Searching for a new car is always a nerve wracking experience, but looking for a ‘new-to-you’ car for under $10,000 can be downright daunting. Google searches and classified ads inundate you when you start searching for a used vehicle, but where can you find a cheap car that won’t be a sure-fire lemon? Peruse our list for five used cars under $10,000 that you can buy in Canada that are still reliable and cheap to fix.
2011 Subaru Impreza
The Impreza has long been touted as the weapon of choice for anyone dealing with cold Canadian winters and snow-covered roads. Its standard, all-wheel drive allows for easy handling in low-traction situations and on icy roads.
The 2011 Subaru Impreza offers sleek, racy lines and lots of comfortable amenities, such as cruise control, dual vanity mirrors, air conditioning, interior air filtration and more.
It offers high ratings among owners, who say the Impreza has roomy seating and punchy engines.
With the Subaru Impreza, there’s something for everyone and choices galore and all for under $10,000.
2010 Honda Civic
This is the car that never quits.
Honda’s are often known for their reliable engines, still happily chugging along when it looks like the body may disintegrate around their drivers, and this is no exception in the 2010 Honda Civic, an eighth generation model. These vehicles are well-known for lasting past the 200,000 kms marker and they can typically be found around $10,000. Civics hold their value and are inexpensive to fix and easy to find parts for.
Fuel efficient and environmentally friendly, the 2010 Honda Civic gets 26 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway.
2008 Ford Escape
The only SUV on our list, the Ford Escape has long been a popular choice for sporty families with lots on the go. This 5-seater car offers lots of storage space for hockey bags and golf clubs and a glut of safety features, including tire pressure monitoring, 4-wheel ABS, child seat anchors, 3 rear headrests and more.
While not as easy on the gas with 22 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway, the Ford Escape still has the benefit of a 2.3 L engine with 153 horsepower to make sure you get where you’re going quickly, safely and at a reasonable price.
2010 Mercury Milan Premier
This economical and low maintenance sedan is the perfect ride for dedicated commuters and students. With a spacious interior and nimble handling, the Mercury Milan offers real bang for your buck, and it’s relatively easy to find them around the $10, 000 price point.
The Mercury Milan’s power is sometimes left wanting, so this is not a car for anyone with a sudden interest in street racing, but this stylish sedan will continue handling well long after its competitors.
The stock 2010 Milan features 16-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, a CD/MP3 player with satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack, cruise control, full power accessories, keyless entry, a six-way power driver seat and a 60/40-split-folding rear seat. Not too bad for a used ride under $10,000, huh?
2010 Toyota Camry
Purchasing a used Toyota Camry, even a 2006 vintage, is usually a safe bet when it comes to getting a reliable, hardworking used car for an affordable price. Like many Toyotas, the Camry gets good gas mileage at 22 city and 33 highway MPG with its 2.5 litre, 6-cylinder engine.
Need a safe ride for your kids as they begin to fly the coop? The 2010 Toyota Camry has excellent crash test scores and comes equipped with 4-wheel ABS, front and read head airbags and daytime running lights and can be found for just below the $10,000 marker.