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Identifying the First-Gen Ford MustangThe Best Used Cars for $8,000
Finding a balance between quality and affordability can be a challenge in today’s car market, but we tracked down the best-used cars for $8,000.
$8,000 is the New $5,000
Sad to say, but the above is true. What you might expect for a used car priced at $5,000 pre-pandemic will cost you roughly $8,000 today. What can you expect from an $8,000 used car? Around 100,000 to 150,000 miles on the odometer and an average age of between 12 and 15 years.
While that may sound like a lot, the average age of a car on the road in the US is 12 years old, and buying used encourages shopping for reliable cars. That means that despite their relative age, the cars listed below will, typically, have a lot of life left in them, up to another 100,000 miles with good maintenance.
Paying $8,000 for a 15-year-old car might require an adjustment of expectations, but it turns out you can still find very great deals out there if you know what to look for.
Honda Fit
Charmingly basic, the Honda Fit subcompact hatchback makes the most of its small stature with a surprisingly capacious interior and highly efficient four-cylinder engine. The latter is rated to 117 horsepower, plenty for the modest Fit to keep up with traffic while also netting a respectable 27-28 city / 33-35 highway mpg. The Fit lives up to its name by maximizing its interior as rear set legroom measures 34.5 inches while the rear hatch offers up to 20.6 cu.-ft. behind the rear seats and a total of 57.3 cu.-ft. with them folded down. Honda tops off this utilitarian masterpiece with the Fit’s sterling reliability.
Toyota Prius
The third generation Toyota Prius (2010-15 model years) is the sweet spot for used hybrids: affordable, reliable, and highly efficient. The Prius, of course, gets pride of place thanks to a 1.8L hybrid system that makes 134 horsepower and nets an outstanding 51 city / 48 highway mpg. The rear hatch offers 21.6 cu.-ft. of cargo capacity behind the rear seats. The third-gen Prius is also new enough to carry modern conveniences like a 6.1-inch infotainment touchscreen and adaptive cruise control, plus innovations like a solar roof that can power the A/C to keep the car cool on hot days.
Honda Civic
The ninth-generation Honda Civic, 2011-17 models, is another excellent option for an $8,000 car. Impressive safety and reliability ratings set the table for the Civic while up to 42 mpg highway and a spacious interior round out its best features. The Civic Si even boosts output from the regular 140 horsepower to 201 horsepower and comes as either a coupe or sedan. The Civic has long been the default answer when it comes to used cars and continues to be so today.
Buick Verano
The first-generation Buick Verano, 2012-17, is another solid choice among used cars. Reliability is high, as is fuel economy, but where the Verano distinguishes itself is with its semi-luxury trappings. Plush leather seats, a smooth ride, and a pleasant, quiet interior make Verano an especially compelling choice among used car options. If you’re thinking Buick’s are for granddad’s, just drive a Verano and you’ll discover granddad was on to something.
Honda CR-V
Your basic compact crossover has a lot going for it, and the third-gen Honda CR-V (2007-11) is a prime example. Its 2.4L four-cylinder offers 166 horsepower and 20 mpg. It has proven to be one of the most reliable used cars you can buy. A roomy interior features optional leather seats and up to 72.9 cu.-ft. of cargo capacity. The CR-V is the epitome of practicality which makes it a strong choice for a cheap ride.
Lexus RX 350
The Lexus RX 350 is arguably the sharpest $8,000 buy on this list. Why? First, the RX 350 is the most reliable used vehicle you can find. The late second-generation model swapped the 3.3L for a larger and more powerful 3.5L V6 with 270 horsepower. For a compact crossover (remember this is the Lexus luxury arm equivalent to the Toyota RAV4), the RX 350 has astounding cargo numbers: 38.3 cu.-ft. behind the second row and 84.7 cu.-ft. in total. Of course, as a Lexus, the RX 350 also gets you a luxury-level interior complete with maple wood trim and leather seats plus luxury-level ride quality. Luxury, utility, and high reliability make the Lexus RX 350 a fantastic option for a used car under $8,000.
Buick Enclave
If you’re shopping for a third-row SUV under $8,000, the Buick Enclave (first gen. 2008-17) is among your best options. The Enclave’s luxury interior features sumptuous leather seating, ample legroom even into the third row, and up to 115 cu.-ft. of cargo space. Its V6 makes 288 horsepower and gets up to 24 highway mpg. Like the Verano, the Enclave is a sleeper choice for a smart buy on the used market as its combined reliability, high safety scores, and luxury touches represent value well beyond an $8,000 price tag.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
If the Buick isn’t your style, another strong three-row choice for under $8,000 is the Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid. The second-generation Highlander was offered with your choice of a 3.5L V6 (270 hp and 20/28 mpg) or a hybrid 3.3L V6 (208 hp and 32/30 mpg) with the gas-powered version capable of towing up to 5,000 lbs. while the hybrid was limited to a still serviceable 3,500 lbs. Like the rest of the vehicles on our list, the Highlander earned both high safety ratings and excellent reliability scores. A refined and spacious interior is complimented by a pliant and placid ride. In short, the Highlander represents a steal on the used market.
GMC Sierra 1500
You’ll find the used market is full of decent, if high mileage, used pickups. The best among them at around $8,000 is the second-generation GMC Sierra (2007-13 model years). The Sierra offers the segment’s best balance of creature comforts and rugged capability. It offers a refined ride, for a pickup at least, and a high-quality interior. Engine options range from a 4.3L V6 with 195 horsepower to a 6.2L Vortec V8 with 403 horsepower. Towing likewise spans from 4,400 lbs. on the low end to 9,300 lbs. on the high end. The Sierra offers the choice of a 6.5 ft. or 8 ft. bed. Reliable, capable, and comfortable, the Sierra ticks a lot of boxes for just $8,000.
