Last updated on October 10th, 2023 at 05:27 pm
It is necessary to do some research before buying a used car. Because a used car always comes with some uncertainty. Both Reliability and longevity are some of the most crucial factors to consider while purchasing a used car. It doesn’t mean that you can’t find a good used car because of the low budget.
A used car with high-reliability scores can help you to save your investment and long-term service costs.
We made a top list based on experts’ recommendations and customers reviews. Our reliable top 10 picks for best used cars under 5,000 are listed below.
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Best Used Cars Under 5000 (Top 10 Picks)
Toyota Sequoia
2006 sequoia is one of the best choices when shopping for a used car. It comes in two different models, base SR5 and Limited.
It has a modified version of the V8 that displaces 4.7 liters and gives up to 273HP and torque 314 pounds-feet. It has stability, traction control, and four-wheel antilock disc brakes with EBD for safe driving.
The features of these two models make it more preferable for me than its wider wheels. It has power windows, seats, mirrors and locks, and a leather seat that gives the interior a comfortable environment. Moreover, it has about 6500 pounds of towing capability. And you can get all this for less than $5000.
Pros
- smooth ride
- adequate acceleration
- better protection
Cons
- Do not provide V8 power
Ram 2500 (1994-2002)
The following choice of a used car to buy is the second-generation Dodge Ram. It is the perfect vehicle for those who are looking for a workhorse. This comes with a variety of body styles and power options where you can choose a preferable one,
This pickup has a 5.9-liter V8 engine with 245 HP and torque of 335 pound-feet. It can tow a trailer that weighs up to 14,150 pounds. The engine of this car is relatively simple and quickly found. So you can replace the engine whenever you want.
Pros
- Powerful
- User friendly
- Suitable for on and off-road driving
Cons
- lacks rear-seat room
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Honda Fit (2007-2012)
The Honda Fit is small, but it is packed with advanced features worth its value. This model includes air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, keyless entry, USB connectivity, and an advanced security system.
All these features of this car make it worth it for our list. It has an engine with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder that can produce up to 109 HP and 105 pounds-feet of torque. Depending on the road, it is rated for fuel economy from 27 mpg to 35 mpg. The best part is you can have it at a very affordable price.
Pros:
- More powerful
- Fuel economy
- Cargo space
- Fun to drive
Cons:
- Noisy and small
- Uncomfortable seat
- Tires wear out quickly
Lexus ES (1997-2006)
The Lexus ES is a highly rated car in the used cars market. There are two different models of this car. Its V6 cylinder engines can produce up to 225 horsepower and higher torque. Towing capability of this car is 2,000lbs and with comparative a good mileage.
It has all the advanced features and safety equipment installed. All the advanced features it has 4-wheel disc brakes, adjustable steering wheel, keyless entry. For more comfort, it has leather seats and a performance tire that can withstand a universal garage door opener for a long time. The airbag and a power door locks and anti-theft system for better safety. All of these you can get less than $5000.
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Quiet
- Good safety
Cons:
- Low-mileage cars hard to find
- Sometimes expensive to repair
Acura TSX (2004-2008)
This model of Acura TSX from the year 2004 to 2008 is a perfect package of performance, sportiness, and adequate room. The powertrain of this vehicle makes it very smooth. The engine comes with a high-revving 2.4-liter four-cylinder, producing 205 horsepower and 166 pounds-feet torque. It also has 23 mpg that is more fuel-efficient.
All the features like keyless entry system 17-inch alloy wheels, navigation system with voice recognition, automatic interior climate control system, seats with perforated leather make it worth this list.
It is a low mileage car that is very hard to find and a fun driving vehicle that you can own with less than 5,000.
Pros:
- Comfortable drive
- Reliable
- Great safety features
Cons:
- Small rear seat
- Expensive maintenance
- Low-mileage
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Toyota Corolla (2003-2007)
Toyota Corolla has been one of the most reliable cars among users for a long time. This ninth-generation model from 2003-2007 comes with the most affordable price range. This satisfies lots of people with all its features and power. It is more reliable unless you are looking for more advanced technology.
It has a four-cylinder engine that can produce up to 130-horsepower and high torque. The adjustable steering wheel, power steering, and four-season steel wheel are reliable features. For better safety, it has child safety locks, a passenger airbag, and a front disc brake.
Pros:
- Reliable
- Easy to drive
- Low maintenance
Cons:
- More interesting XRS is hard to find
Honda Civic (2006-2011)
For good fuel economy, low environmental impact, and better performance, the Civic is always one of the preferable cars to purchase. This is one of the best cars that you can get for under $5,000.
All the models of Civic have a larger interior space and advanced safety features like ABS brakes, side airbags for the front seats, and side curtain airbags.
The 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine can produce more than 140 horsepower and higher torque. It comes with five-speed automatic transmission, and some of its models have a good fuel economy of 42 mpg.
Pros
- Better safety
- Low price
- Comfortable driving
Cons
- Slow acceleration
Mazda 3 (2010-2012)
This is the most reliable car model with fun driving. Most people love this because it has better rust protection, sporty performance, and a spacious interior. It comes with a high-power 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that can produce 144 or 165-horsepower.
Also, you will get a better fuel economy up to 25 to 33 mpg at the city and highway. This is the most affordable one to buy below $5,000.
Pros
- Enjoyable driving
- Fuel economic
- Sporty performance
Cons
- Noisy
- Small-size battery
- Compact size
Suzuki Grand Vitara 2007
The Suzuki Grand Vitara has a 2.7-liter V6 engine. This engine can deliver up to 185 HP and 184 pound-feet of torque. Moreover, this model comes with five-speed manual transmission or automatic transmissions that improve off-road ability. It is anyone’s top choice for towing as it can tow up to 3,000 pounds.
It has impressive safety features such as electronic stability control, antilock disc brakes, side-curtain airbags, etc., with a large cargo room.
Pros
- Pleasant and comfortable driving
- Great power
- Affordable price
Cons
- Noisy
- Slow acceleration
Scion TC 2009
This is an exciting car for the young generation and the best-selling model. The feature that attracts people toward it is its sporty styling. A four-cylinder engine can produce about 161 hp and 162 pounds-feet torque with 4-speed automatic transmission.
There is a large cargo room underneath the rear liftgate and enough space in the second row. It will give you better fuel efficiency with 24 mpg. On the other hand, the car’s safety features are child seat anchors, dual front side-mounted airbags, rear head airbags, electronic brake-force distribution, etc.
Pros
- Fuel efficient
- Alloy Wheels
- Comfortable driving
Cons
- Noisy
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