we like it: This is one Merc you can easily afford. The Taurus' upscale twin offers slightly better reliability ratings and the same stalwart crash-test scores. Factor in standard antilock brakes and available side airbags — they were installed on nearly one-fifth of all '03 Sables — and you have a solid commuter car. As with the Taurus, the stronger Duratec V-6 is well worth the upgrade.
The numbers: With antilock brakes, side airbags and 60,000 miles, prices range from $9,000 to $11,500 for the Sable sedan; wagons should sell for $10,000 to $13,000. The uplevel Sable LS includes the Duratec V-6, which is unavailable in the base GS. An LS sedan light on luxury options can be had for around $10,000.
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2002 Buick LeSabre

Why we like it: You don't need a Modern Maturity subscription to appreciate the LeSabre. It's a comfortable car for drivers young and old, and the '02 model came chock full of safety features: antilock brakes, side airbags and active head restraints were standard, and there was an optional electronic stability system — a rare safety feature five years ago. Most models have a front bench seat, which expands capacity to six. Reliability and crash-test scores are impeccable, though the gas-conscious may want to consider something else, as GM's lusty 3800 V-6 returns city mileage in the teens.
The numbers: With 70,000 miles, a LeSabre Custom runs around $9,000. A well-appointed LeSabre Limited should cost about $12,000.
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2002 Chevrolet Impala

Why we like it: The Impala is Chevy's workaday sedan, and the 2000-05 iteration arguably boasted sharper styling than its anonymous successor. Either of the two V-6s provides adequate grunt. There's no four-cylinder, however, so overall gas mileage maxes out in the low-20s. All the same, the roomy cabin, good reliability ratings and even better crash-test scores make the Impala a sound choice for budget-minded families. Antilock brakes and a side-impact airbag for the driver were standard on the uplevel Impala LS and optional on the base model; overall, about a third of all '02 Impalas had the side airbag and nearly 60 percent had ABS.
The numbers: Expect to pay around $9,000 for a base Impala with 70,000 miles, antilock brakes and the driver's side airbag. A fully loaded Impala LS is about $11,500.
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2002 Ford Windstar

Why we like it: Minivan lovers can fill the Windstar with up to seven people, and there are plenty of bells and whistles for those who want them — from power-sliding doors and rear parking sensors to power front seats and heated leather upholstery. Lower trim levels can be had on the cheap, and all models make the grade for reliability and safety. Antilock brakes were standard, and the optional side airbags came installed on around 17 percent of '02 models.
The numbers: A base Windstar LX with 70,000 miles and side airbags should cost around $7,500. That's a steal, considering the standard ABS, air conditioning and power accessories. Better-equipped SE and SEL models run past $10,000, and a loaded Windstar Limited can cost upward of $15,000.
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2002 Honda Accord

Why we like it: There's no such thing as a typical Accord driver — it's everyone's car, through and through. The sixth generation, built from 1998 through 2002, delivered excellent reliability and respectable crash-test ratings. High-ticket safety options were widely incorporated: side airbags came on 46 percent of '02 Accords, and ABS made its way into nearly 60 percent. Combine the stick shift and four-cylinder for highway gas mileage in the high 20s; it drops to the mid-20s with the V-6 and automatic.
The numbers: A base DX sedan with 70,000 miles, a manual transmission, ABS and side airbags should run just under $10,000; better-equipped LX and EX models will cost between $11,500 and $13,000. Cars with an automatic go for an extra $700 or so, and the V-6 can add $850 to $1,500. Expect to pay at least $12,000 for an Accord coupe.
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2002 Honda Civic

Why we like it: The Civic combines thriftiness and refinement in a way few others can, making it an excellent choice for those who often drive solo. The pint-sized four-cylinder won't impress any lead-footers, but it turns out highway gas mileage in the mid-30s. Crash-test scores are good, though reliability isn't quite as top-notch as the Accord's. Pick the EX trim for standard antilock brakes. Given how the car's compact size would fare in a crash, look hard for a model with the optional side airbags. They made their way into about 15 percent of all '02 Civics, while ABS was included on more than 40 percent.
The numbers: With 70,000 miles, a basic DX sedan or coupe with side airbags, ABS and a stick shift should fetch around $10,000. Better-equipped LX and EX models range from $11,000 to $12,000. Add about $550 if you want an automatic.
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2002 Oldsmobile Aurora

