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.
Ten 1993 Ford Taurus SHO – $4,000
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
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.
8 2008 Subaru Outback – $4,400
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
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
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.
Five 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 Kompressor – $4,800
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
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
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.
2 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt SS Supercharger – $5,000
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
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.