Enjoy a comprehensive list of the best used cars to buy in 2021 under $5000. This list is sure to please every type of buyer with many different makes and models.
Are you looking to pay cash for a vehicle in 2020 and are on a limited budget? Well, look no more! Below is a comprehensive list of the twelve best used cars to buy under $5000. Please keep in mind, you will have a tough time trying to finance any of these vehicles as a lender typically will not finance older and/or higher mileage vehicles, especially ones in the $5000 or under the category.
Did you know that the average car payment in America is over $500 a month for 84 months in 2021? If you put $500 a month into a growth mutual fund or Index Fund for 30 years you would have well over a million dollars! Save up, then pay cash for your vehicle and stay out of debt. Then invest that money you’re saving!
Websites to consider for your used vehicle search are KBB.com, CarGurus.com, CarFax.com, Craiglist.com and AutoTrader.com. HOT TIP: Private Party sellers WILL yield the best deal, avoid dealerships if you can at this low price point. Just make sure to have a certified mechanic do a full inspection before buying from a private party seller.
Please note: This list is in no particular order. Tax Title License are extra. Prices will vary based upon location and year. Pricing “good condition”, “private party”. Photo Credit: KBB.com. Recall information source: NHTSA.gov.
1. 2007 Toyota Camry LE Sedan
Consider a 2007 to 2008 Toyota Camry LE Sedan. With a 2.4 Liter 4 cylinder engine producing 158 hp, 5 speed automatic front wheel drive drive train and 31 mpg highway, 21 mpg city. This vehicle is considered one of the safest and most reliable vehicles on the road for decades by many. There have been 10 Recalls for this vehicle built between 2006 to 2008, be sure all recalls have been addressed by a dealer.
2. 2011 Honda Civic DX/LX Coupe
This compact 2 door coupe offers a 1.8 Liter 4 cylinder engine with 140 hp, front wheel drive 5 speed automatic or manual boasting 25 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. This sporty little coupe looks nice and is the perfect little city commuter, it’s small enough to park just about anywhere yet can haul groceries like a mid size. A great deal for a vehicle only 8-10 years old. There have been 7 Recalls for this vehicle built between 2008 to 2011, be sure all recalls have been addressed by a dealer.
3. 2007 Ford Explorer XLT
Need a sport utility but don’t want to break the bank? Enjoy the 2007 to 2008 Ford Explorer. This vehicle comes in 2WD or 4WD with proven 4.0 V6 Engine. Ford has been using this motor for many years with great success. This 5 speed automatic gets a combined 15 MPG with it’s 210 HP engine. This SUV was and still is a hit in the SUV segment. With off road capability and optional 3rd row seating for a total of 7 (tight fit), this vehicle may be a good option for you. There have been 3 Recalls for this vehicle built between 2006 to 2008, be sure all recalls have been addressed by a dealer.
4. 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe LS
You want a larger SUV, but still want to be under that $5000 mark. No problem, the 2005-2006 Chevy Tahoe is a popular choice. With available 2WD or 4WD and a large V8 engine, this SUV was and still is king of the large SUV class to this day. You won’t get great MPG at 16 city and 20 Hwy, but this vehicle is large enough to seat 6 comfortably, with extra room for storage and can tow up to 7700lbs with the 295 HP 5.3L V8. A great option if you plan to haul kids and toys for a weekend get away. There have been 7 Recalls for this vehicle built between 2004 to 2006, be sure all recalls have been addressed by a dealer.
5. 2009 Chrysler Town & Country LX Minivan
A minivan is what you are after? You have a family and need the space. The 2008 to 2009 Chrysler Town and Country might be right up your alley. With a 4 speed automatic, front wheel drive 170 HP 3.3 Liter V6, getting 17 MPG city and 24 MPG HWY. This mini van will be sure to please with comfortable seating for 7 and dual sliding side doors for easy entry. It may not be the prettiest looking vehicle in this list, but it will serve it’s purpose to haul the whole family from point A to point B for under $5000. There have been 5 Recalls for this vehicle built between 2007 to 2009, be sure all recalls have been addressed by a dealer.
6. 2004 Ford F-150
For over 30 years, the F-150 has been the best-selling vehicle in the United States. Further, more than 40 years, it has been the best selling pickup truck. With an available 231 HP 4.6 liter V8 or the bigger 300 HP 5.4 liter V8 , this 2WD or 4WD pickup truck also has an optional 5 1/2 foot bed or 6 1/2 foot bed.
