Best Used Cars for Under $10,000 That You Can Buy Right Now

This generation of the Fit was redesigned in 2009, which preserved all of the Fit’s space while making it quicker, safer, and more modern. Interior versatility is the Fit’s hallmark, facilitated by rear seats that can be folded flat and low or flipped up against the backrest, creating a deep, flat floor that can accommodate bulky items. While not overly powerful, the Fit feels responsive, with a smooth and willing engine and agile handling that makes it fun to drive. The ride is choppy and the car is loud, so consider it as more of an urban runabout than a long-distance commuter. Overall fuel economy was 30 mpg. For 2010 models, you should look for a loaded Fit with the navigation system to get ESC, which became standard in the 2011 model year.

The Mazda3 received some powertrain tweaks in 2012, which improved its fuel economy to an impressive 32 mpg overall. This vaulted its road-test score to near the top of our small-car rankings for the model year. Mazda’s SkyActiv 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivers smooth and ample performance. An available 2.5-liter four-cylinder provides more power, but is less frugal with fuel. Handling is quite capable and inspiring, making the car agile and enjoyable to drive. Turn-in response is quick; steering provides good feedback and is appropriately weighed. Body roll is well suppressed. A tight turning circle is also a plus. Other attributes include a supple ride and a well-designed interior with good materials and comfortable seats. On the downside, rear-seat room is tight and road noise is pronounced. Blind spot warning was optional in 2013, so try to find a model that was built with this helpful safety feature.

The Corolla’s 1.8-liter, 132-hp, four-cylinder engine delivers average performance, although it returns excellent fuel economy. Expect 32 mpg in mixed driving on regular fuel with both the four-speed automatic and the five-speed manual transmissions. The pleasant and refined Corolla Corolla handles soundly but isn’t engaging to drive. Steering is somewhat light in feel and vague on center, but turn-in response is prompt and appropriate. While body roll isn’t excessive, the car doesn’t feel particularly agile, though its tight turning circle is appreciated. The suspension system soaks up bumps very well with muted kicks and effective isolation, which also makes the car supple and controlled on the highway. The Corolla is relatively quiet and the rear seat is roomier compared with the previous model. Interior fit and finish isn’t quite as good, though.

This version of the Honda Accord stands out as a comfortable, roomy, and efficient midsized sedan. It’s also nice to drive and easy to live with. When matched with the smooth continuously variable transmission, the standard Accord’s 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine squeezes out an excellent 30 mpg overall and 40 on the highway. That’s better than most smaller compact cars and even some subcompacts. The 3.5-liter V6 is super-smooth and powerful, snapping off a 6.3-second 0-to-60 mph time that’s competitive with some sports cars. Its 26 mpg overall fuel economy was among the best in the V6 class during its time. Inside, you’re treated to one of the best driving positions available, along with comfortable seats and terrific visibility. A backup camera is standard.

With its comfortable ride, quiet interior, and lavish amenities, the Lexus ES provides big luxury car feel and refinement in a manageably sized package. The ES is also quick and yet sparing with fuel, returning 26 mpg overall in our tests. Valuing ride quality over handling, agility isn’t a strong suit. Consequently, the ES doesn’t try to be fun to drive. But it’s one of the best-riding cars in its class. Further, rear-seat side airbags are standard equipment. Its few negatives include limited rear-seat headroom and partly obscured rear visibility.

The smooth-riding Avalon could easily pass for a luxury car costing tens of thousands of dollars more. The cabin is vast and quiet, and its 268-hp, 3.5-liter V6 provides quick acceleration while providing decent fuel economy. Expect 23 mpg in mixed driving on regular fuel. When it comes to handling, the Avalon tackles corners with a fair amount of body roll but not much agility. The low-effort steering is linear, though it isn’t particularly quick or communicative. At the track, the Avalon reached its cornering limits early on, plowing predictably. The stability control system intervenes decisively to keep the car on its path, shedding speed dramatically. A 2011 freshening brought a revised interior with an improved control layout and nicer dashboard materials. The interior is very roomy, with supportive front seats and a spacious rear seat with reclining seatbacks.

A 2010 freshening helped the Camry improve its standing as one of the best family sedans. Key attributes include a composed ride as well as a quiet, spacious, and comfortable cabin. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder and six-speed automatic deliver 26 mpg overall. While handling is sound and secure, it could be more agile and fun to drive. Redesigned for 2012, the Camry maintained its compliant ride, quiet cabin, and coddling passenger accommodations. All powertrains—the 2.5-liter, 178-hp four-cylinder, the optional 3.5-liter, 268-hp V6, and the 200-hp four-cylinder hybrid—carried over from the previous model. The hybrid is the pinnacle of the lineup, delivering an impressive 38 mpg overall in our tests. The V6 returns a very competitive 24 mpg overall, while the base four-cylinder’s 27 mpg is acceptable. The interior is relatively quiet and the suspension readily absorbs bumps. There’s plenty of room inside and the controls are easy to use, except for some tight-packed touchscreen buttons. A backup camera and a power driver’s seat are standard.

While the Venza looks like a tall hatchback, it’s related to the 2001-2007 Highlander SUV and is a reliable choice for those drivers who don’t want an SUV. On the plus side, the Venza has plenty of room for passengers inside its very quiet interior, and cabin access is easy. As in other Toyota products, the optional 3.5-liter V6 is refined and pulls strongly, although the Venza’s 20 mpg overall in our tests is no better than the non-hybrid Highlander. On the road, the Venza winds up being less pleasant to drive than the bigger and more refined Highlander. Giant 20-inch wheels hurt the ride, and handling is nothing special, despite the Venza’s lower ride height. The sloping roof inhibits cargo volume and the view out of the rear window.