Used Cars Under 5000

The best used cars under 5000 on this list are selected because the following features affect the price favorably, and when these features are missing, the price declines:

• Looks nearly new and is in excellent mechanical condition.
• The paint or body has not been redone.
• Does not need reconditioning.
• Is free of rust.
• The engine compartment is clean and no indications of fluid leaks.
• There are no visible defects in the body.
• The interior is free of wear signs or defects.
• Clean title history.
• Will pass all relevant geographical inspections.
• Complete and verifiable service records.
• Clean CARFAX report.

These represent what a $5,000 vehicle should have. Of course, a 2009 vehicle could be in such bad condition that it is worth only $5,000, but this list includes models that should have the above features which justify the price. Keep in mind that prices vary by geographic area and whether the buyer is working with a used car dealer or a private seller.

Any used car that ranks as “best” is going to have over 100,000 miles on the engine because the price point puts it into that category by age. The cars selling for less than $5,000 are out of warranty.

All cars selected have air conditioning and full power accessories, as well as AM/FM radios.

Our list is not ordered by the best buy first; it is a list formed as the research found a vehicle that warranted inclusion. The following is not an all-inclusive list of best buys under $5,000.
OUR LIST OF BEST USED CARS SELLING FOR LESS THAN $5,000

Our first pick of best used cars under 5000 is a 1997 Ford Mustang equipped with a 4.6 Liter 8-cylinder, 5-speed manual transmission. This fourth-generation Ford Mustang was a remarkable design change. The third-generation models never appealed to buyers. This car is fun to drive as a rear-wheel-drive sports car, prices of the Mustang are now reasonable.

The 1996 new “Modular” 4.6 Liter V-8 engine was installed in all 1996 and later models. This superbly performing engine required few repairs and was a performance engine that made the car a joy to drive. The gas mileage is 18 mpg city, and 25 mpg Hwy. The car seat two people although two more could have a miserable ride in the back seat.

The 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier 2DR wins a place on this list because of the many favorable customer reviews. Our choice is equipped with a 2.2 Liter 4-cylinder, automatic transmission, and FWD. The safety features rated when this car was new ranked very high. The gas mileage is 21 mpg city, and 30 mpg hwy.

Over 7,000 drivers rate this car as one of the best to drive and they rate the ride as comfortable even on models with over 100,000 miles. The lack of serious mechanical malfunctions makes this a more economical car to drive. Most of the Cavaliers reviewed by drivers had more than 150,000 miles and were still running with the same characteristics as when new.

The 2000 Honda Accord DX Sedan deserves a place on our list because it draws praise from drivers and reviewers. Our car is equipped with a 2.3 Liter 4-cylinder, automatic transmission, and FWD. The handling of the car is a real attraction for drivers. The safety rating when new was the best for a car in its class. The gas mileage is 19 city, 26 hwy.

The 2002 Ford Taurus LX Sedan 4 DR is on our list for its performance, comfort and dependability. This model is equipped with 3.0 Liter V6, automatic transmission, and FWD. This car scored exceptionally well on all safety ratings when new. The car is known for holding a wheel alignment and requiring little maintenance.

The comfort is a real attraction for buyers. The gas mileage is 18 mpg city, and 25 mpg hwy. The car’s negative comments are related to its repair bills past 150,000 miles. The price of this model is the least expensive of all on the list of best used cars under 5000.

The 2002 Subaru Outback Wagon is a star. Equipped with a 2.5 Liter 4-cylinder, 5-speed manual transmission, all- wheel drive. This second-generation Subaru Outback is at the top of used wagons for $5,000. The design still feels fresh today, and the mechanicals have a history of outlasting the body which lasts a long time.

The negative reports are about the body rusting easily. The positive comments are the handling ability in all road conditions. This car is highly favored by drivers who have owned two or more Subarus. The gas mileage is 19 mpg city, and 25 Hwy.