10 Dirt Cheap Cars Under $5,000 We’d Be Happy To Own


The past two years have been a rollercoaster for buyers trying to get the budget right. Secondhand carThere is a common bias that the market will rapidly lose traction in 2023 as most analysts are betting on the depreciation train.


That said, this is good news for enthusiasts looking to get a great car at an affordable price. Of course, affordable warmth comes with risks. In short, better research and thorough inspections are needed to avoid bankruptcies that are costly in maintenance and repairs. We did our research and put together a list of amazingly cheap cars that anyone with a budget of $5,000 would be happy to own.

RELATED: 5 Brands with Worse Maintenance Costs (and the 5 Best)

Ten 1993 Ford Taurus SHO – $4,000

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The now-discontinued Taurus was Ford’s workhorse in the mid- to full-size sedan segment, but the SHO Performance variant marks a breakthrough in the Blue Oval’s automotive arena. With the first generation model provenance being a little more expensive, the second generation Taurus SHO offers a budget-friendly route to the innovative model.

The second-generation Taurus SHO boasts the same sleek, form-fitting design, but a larger iteration of the 3.2-liter Yamaha engine rated at 220hp and 215lb-ft of torque.according to hagerty, The 1993 Ford Taurus SHO is an investment that will go up in value. Fortunately, examples in good condition are still within the affordable $4,000 range.

9 2003 Ford Focus SVT – $4,000

Yellow 2003 Ford Focus SVT Parked
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Considering Ford beat out the entire Focus lineup in the US, it’s no surprise that the Focus SVT Pocket Rocket goes unnoticed. After coveting the Focus RS Mk I for several years, the Focus SVT offered European hot hatch pedigree and styling cues.

A driver’s car at heart, the Ford Focus SVT boasts several engine upgrades, an advanced exhaust system and a suspension overhaul compared to the standard Focus. kelly blue book The average fair purchase price is $3,260, but you can expect to spend between $2,500 and $4,000.

RELATED: A look back at the evolution of the Ford Focus RS

8 2008 Subaru Outback – $4,400

2008 Subaru Outback Cruising On Road
via Subaru

The Subaru Outback arguably popularized the lifted wagon body style before moving to the current crossover platform. The Outback impresses everyone with its two-tone paintwork, all-wheel drive, tall suspension, and beefy tires that boost its adventurous capabilities.

In the redesigned third-generation Outback, Subaru has introduced an impressive 250-horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged Flat-4 option on top of the 175-horsepower EJ25 Flat-4 and 245-horsepower Flat-6. A typical list price for a 2008 Subaru Outback is just over $5,000, but a clean example he could ask for a fair price of $4,400.

7 2004 Honda Civic Si – $4,600

2004 Honda Civic Si Cruising On Road
Via Honda

Honda built the EP3 Civic Si Hot Hatchback on the performance legacy of its predecessor, as evidenced by its continued popularity in racing and tuning circles. Despite room-dividing opinions, the EP3 Honda Civic’s practicality, versatility, and unique styling are undeniable.

The 2004 Civic Si draws its sporting character from a technologically advanced 2.0-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine rated at 160 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. If you agree the EP3 Honda Civic doesn’t deserve every hit, you can get a well-maintained example for around $4,600.

6 2003 Toyota Camry – $4,800

2002 - 2006 Toyota Camry Parking
Via Toyota

Sticking to the tried and true is a logical approach to used cars, and a longtime favorite like the Camry can’t be overlooked. , a shortcut to years of trouble-free commuting.

Engine options for the fifth-generation Camry include a four-cylinder powertrain and V-6, offering 152 to 186 horsepower. Considering it’s been a bestseller for several years, he can get his clean 2003 Toyota Camry for as low as $4,800.

RELATED: These are the most reliable Toyota Camry years, according to Consumer Reports

Five 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 Kompressor – $4,800

Red 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK 230 parked
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The SLK was a big hit for Mercedes-Benz, which was developed as a cheaper alternative to the SL convertible to compete with the BMW Z3 and Porsche Boxster. His most affordable R170 variant is the SLK 200 Compressor, which is only sold in a convertible body style with a folding hardtop.

If the compact SLK 200 compressor sounds appealing, consider the model produced before 2000 and sold with a more powerful 189-horsepower 2.0-liter supercharged in-line four.According to a market price assessment by classic.com, The current market value of the Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 compressor is approximately $4,800.

Four 2008 Mazda Mazda6 – $5,000

Silver 2006 Mazda6 MPS Off Road Parked
Via Mazda

Available in sports sedan, sports wagon and five-door hatch variants, the mid-sized Mazda6 continues its popularity leading a new era of stylish, spirited and insightful Mazda. Drivetrain options for Mazda’s first-generation Mazda6 include 1.8-, 2.0-, and 2.3-liter Mazda MZR configurations and a 3.0-liter Duratec 30 V-6 mated to a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic. It was

The Mazda6’s balanced nature and long-term reliability are commendable, but Mazda has had repeated issues and recalls related to Takata’s airbags, so we’re going to have to scrutinize the airbags thoroughly. is needed.according to kelly blue bookA well-maintained 2008 Mazda6 should ask for a fair price under $5,000.

3 2006 Honda Accord – $5,000

2003 Honda Accord Cruising on the highway
Via Honda

Along with the Civic, the Accord is one of Honda’s best sellers thanks to its top-notch build quality, long-term reliability, and driving fun package. The 7th generation Accord has the characteristics of a low-profile sports car, such as enjoying the combination of a 240-horsepower 3.0-liter i-VTEC V-type 6-cylinder engine and a 5-speed manual transmission.

More importantly, the 2006 Honda Accord is one of the least problematic years, and at around $5,000 it’s an absolute steal.

RELATED: 10 Things to Know Before Buying a 2023 Honda Accord

2 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt SS Supercharger – $5,000

Parked Red Chevrolet Cobalt SS Turbo
Via: Chevrolet

Despite the criticism surrounding the Chevrolet Cobalt, the SS Performance version was an impeccable econobox with Big Boy Performance numbers. Chevrolet’s classic American ingenuity, Honda nearly hit a home run in the Cobalt SS Supercharged, enough to challenge the Civic Si and Volkswagen GTI.

Unlike the regular Cobalt Coupe, the Cobalt SS features a 205hp 2.0-liter Ecotec 4-cylinder, stiffer springs, unique valve struts, lower ride height, larger anti-roll bars and larger brakes. The Cobalt SS Supercharged is an underrated performance coupe, so well-maintained models are available for under $5,000.

1 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata – $5,000

Red 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata Parking
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The MX-5 Miata has been in production for over 30 years and embodies one of the most successful car-building philosophies in Japanese automotive history. The original Miata won the hearts of many with its charm, performance and reliability.

Considering its proven high mileage capability and reliable long-term service, spending less than $5,000 on a clean 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a sound investment.


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