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6 Super Reliable Used Cars Under $10,000

Here are 6 of the best reliable used cars priced between $6,000 to $8,000 available today and what makes them so special to buy used.

Reliability is one of the most important qualities used car shoppers look for in a car. The cost savings in avoiding expensive and repeating repairs is arguably the biggest perk next to finding a model that has depreciated significantly.

Related article: 10 Most Reliable 2024 Car Models and What They Will Cost You

Should I Buy a Used Car Instead of a New Car?

The benefits of buying a used car over a new one is that not only will the used model have depreciated quite a bit, but the history of past models when it comes to reliability, true fuel efficiency, and owner satisfaction are known from past reviews through helpful resources such as Consumer Reports whose experts gather their data from actual vehicle owner survey data.

The primary benefit of buying a new car, however, lies primarily in the expectation that repairs should not be an issue right away and the fact that improved safety features are a big part of every new model that comes out each year.

However, even the newest models of 2024 are already showing problems as pointed out earlier this year by the host of the Car Help Corner YouTube Channel, who rated the following ten 2024 models as the ones that will not reach anywhere near the 200,000 miles or more car owners expect from their cars today:

  1. Nissan Rogue
  2. Infiniti QX50
  3. Ford Bronco Sport
  4. Chrysler Pacifica (Plug-in Hybrid)
  5. Chevrolet Silverado
  6. GMC Sierra
  7. Land Rover Range Rover
  8. Jaguar F-Pace
  9. Volkswagen Taos
  10. Any Hyundai or Kia with the 2.0 L 4-cyinder engine

What Makes a Used Car Reliable?

In truth, what makes any one used car more reliable than another is due to multiple factors from both the manufacturer and the previous owner.

However, as the host of the Car Wizard YouTube channel points out, his focus is on those used models consisting of, “Cars that cost $6,000 to $8,000 that an average (but reputable) shop can work on,” as opposed to those used models many garages will not even consider repairing stated the host.

These models are the ones he recommends that are great just for getting around in; and if they do break down, that are easily repaired with the least amount of hassle for the owner.

The caveat to these six recommendations is that a prepurchase inspection should always be done before buying to weed out those models that have rust issues and/or excessive oil and other fluid leaks that are expensive to repair.

Related article: Most Reliable 200K Mile Car for $500?

The Most Reliable Used Cars Recommended by the Car Wizard

According to the host of the Car Wizard YouTube Channel episode, these six models listed are the host’s top six choices as the most reliable and trouble free you can find today.

  1. 2006-2012 Toyota Camry: “This is easily a 400,000-mile car,” states the host as he points out repairs are typically easy and ones almost any garage should be able to handle.
  2. 2005-2012 Lincoln Town Car: It might be a “Grandpa’s car” admits the host, but it is one that you can count on for comfort and having a time-tested engine proven to be bulletproof with the Panther Platform of reliability.
  3. 2007-2022 Honda Accord: “They are almost as reliable as a Toyota Camry,” states the host pointing out this is another one of those 300,000 miles-plus cars that are easy to work on when needed―especially the 4-cylinder models.
  4. 2009-2013 Subaru Outback: “These are the models after the years of the blown head gaskets,” says the Car Wizard who warns about buying any used Subaru outside of this year range he recommends.
  5. 2011-2016 Dodge Charger: Noted for being one of those models you tend to find used looking pretty beat-up, this year range of Chargers have proven to be very durable despite the abuse they are given. However, you really should choose one that looks well cared for to guarantee reliability and easy repairs when needed. “This is probably a 250,000 to 300,000-mile car…they definitely can last a while,” states the host.
  6. 2007-2014 Ford Mustang: Although Mustangs are not typically touted as being reliable, this model year range is the exception. Plus, almost any garage should be able to repair one without drama or prolonged time sitting idle waiting for repairs due to parts or other difficulties. The expected life of these Mustangs is 200,000 miles-plus.

For more details about each recommended model and why the Car Wizard chose them, here is the video provided below:

The Car Wizard Shares 6 Super Reliable Vehicles $6K-$8K

For additional articles about proven reliable cars, here are three Consumer Reports related recommendations released this year for your consideration:

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites  and Facebook for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

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