When trying to purchase used cars, you need to do absolutely everything you can to streamline and simplify the process – even though most (accomplished) used-car salesman will do everything they can to push you down the greasy shoot to signing on the dotted line and driving off the lot with something, or anything.
The best way to get your hands on top of the line used cars under $5000 is to pay close attention to all of the inside information included below, and really focusing on the end result – getting you behind the wheel of something that you can be proud of, something that you can trust, and a vehicle that you can rely on day in and day out.
Let’s dive right in!
Make sure major repairs have been taking care of before purchasing used cars under $5000
The first thing that you need to do when looking for used cars under $5000 is verify that all major repairs have been taking care of and that you won’t get stuck with the bill for a major overhaul shortly after you have taken possession of this used vehicle.
For right around $5000, you’re going to be looking at entry-level vehicles that are at least 10 years old (or even older) – and they are going to have 70,000 miles or even more on the clock. This is right around when major things begin to break down, and you want to make sure that the previous owner – or the used-car lot themselves – have already made the necessary repairs so you don’t get stuck with the bill later down the line.
You’ll need to do a bit of wheeling and dealing to get the best used cars under $5000
Secondly, you need to understand that there is always a bit of wheeling and dealing when buying used cars (or even brand-new cars), and the price displayed prominently on that window sticker is almost always just a starting point so you can feel good about beating them down to $5000 – a win-win situation for everyone involved.
Negotiating certainly isn’t for everyone, and in fact it can be one of the more stressful aspects of buying used cars under $5000, but when you go into it understanding that the dance is just part of the whole experience, you’ll be able to eliminate and relief as much of that pressure as possible.
Some of the best used cars under $5000
As far as specific makes and models of the best used cars under $5000 are concerned, here are just some of the top options available right now.
Toyota
The Toyota Camry has been on the road for 40 years and is still going strong today, making up a large segment of the best used cars under $5000. It’s going to be in early 2000’s model with a good chunk of mileage on it, but it still going to be one of the most reliable and reputable vehicles you could purchase.
Acura
Acura is also a fantastic Japanese brand of automobile that has been around the block for some time now, and is the upgraded end of the Honda line – and we all know about their reputation. Again, where looking at early 2000’s models with at least 80,000 miles or more on the clock (frequently hundred thousand miles or more), but these vehicles have a legendary reputation for running forever.
Hyundai
A relative new kid on the block compared to Toyota or Acura, Hyundai is a Korean company that is just now starting to make real waves as far as their luxury automobiles are concerned but their early entry models can be picked up for next to nothing making them some of the best used cars under $5000.