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The Ultimate List Of 10 Best Used Cars Under 5000 Dollars

ByJohn Kelly-May 23, 2024

Just because you don’t have a handsome budget does not mean that you have to settle for a stodgy vehicle. There are a surprising number of cars that you can get your hands on for a few thousand dollars. If you are looking for the best used cars under 5000 dollars, there are plenty of them.

The 10 Best Used Cars Under 5000 Dollars

The idea of buying a used car may seem less exciting to some people but think about all the possibilities! You can choose from all those luxury, pricey models that were almost out of your reach once. Also, you already know if they are fuel-efficient and reliable, and how many more miles you are going to get from them.

With all these things in mind, let’s find out the names of best used cars under 5000 bucks:

1. BMW 3-Series (E30)

The E3 325i. (Photo Source: turbo)

E30 is an entry-level luxury car that BMW produced from 1982 to 1994. It cemented the brand’s position in the market. The upper range models including the 320i and the 323i/325i were a real driver’s delight due to their precise steering and rear-wheel drive style. Just make sure that it is in good condition and free of rust.

2. Honda CR-X Si

The CR-X Si, a sports version of the CR-X, debuted in 1988 and received instant love from critics and consumers. Everyone wanted that sporty, fuel-efficient car. The lightweight vehicle has a 1.6L 4-cylinder engine and a 5-speed manual transmission. The horsepower and torque are only 105 and 98 lb-ft, respectively, but a skilled driver can speed up 0 to 60 in less than 10 seconds due to its lightweight structure.

3. Mazda MX-5 Miata

Mazda MX-5 Miata. (Photo Source: ideal)

Miata will make it to any list of cheap fun cars. The 1st and 2nd generation MX-5 models are some of the best used cars under 5000 5,000 because it is lightweight, fun, and a sports car. The models from 1996 to 2002 are the best. They will provide an amazing driving experience with the 1.8L, 4-cylinder engine, and 5-speed manual transmission.

4. Toyota Camry

No matter what list you are making about cars, it is almost impossible to keep Toyota out of it. Go for a model manufactured between 1996 and 2001 to get the best bang for your bucks. An advanced model built between 2002 and 2006 will be better because of having plenty of modern features. But, finding one at that price range will be tough.

Toyota Camry is a family-friendly car with a spacious cabin, suitable for passengers up to 1m80 tall. When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Camry outperforms most competitors. The fuel consumption of this sedan is 8.0 liters/100km in urban areas and 6.0 liters/100km on the highway.

5. Subaru Outback

Subaru Outback. (Photo Source: quora)

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Who does not want to have a standard all-wheel drive that has plenty of interior room? Well, the Outback is your all-wheel drive dream with the bonus of being inexpensive to maintain. The car also has a huge cargo capacity – making any long trip and adventure fun.

6. Chrysler PT Cruiser

The 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser. (Photo Source: autoevolution)

With an excellent reliability score, the PT Cruiser deserves a spot to be on the list of best used cars under 5000 dollars. Plus, it will definitely win hearts of those who have a penchant for retro wagon style. Go for the ones that came out after 2009. The basic models have cheap plastic fixtures but the higher trims are comfortable and have some nice features like power-adjustable seats, leather upholstery, and more.

7. Pontiac Vibe

The Vibe had a short run but Pontiac dropped a redesigned model in 2009. The four-door compact hatchback has roomy interior space and cargo capacity. The car has excellent safety scores and offers precise control and stability on the road. What is even better is there is an all-wheel-drive version too!

8. Subaru WRX

Subaru WRX STi 1994. (Photo Source: momentcar)

If we are talking about all power and muscle within a few thousand dollars, the Subaru WRX is the one that you should choose. It can smoothly cruise over any terrain. The all-wheel-drive car will be your reliable companion on any road and in all weather conditions with its turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.

Try to score an STI version that was released in 1994. These cars have better transmission, engine, and suspension than the regular WRX models. They were hugely popular among street racers.

Additionally, WRX – The new generation becomes more spacious with an angular design. The car has newly shrunk LED lights and a larger hood with an air vent in the middle. The car’s front wheel cavity fenders are made of aluminum, helping to reduce the overall weight by about 2.3 kg. Besides aesthetic factors, these details also partly contribute to increasing the vehicle’s aerodynamics and reducing air resistance.

9. Porsche 944

The name ‘Porsche’ will sound nice if you are looking for a brand image. The brand manufactured the 944 models from 1982 to 1991. It is a rear-wheel-drive, front-engine model that still has lots of spunk in it. Above all, the car still drives like a Porsche, with the trademark Porsche stamps like the aesthetic and superior build quality.

10. Toyota Prius

Toyota Prius 2005. (Photo Source: edmunds)

With Toyota being one of the most popular and reliable car brands in the market, it is no surprise to have another one from the brand in this list of best used cars under 5000 bucks. You may have to settle for one from the 2003-2009 generation to fit the budget, but it will still be worth the money. With a 1.5L, 4-cylinder engine, the Prius offers an excellent mileage and fuel economy. Plus, the electric motors make the car inexpensive to run and maintain.

In addition, fuel economy seems to be the most important thing when owning a Prius. The driver’s fuel usage is about 5.8 liters/100km with most of the time the car is driving on the highway and using automatic throttle mode. A pretty impressive number.

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John Kelly is co-ordinator and writer at Car Talk of Car From Japan. Holding a MA in Public Relations and Journalism, he has 6 working years for Sales & Marketing Department of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. Inc. John provides a unique look at Japanese cars through an American’s look, and fills his blog with everything from car restoration to history. His biggest hobbies are car and photography. Hence, when visit John’s articles, besides lots and lots of pages of information about car review and car comparison to scroll through, you also can see many interesting pictures of famous car brand from his own perspective.

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