You Can Buy These Cars for Less Than a Trip to Disney World

Buying a car can be quite expensive; however, there are options available if you are looking for a used car at an affordable price. If you have a budget of $10,000, then you will more than likely end up with a vehicle that is up to fifteen years old and has approximately 180k miles or more on the clock. Depending on your driving habit, the average annual mileage of a car is approximately 12,000 miles. This means the car will end up being serviced more frequently. For those with a budget, you can buy these cars for less than a trip to Disney World. Let's explore some affordable used cars under $10,000.

• JDP Consumer Rating: 82/100

If you are seeking the benefits of a station wagon, then keep your eyes open for an affordable older model of the Subaru Outback. It’s perfect for those who enjoy outdoor adventures like sports and camping because it has plenty of cargo space. The Outback has similar features to an SUV, including all-wheel drive and robust features for all types of weather conditions. In fact, it was rated the Best Midsize SUV in 2012.

• JDP Consumer Rating: 86/100 

Owners are impressed with the overall performance and safety of the Honda Civic. They offer a pleasant driving experience and are popular for their reliability. Furthermore, the Civic has been praised for its low cost of ownership when maintained and efficient fuel economy. As a matter of fact, it was voted the Best Compact Car of 2012. Finally, the Civic also holds its value, so you can get a good resale price.

• JDP Consumer Rating: 86/100

Next, we have the Toyota Corolla. This compact car is well known for its affordable maintenance costs and fuel economy. Parts are easy to source, and with proper care, your Toyota Corolla will easily last over 300,000 miles. This car is perfect for daily travel to and from work as well as long trips. In addition, the Toyota Corolla was voted the Best Compact Car of 2013.

• JDP Consumer Rating: 72/100

If you're looking for a reliable car that is only a few years old, the Ford Focus is a great choice. You can choose from the hatchback or the sedan version, and it also gets a good resale price if you want to upgrade. If you are looking for one with premium features like a sunroof or rear parking sensors, there are affordable used Focus SEs available for under $10,000. The Ford Focus was voted the Best Compact Car of 2014.

• JDP Consumer Rating: 79/100

The Mazda3 has a five-star safety rating and is fuel-efficient. It has a beautiful, sleek design and offers a classy, sporty feel. Compared to other competitors, it offers a more upscale interior in this price range. If the vehicle is well maintained, you should get at least 250,000 miles out of a Mazada3. Furthermore, it has great ownership costs, averaging about $433 per year. The Mazda3 was voted the Best Compact Car of 2015.

• JDP Consumer Rating: 87/100

The Kia Soul is an affordable car on the used market. It has a spacious interior and funky box-like design and is good on fuel. The base model has a 130-hp 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine. Optional is the 164-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. Both models have a 14.2-gallon tank. If you are lucky enough to purchase one with the Plus trim, you can enjoy the high-tech features like a touchscreen, USB inputs, and Bluetooth. Buying a secondhand car can cost you far less than a new car, You could even buy a new home for the price of a new car.

• JDP Consumer Rating: 77/100

Although the Honda Fit has an average consumer rating of 77, it has a high quality and reliability rating of 80/100 and an impressive fuel economy. Its roomy interior makes it a good option for families with a budget under $10,000. With a 1.5L 16-valve 4-cylinder engine and features like air conditioning, cruise control, power locks, and windows, the Honda Fit is perfect for the daily driver. Furthermore, the Honda Fit was voted the Best Small Car of 2016.

• JDP Consumer Rating: 82/100

The Chevrolet Cruze has a spacious interior and comfortable seating. It is available in hatchback and sedan. Owners said they liked the trunk space, voice recognition, and rear visibility. It’s fuel-efficient, and there is also a diesel option available. The standard 6-speed transmission is available in manual or automatic. With a variety of models to choose from, you’re bound to find a Chevrolet Cruze to suit your needs. Furthermore, the Chevrolet Cruze was voted the Best Compact Car of 2016.

• JDP Consumer Rating: 82/100

This luxury SUV has a 92/100 driving experience for comfort on rough roads. The turbocharged engine provides good fuel efficiency and quick acceleration. It features cutting-edge safety control and provides adult-friendly back seating space. The cargo capacity is also big, with 31 cubic feet behind the back seats and 61.9 cubes when the back seats are folded down. You will be able to fit all your camping gear inside. The interior features a touchscreen, Bluetooth, USB, and a review camera. You can expect to get 15 years or 200,000 miles with the Hyundai Tucson. It was also voted the Best Small SUV of 2016.

• JDP Consumer Rating: 88/100

If you are looking for an affordable midsize sedan, the Toyota Camry is one of the best reliable used cars money can buy. According to carfigures.com, 254,832 Toyota Camrys have been sold in the United States alone since January 2024. Furthermore, the 2013 model has a reputation for having low maintenance, and the Toyota Camry boasts of having one of the most competitive fuel economy ratings. Owners liked the transition smoothness, the quietness of the interior, and the Bluetooth and voice recognition.