Finding a reliable used car under $10,000 can feel impossible in today’s market. But according to Doug DeMuro, there are still a few standout older used models that deliver real value without breaking the bank. From fun-to-drive favorites to practical daily commuters, these budget-friendly used car picks prove affordable doesn’t mean boring.
1994 Chevy Camaro Z28
- Sold for: $7,400 (cars and bids)
- Fuel economy combined: 18 mpg
- Horsepower: 275 at 5,000 RPM
- Fair market price range: $4,623 to $6,248
This 1994 Camaro Z28 had 32,200 miles when it sold. DeMuro called the vehicle “a fun performance enthusiast’s car.”
Kelley Blue Book (KBB) listed some of the standard features in the Camaro Z28 as cruise control, leather seats, power windows, tilt steering wheel and a CD player. Out of 1,019 customer ratings on KBB, the Z28 averaged 4.6 for value and quality and 4.7 for reliability and performance.
Trending Now: I’m a Car Expert: 3 Trucks That Aren’t Worth the Money
For You: 6 Safe Accounts Proven To Grow Your Money Up To 13x Faster
2002 Subaru Impreza WRX
- Sold for: $7,400 (cars and bids)
- Fuel economy combined: 21 mpg
- Horsepower: 227 at 6,000 RPM
- Fair market price range: $6,103 to $7,456
Despite the fact that the early WRXs were not modified well, DeMuro said they are still punchy and fun to drive.
According to KBB, the standard features on the Impreza WRX include a DVD entertainment center, hands free phone, MP3 player, navigation system and dual power front seats. With 908 ratings listed on KBB, the WRX has a 4.8 for value, reliability, quality and performance.
2004 Mazda RX8
- Sold for: $9,500 (cars and bids)
- Fuel economy: 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway
- Horsepower: 197 at 8,500 RPM
- Fair market price range: $3,516 to $5,787
Because of the difficulty of the rotary motor, DeMuro reminded buyers that if they know what they are doing and how to take care of the RX8, it is incredible to drive It’s also what he considers one of the great driving Japanese cars of all time. The 2004 RX8 had 29,900 miles when it was sold on Cars and Bids.
Almost 500 ratings on KBB show the Mazda RX8 at 4.2 for reliability, 4.3 for value and quality and 4.5 for performance. Some standard features that are available on the RX8 consist of a hands-free phone system, navigation system, dual power front seats, DVD entertainment center and MP3 player.
1990 Mercedes-Benz W126 300SE
- Sold for: $7,745 (cars and bids)
- Fuel economy combined: 16 mpg
- Horsepower: 177 at 5,700 RPM
- KBB price: $18,949 (Note: Fair market price range not available for this one)
DeMuro said that the reason the W126s were so affordable was because Mercedes-Benz made so many of them. He also claimed that, in his experience, if the vehicle was well maintained, then it would have many years left.
Extra features on the Mercedes-Benz W126 include heated seats, an AM/FM cassette player, passenger active belts and a power sun or moon roof, according to KBB.
Bonus: Japanese Domestic Market Vehicles
In addition to the above, Demuro said that Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) Vehicles are imported to the U.S. and they often sell on Cars and Bids for under $10,000. One example on Cars and Bids was the Honda Beat with prices starting at $5,500 for a 1991 Beat. He told viewers that in Japan, people do not drive as much. He also said that a car with 70,000 miles on it in Japan would be in better shape because Japan is much stricter about road legality.
The fortunate buyers of a JDM vehicle should know that the motors are especially built for the Japanese domestic market and adhere to the strict rules and regulations for emissions, performance and fuel efficiency, according to JDM Performance. The Japanese Shaken system — consisting of laws and inspections — encourages frequent vehicle turnover which usually results in low mileage and better engine condition.
Bonus: Survivor Cars
Demuro also said buyers can find good deals on survivor cars. A survivor car is generally described as a car that has survived several decades in reasonable condition, per MyStarCollectorCar.com.
A survivor vehicle should still have the original finishes on the engine, body, interior and underneath the car as well. The finishes should also be intact enough to be able to serve as a template to restore a similar car.
Vehicles that DeMuro considered to be survivor cars were a 1993 Toyota Camry selling for $7,800 at 49,800 miles, a 1993 Ford Crown Victoria that sold at $6,900 with 36,900 miles and a 1991 Honda Accord DX Coupe that was sold for $6,900. He suggested that the Toyota Camry would be a good regular vehicle for a new driver. Due to not very much interest in buying these survivor cars, they are great bargains for under $10,000.
More From GOBankingRates
- Mark Cuban Warns 4 Key Industries Could Crumble in the Next Recession
- Here's What Retirees Wasted the Most Money On in 2025 -- and How To Avoid It in 2026
- How Middle-Class Earners Are Quietly Becoming Millionaires -- and How You Can, Too
- 6 Safe Accounts Proven to Grow Your Money Up to 13x Faster
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 4 Best Cars for Under $10K, According to Doug DeMuro