Why we like it: The Aurora is proof you can buy a used luxury car for around 10 large. The restyled early-2000s model earns high marks for reliability and crashworthiness. Most examples should have all the luxury you need; leather upholstery, a power driver's seat and automatic climate control came on all models, as did antilock brakes and side airbags. Eight-cylinder Auroras serve up potent passing power, along with a few more luxury features and an electronic stability system.
The numbers: With 70,000 miles, well-equipped V-6 models can be had for under $11,000. If you want the V-8 and a full host of luxury features, expect to pay $13,000 or more.
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What About the Trucks?

Some may wonder why our list doesn't include any pickups or SUVs. That's because SUVs typically cost more than cars, so when they depreciate, comparatively few late-model examples approach $10,000. SUVs that do hit the threshold are often there because of faults that mean we won't recommend them. A 2002 Jeep Liberty, for example, fits the bill nicely, with four-wheel-drive models running as little as $8,500. Unfortunately, the Liberty has poor frontal crash-test ratings. Conversely, a 2002 Buick Rendezvous comes in at the right price and did well in crash tests, but its reliability scores are disappointing. When all was said and done, no SUVs met our standards.

For pickups, the story is much the same. The trucks run the gamut for prices, and many recent examples are worth $10,000 today. Unfortunately, a combination of poor crash tests and lack of side airbags sank many them, including popular models like Ford's F-150 and Ranger. Other pickups, like the Chevy Silverado and Dodge Ram, fell short due to mediocre reliability ratings.

That said, we can recommend some options for those willing to stretch their budgets:

2002 Honda CR-V: With solid reliability and crash-test scores, the CR-V's thrifty four-cylinder delivers highway gas mileage in the mid-20s. Side airbags and ABS are standard on EX models, which should retail around $14,000 at a used lot these days.
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2003 Subaru Forester: What the wagonlike Forester gives up in total refinement it gains in carlike handling and safety, with standard all-wheel drive, ABS and side airbags. The basic four-cylinder never feels particularly enthusiastic, but it gets the job done and delivers mid-20s highway gas mileage. Reliability scores have been impressive, and a base model should list for around $14,500 today.
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2005 Chevy Colorado: A range of body configurations all came standard with antilock brakes, and optional side curtain airbags protect both rows of passengers. All models boast respectable crash-test and reliability scores. Expect to pay around $11,500 for a no-frills regular cab, with extended cab and crew cab models running as high as $22,000.
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Editor's Notes

The used-car market can be wildly unpredictable, so some of you may be able to turn a better deal for one of these cars or get a more appealing model for the same price. Others may have to pay slightly more than $10,000, depending on the specific condition of the car you're looking at and where you live. Take the 2004 Kia Optima, for example: An LX model with 50,000 miles runs $9,965 in New York but $10,315 in Redmond, Wash. We used national retail values to pare down our initial list, but used-car prices on a national level are scant. The prices listed on each car we recommend came from using Chicago as a geographic reference. Specific retail values in your area may differ.

When checking prices, bear in mind that you may be able to bargain the car down $1,000 or more. Conversely, shoppers should also plan for the customary fees associated with buying a used car, including sales tax and license, title and registration fees. If you want a mechanic to check things out, factor in the cost of an inspection, too.

Some readers may notice that our gas mileage estimates don't jibe with their own findings. That's because we ranked cars by the Environmental Protection Agency's 2008 ratings system, which estimates mileage using tougher standards for acceleration, cruising speeds and other variables. The resulting ratings, which the EPA applies retroactively to older cars on its website, are typically lower. Our real-world fill-ups generally support the revised numbers, so we chose to use the updated ratings for all mileage estimates here.

Sources for safety equipment and crash-test scores include the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and automaker data. Information on vehicle features comes from automaker data; reliability scores come from J.D. Power & Associates and Consumer Reports. Gas mileage estimates come from the EPA, and used-car prices come from Kelley Blue Book. Installation rates for specific safety equipment come from Ward's Auto.