Best Used Cars and SUVs for Less Than $5,000
These models have strong reliability and performed well in CR's tests
There’s no reason for any car buyer to have to settle for an unreliable or dangerous vehicle just because their budget is tight. Many models that were smart choices when they were new still have those same good qualities years later as older, much less expensive used cars.
And yes, even used cars under $5,000 can offer high-quality and reliable transportation. They were good when we recommended them as new, and now, years later—more than a decade in most cases—they’ve held up.
In this article
- Best Used Vehicles Under $5,000: Small Cars Midsized & Large Sedans SUVs Pickup Trucks
Small Cars
Toyota Corolla, 2003 to 2005
Midsized & Large Sedans
Honda Accord, 2006
Lexus ES 2004
Toyota Avalon, 2002, 2004
Toyota Camry, 2001, 2005
SUVs
Toyota RAV4, 2004
Pickup Trucks
Toyota Tacoma, 2000 to 2001, 2004
Toyota Tundra, 2002 to 2005
