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Used Car Recommendations
A recent Consumer Reports analysis of older used cars states, “There’s no reason for any car buyer to have to settle for an unreliable or dangerous vehicle just because their budget is tight. Many models that were smart choices when they were new still have those same good qualities years later as older, much less expensive used cars.”
In fact, CR analysts find that even models listed used for $5,000 or less can still be a good budget buy based on reliability data from their Annual Auto Surveys of CR members. The benefit to mining data from past annual surveys is that it provides used car shoppers with information on which models are proven dependable and could be a good buy provided their maintenance and care were managed well.
Related article: Mechanic Talks Candidly About the Best Used Car You Should Not Buy
Be forewarned, however, as older vehicles require some personal concessions when it comes to road noise and comfort. Especially for trips that are longer than a few hours, let alone a family road trip that can become more arduous than fun in these old cars.
That said, here is a summary of CR’s updated listing of models that can be had for under $5,000 ranging in model years from 2000 to 2006.
For a more detailed breakdown of each vehicle, please visit the CR website. Note that while access to some information requires a CR membership, the potential savings make it negligible in comparison when looking for the latest information to aid your car buying research.
Used Car Pick Recommendations Under $5,000
Small Cars
1. Toyota Corolla 2003 to 2005
Recommended model: Toyota Corolla 2005
Price Range: $4,525 - $4,925
Owner Reported MPG: 30 mpg
Reliability Rating Score: 69/100
Owner Satisfaction Score: 4/5
MIDSIZED & LARGE SEDANS
1. Honda Accord 2006
Price Range: $5,050 - $5,975
Owner Reported MPG: 25 mpg
Reliability Rating Score: 62/100
Owner Satisfaction Score: 4/5
2. Lexus ES 2004
Price Range: $5,300
Owner Reported MPG: 20 mpg
Reliability Rating Score: 62/100
Owner Satisfaction Score: 4/5
3. Toyota Avalon 2002, 2004
Recommended model: Toyota Avalon 2004
Price Range: $4,675 - $4,900
Owner Reported MPG: 23 mpg
Reliability Rating Score: 73/100
Owner Satisfaction Score: 5/5
4. Toyota Camry 2001, 2005
Recommended model: Toyota Camry 2005
Price Range: $5,100 - $5,275
Owner Reported MPG: 25 mpg
Reliability Rating Score: 62/100
Owner Satisfaction Score: 4/5
SUVs
1. Toyota RAV4 2004
Price Range: $4,800 - $5,400
Owner Reported MPG: 23 mpg
Reliability Rating Score: 62/100
Owner Satisfaction Score: 4/5
PICKUP TRUCKS
1. Toyota Tacoma 2000 to 2001, 2004
Recommended model: Toyota Tacoma 2001
Price Range: $3,600 - $8,675
Owner Reported MPG: 19 mpg
Reliability Rating Score: 61/100
Owner Satisfaction Score: 5/5
2. Toyota Tundra 2002 to 2005
Recommended model: Toyota Tundra 2004
Price Range: $4,750 - $8,775
Owner Reported MPG: 16 mpg
Reliability Rating Score: 73/100
Owner Satisfaction Score: 5/5
For additional used vehicle shopping articles, here are a few for your consideration:
- Most Reliable Used Pickup Trucks Consumer Reports Recommends
- Consumer Reports Most Reliable 3-Year-Old Trucks
- Most Reliable 5-Year-Old Midsized Toyota SUVs
Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on “Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair” website, the Zen Mechanic blog and on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites and Facebook for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.
Image source: Deposit Photos
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