The 4 speed automatic yields a mere 15 MPG City and 19 MPG Highway. You can also opt in for the super cab or super crew, the difference is the super crew has four full size doors instead of 2 and 2 small suicide style doors. DON’T LET HIGH MILES SCARE YOU ON THIS ONE. This truck is a vehicle you can own and drive for hundreds of thousands of miles with proper maintenance, Ford built this truck to last for many years. There have been 16 Recalls for this vehicle built between 2004 to 2005, be sure all recalls have been addressed by a dealer.
7. 2007 Mazda Miata Convertible
Live in a warmer climate? Like the wind blowing on your hair? Having a mid-life crisis? Meet the Mazda Miata. This compact sport 2 door convertible is sure to please. The 2.0 liter inline 4 engine with 166 hp will dart this rear wheel drive coupe around corners like nobodies business. Achieving 25 MPG city and 30 MPG highway it is also fuel efficient. Seating for 2 will limit hauling any friends or family around, but with a 6 speed shift-able automatic you will have a blast driving it. There have been 0 Recalls for this vehicle built between 2006 to 2008.
8. 2008 Subaru Forester X Sport
A unique cross-over sport utility mix, the Subaru Forester X Sport delivers the best of both worlds, SUV + Sedan. An all wheel drive 4 speed automatic with a flat 4 cylinder 2.5 liter 173 HP engine ensures you will be king of the snow ridden roads. With 20 MPG City and 27 MPG Highway, this cross-over gets better gas mileage than it’s SUV counterparts. Subaru’s are known for their reliability and their safety. With standard seating for 5, this could be a good option over an SUV. There have been 1 Recalls for this vehicle built between 2007 to 2008, be sure all recalls have been addressed by a dealer.
9. 2013 Smart fortwo
This little, and we mean little hatchback 2 door car will get you to work in back on the cheap. A 1.0 liter 3 cylinder motor delivers 70 HP to the rear wheels. It gets to a top speed of 78 MPH and 34 MPG city/38 MPG highway. 0-60 time is well, it’s slow, at 11.5 seconds. This means entering the freeway could be dicey. If you’re commuting in the city this little gem is the ride for you however. As you can imagine, safety is not the best being as it’s such a small vehicle. But, for being the newest model year and lowest mileage in this list you can buy this car for under $5000, it’s a decision you will have to way the pro’s and con’s. There have been 0 Recalls for this vehicle built between 2012 to 2013.
10. 2007 BMW 3 Series 328i Coupe
A sporty, luxury ride like a BMW is sure to be a winner for anyone looking at a 2 door coupe. This 2007 3 Series has a 3.0 liter inline 6 cylinder engine producing 230 HP. With the manual transmission you can expect a quick acceleration 0-60 time of 6.7 seconds while still getting 20 MPG City and 30 MPG highway. Reliability and safety have been a staple of the BMW brand recognized world wide for decades. And for under $5000, you can enjoy the look of European luxury without breaking the bank. There have been 4 Recalls for this vehicle built between 2006 to 2007, be sure all recalls have been addressed by a dealer.
11. 2011 Nissan LEAF Electric
Gas powered vehicles not your thing? Without a doubt, electric vehicles are the future. Just be sure you have checked out your location for plenty of charging stations so as not to leave you stranded on longer trips. This 5 passenger hatchback has a 1-speed direct drive electric motor with 107 HP. The 24 kWh 360 V lithium-ion battery is said to get 106 MPGe city and 92 MPGe highway with a 84 mile battery range. As expected, this electric vehicle is loaded with modern technology like Bluetooth, touchscreen display. Nissan states the battery life is expected 8 years or 100,000 miles. If you’re considering this vehicle, consider also a new battery will cost you around $5500. This should open up room for negotiations if you’re buying a higher mileage original battery Nissan Leaf. There have been 0 Recalls for this vehicle built between 2010 to 2011.
12. 2004 Pontiac GTO
Are you more interested in smiles per gallon than miles per gallon? Do you enjoy the sound of V8 muscle? Say hello to the Pontiac GTO. This pig of a V8 shares the same proven 5.7 liter LS1 motor the Corvette does. The 350 HP rear wheel drive 2 door coupe goes 0-60 in 5.3 seconds. It rips down the 1/4 mile track at 13.8 seconds and has a top speed of 160 mph. Any motor head will agree for under $5000 you wont get a much better deal on modern muscle than this. Available in a 6 speed manual or 4 speed automatic. Bolt-on modifications will easily make the neighbors angry every cold start and the local hot rod gang nervous to pull up to you at a stop light. There have been 0 Recalls for this vehicle built between 2003 to 2004.
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