Best Used Cars and SUVs for Less Than $5,000 Rated by Consumer Reports

The used car market is tight and so are budgets. However, if you are looking for a good used car or SUV model that has proven its worth with a good track record over the past 18 years, here are some models analysts at Consumer Reports rate as the best deals that can be found under $5,000.

Best Used Cars and SUVs

According to a recent Consumer Reports release of the best used cars and SUVs that can be had for under $5,000, there is no reason why a low price has to equate with low quality or a compromise in safety with a used vehicle that can be close to two decades old.

In fact, several models on the road today with well over 150,000 miles on them are a testament that some car models are actually both well-designed and well-built to make them the true road warriors that they are today.

In their latest analysis of used vehicles, CR analysts picked those models that not only performed well in over 50 evaluations when new, but also demonstrated average or better reliability according to the data they’ve mined from their bank of Annual Auto Surveys provided by CR members.

Related article: The Best and Worst Used Toyotas To Buy Recently Reviewed

That said, here is a summary of their listing of sedans, hatchbacks, and SUVs that can be found for $5,000 or less and are available with electronic stability control (ESC)---a safety system that saves lives and is now required on all new cars.

Please Note: Pricing reflects market values of today. Although some models are actually listed above $5,000, depending on the vehicle condition the prices on these selected models can be found for less.

BEST USED CARS AND SUVS FOR LESS THAN $5,000

Small Cars

1. 2010 Honda Civic
Price Range: $5,825 - $9,425
Owner Reported Mpg: 30 mpg

2. 2009 Honda Fit
Price Range: $6,375 - $7,250
Owner Reported Mpg: 32 mpg

3. 2005 Toyota Corolla
Price Range: $4,425 - $4,850
Owner Reported Mpg: 30 mpg

4. 2007 Toyota Prius
Price Range: $5,800
Owner Reported Mpg: 42 mpg
Special note for Prius owners

Hatchbacks

1. 2005 Pontiac Vibe
Price Range: $4,150 - $4,600
Owner Reported Mpg: 28 mpg

2. 2008 Toyota Matrix
Price Range: $7,150 - $7,550
Owner Reported Mpg: 30 mpg

Midsized and Large Sedans

1. 2004 Honda Accord
Price Range: $3,575 - $4,675
Owner Reported Mpg: 25 mpg

2. 2005 Toyota Avalon
Price Range: $5,625 - $5,950
Owner Reported Mpg: 24 mpg

3. 2005 Toyota Camry
Price Range: $4,975 - $5,250
Owner Reported Mpg: 25 mpg

SUVs

1. 2005 Honda CR-V
Price Range: $5,050 - $5,975
Owner Reported Mpg: 24 mpg

2. 2006 Honda Pilot
Price Range: $5,625 - $7,200
Owner Reported Mpg: 18 mpg

3. 2005 Toyota RAV4
Price Range: $5,100 - $5,550
Owner Reported Mpg: 23 mpg

Related article: Best Low Cost Used Cars and SUVs

If you cannot find a model locally, you are encouraged to check out the CR website for its useful used car marketplace search feature.

Be sure to check out other CR-related articles that covers buying used cars, performing your own car repairs, automotive things to avoid; and, recall alerts.

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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 for daily news and topics related to ICE and EV cars and trucks.