“New cars have never been more reliable, so used-car buyers have never had it so good,” Kelley Blue Book says. The publication’s not wrong, either — as new cars continue to improve, the secondary market for automobiles only gets better. And as the new vehicle market continues to grow, the secondary does, as well, offering more vehicles at lower costs. In short, consumers get a wider variety for less cost.
If you’re in the market for an affordable car — whether it’s for a new, inexperienced driver or if you just don’t want to spend a gratuitous amount for a brand-new vehicle — there is a substantial pool to choose from. The following is a list of Kelley Blue Book’s best picks.
The auto guide earlier this year threw together a list of all used cars dating to 2003 with a Kelley Blue Book Retail Value (KBBRV) of less than $8,000. The organization then hand-selected 10 standout models to make a list of the the 10 Best Used Cars Under $8.000, spanning all kinds of models.
10 Best Used Cars Under $8.000
10. 2003 Acura TL
Well-equipped and priced lower than the competition, today's Acura TL is one of our favorite premium-brand bargains. The TL has also developed an outstanding reputation for reliability, and that's how it earned its way onto this year's list of the 10 Best Used Cars Under $8.000.Retail Value as of January 29, 2013: $6.768.
9. 2004 Ford Mustang GT
While many low-cost used cars are for transportation only, the 2004 Mustang can fulfill your point-a-to-point-b needs and deliver a serious level of driving enjoyment. The GT trim version offers a 260-horsepower V8 engine and a 5-speed manual transmission while still undercutting our $8,000 price bogey.Retail Value as of January 29, 2013: $7.328.
8. 2005 Volvo S60
Substantial size combined with better-than-expected fuel economy make the 2005 Volvo S60 a good choice for those looking for a long-legged midsize sedan. For the price of many non-luxury sedans of similar vintage, the S60 offers all their practicality, including an enormous trunk, plus a dose of European luxury and driving fun.Retail Value as of January 29, 2013: $7.390.
7. 2004 Honda Odyssey
Here's one of the true bargains on this list. The 2004 Honda Odyssey minivan doesn't play sexy, but it does offer tons of room for stuff and people -- including a fold-flat 3rd-row seat -- as well as first-tier safety ratings and a standard V6 engine with buckets of power.Retail Value as of January 29, 2013: $6.816.
6. 2005 MAZDA3
Still looking fresh after all these years, the 2005 Mazda3 enjoys an enthusiast reputation for good power combined with decent fuel economy, hoot-to-drive handling, and one of the most stylish small-car interiors available. Our quoted price is for the noble Mazda3 sedan, but our hearts lean toward the hatchback.Retail Value as of January 29, 2013: $7.743.
5. 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that at some point every driver in possession of modest means must be in want of a truck. If your truck time has come at last, we recommend the hardworking delights of a rear-drive 2007 Chevy Silverado, boasting a new-for-2007 platform and a torquey V6.Retail Value as of January 29, 2013: $7.997.
4. 2004 Honda Element
Honda stopped making the Element after the 2011 model year, but it sure was fun while it lasted. With a clamshell tailgate, side cargo doors, water-resistant seat fabric and an easy-clean urethane floor, the cavernous Element is purpose-built for gear and action.Retail Value as of January 29, 2013: $6.882.
3. 2004 Toyota Camry
Clean looks, quiet operation, a smooth ride and a reputation for quality from a time when Toyota's reputation for quality was still unassailable, the 2004 Camry sedan had it all. It ain't quick, even by 2004 standards, but it sure was comfy. Still is.Retail Value as of January 29, 2013: $7.321.
2. 2011 Hyundai Accent
The newest vehicle on our used-car list by a big margin, the Hyundai Accent is a well-built, value-filled subcompact that has fared very well in our KBB.com consumer reviews. And unless the previous owner spent more time driving than sleeping, a used 2011 Accent will have plenty of coverage remaining with Hyundai's 5-year/60,000-mile warranty.Retail Value as of January 29, 2013: $7.717.
1. 2005 Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is a prime example of a "bulletproof" used car. The 2005 model offers a thrifty 1.7-liter 4-cylinder engine, and its overall build quality is legendary. The Civic sedan is roomy enough for four adults, and its light curb weight helps deliver 34 mpg on the highway and some degree of fun-to-drive.Retail Value as of January 29, 2013: $7.392.
