Finding a used car for a decent price that will serve you well is a massive challenge. There are so many unreliable models out there that it can make your head spin. 

Fortunately, we now know that some vehicles perform better second hand than others. These cars are often cheap – less than $5,000 – but will serve you well on the road. 

Mazda 3 (2008)

The modern Mazda 3 is an impressive-looking vehicle with stunning lines and an artistic finish. The old 2008 version of the car isn’t of the same pedigree. However, with that said, it’s still a good second-hand vehicle. That’s because, while the styling isn’t perfect, the quality of the engineering under the hood is excellent. This version of the car has a long list of features that used car buyers love, including things like Bose audio and navigation. 

Lexus ES

The Lexus ES from around 2004 to 2006 is another inexpensive yet reliable car. Thanks to the fact that it’s based on a Toyota production model, the Lexus offers drivers a combination of luxury and quality. Again, from today’s perspective, it looks a little dated. It still has that “slab-like” appearance that cars used to have in the 1990s. But the vehicle has stood up nicely over time, with engines that have done over 100,000 miles offering at least that again. 

Kia Soul

The Kia Soul is newer than most cheap used cars, and it’s cheap. But why? After all, Kia is one of the most trusted brands in the world. People cherish it for its reliability. 

The reason the Soul is so cheap is primarily because it is such an unusual vehicle. It looks weird, and most examples come with non-standard paint jobs that buyers generally don’t like. 

If you’re not averse to its looks, though, that could play in your favor. It’s roomy on the inside and offers great fuel economy as well because of its small size. City driving is a breeze because it can fit into gaps that most vehicles can’t. 

Honda Civic (2008)

The 2008 Honda Civic might be 13 years old now, but it is one of the cheapest used luxury cars that you can buy. Most vehicles have excellent service histories because of the type of owners they’ve had. Remember, back in ‘08, the Civic was a car that affluent people bought. They also do well in terms of safety.

Toyota Corolla (2006)

Popular among millionaires and billionaires, the humble Toyota Corolla is another vehicle that you’ll want to consider. It comes with the Japanese automaker’s legendary reliability, meaning that most used versions will still have significant life in them. What’s more, they are highly fuel-efficient. They don’t cost a lot of money to run, so you won’t be emptying your pockets every time you turn up at the gas station. 

Honda Accord (2006)

Lastly, we have the Honda Accord from 2006. This vehicle has one of the best reputations on the market. Plus, it comes with a host of amenities that were pretty much brand new fifteen years ago.