12 Most Reliable Used Cars Under $10K - One Subaru Is Best And The One To Avoid

Is the Subaru Legacy a good car pick for used sedan shoppers? A new report from U.S. News picks the best used cars under $10,000 and says the 2013 Subaru Legacy sedan should be on your shopping list. Below are the U.S. News best used models for about $10,000 you can buy this year.

2013 Subaru Legacy - J.D. Power Reliability Score: 83/100
2016 Nissan Versa - J.D. Power Reliability Score: 83/100
2013 Hyundai Accent - J.D. Power Reliability Score: 83/100
2014 Kia Soul - J.D. Power Reliability Score: 84/100
2013 Chevrolet Malibu - J.D. Power Reliability Score: 84/100
2014 Nissan Sentra - J.D. Power Reliability Score: 84/100
2014 Chevrolet Cruze - J.D. Power Reliability Score: 84/100
2013 Kia Forte - J.D. Power Reliability Score: 84/100
2013 Hyundai Sonata - J.D. Power Reliability Score: 84/100
2013 Honda Fit - J.D. Power Reliability Score: 85/100
2015 Kia Rio - J.D. Power Reliability Score: 87/100
2013 Buick Verano - J.D. Power Reliability Score: 91/100

What does U.S. News say about the Legacy?

"Beyond its solid reliability scores, the Legacy offers standard all-wheel drive, though the setup impacts its fuel economy. The base four-cylinder engine makes 173 horsepower, but a six-cylinder engine with a five-speed automatic transmission makes 256 horsepower."

"Depending on the trim, the car came with cloth or leather upholstery, offering spacious seating for five people. The base audio setup isn't that impressive, but an optional Harman Kardon audio system is much better."

What does Consumer Reports say about the 2013 Legacy?

Consumer Reports also picks the 2013 Legacy as the best midsize car under $10,000. CR says, "The Legacy is roomy, refined, and one of the best-riding sedans available. We got 26 mpg overall, impressive given the standard all-wheel-drive. Also, look for a model with the optional EyeSight suite of advanced safety systems."

Why should you choose the Legacy sedan?

Consumer Reports says the Legacy demonstrated much better than average reliability in its owner surveys.

Sedans get better fuel mileage than SUVs, and the 2013-2021 Subaru Legacy comes standard with all-wheel-drive for all-weather performance.

What is the Legacy fuel mileage?

In Consumer Reports owner surveys, they get a reported overall 27 mpg. The EPA says the 2013 Legacy gets 24/32 city/highway mpg and 27 combined mpg with the 2.5-liter engine and automatic transmission.

The Legacy has excellent crash test results.

The 2013 Subaru Legacy earned the highest Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Legacy also received a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The 2013 used Subaru model you should avoid.

Used car shoppers should avoid the 2013 Outback because it's the least reliable Subaru model. In addition, the 2013 Subaru Outback history report reveals 12 safety recalls indicated by the NHTSA. Consumer Reports gives the 2013 Outback a 3/5 for reliability.

Everyday 2013 Subaru Outback problems include oil leaks, faulty airbags, and transmission issues. It's important to note the problems with the 2013 Subaru Outback usually take place at relatively low mileage. Read the complete used Subaru model report below.

Shoppers looking for a used car should check out the 2013 Subaru Legacy midsize sedan. It's one of the twelve best used Subaru models recommended by U.S. News and Consumer Reports.

You Might Also Like: The Most And Least Reliable Subaru Models, Years - The Ones You Should Avoid

Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report, where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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