10 Best Used Cars Under $8,000

There are a surprising number of great used cars for less than $8,000 out there, despite the past few years of inflation. In fact, the primary concern you should have when looking for a new-to-you car on an $8,000 budget is finding a car with a solid maintenance history and evidence it was cared for by its previous owner or owners. But whatever type of sedan, hatchback, or wagon you’re after, there’s likely a car on this list that will suit your needs.

Here are 10 of the best used cars you’ll find for less than $8,000.

Compact, comfortable, and practical, the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze gives the Fusion Hybrid a run for its money on fuel efficiency, with a gasoline Eco model capable of 42 mpg highway. If you want the diesel on our budget, which was capable of 46 mpg highway, look for a previous-gen 2015. Even the “worst” Cruze rates a solid 40 mpg on the highway. Expert Tip: The Cruze is also surprisingly fun to drive.

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The 2015 Nissan Altima is a midsize sedan with a comfortable interior, a choice of 4-cylinder or V6 power, and power windows and a CD player as standard equipment. In this price range, you’re more likely to find the fuel-efficient 4-cylinder. Of those, look for a 2.5 SL to get power leather front seats, rear air vents, Bose audio, and a heated steering wheel.

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Famous for its utility and, in some regions, ubiquity, the 2013 Subaru Outback is a uniquely flexible vehicle, offering the comfort of a sedan or wagon, the space of a compact crossover, and the ground clearance of an SUV. All-wheel drive is standard, and you can choose between the 4-cylinder (up to 30 mpg highway) or the 6-cylinder (256 horsepower). Audiophile Tip: A Harman/Kardon 9-speaker audio setup was available, so keep your eyes peeled.

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The 2012 Mazda6 is styled and equipped more like an entry-level luxury sedan from that era, but it feels like a sport coupe on the road. It was available with a 170-horsepower 4-cylinder or 272-hp V6, with an automatic or manual transmission (4-cylinder only). Fuel economy is as good as 31 highway mpg.

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For a sporty, well-equipped family sedan that’s not as common as the Accord or Camry, the 2014 Ford Fusion gets you into a newer and potentially hybrid-powered car. At 47 mpg in hybrid form, the Fusion is the most efficient car on this list, making it a great choice for those who log lots of miles.

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A compact car that competes with the Civic for sportiness, the 2013 Mazda3 is fun to drive and fuel-efficient, netting up to 40 mpg on the highway. It’s available as a sedan or hatchback, with a choice of manual or automatic transmissions and 148 to 167 horsepower in the mainstream models. The only trim level you might not be able to find in this price range is the speed demon 263-horsepower MazdaSpeed3. 

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The sporty, smart, economical 2012 Honda Civic is available in both sedan and coupe forms. Better yet, all but the lofty Si models are within reach of our $8,000 budget. With 140 horsepower and up to 41 mpg on the highway, the Civic is a fun-to-drive all-arounder that can be found with a power moonroof, leather upholstery, cruise control, and more. 

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As the Civic is to the Accord, so the 2010 Toyota Corolla is to the Camry: A smaller but still very good and well-rounded sedan. On our budget, the nearly loaded XLE should be the main target. It has features like remote keyless entry and 16-inch wheels. Buying Tip: The sporty XRS is just outside our budget, but it is the most fun-to-drive Corolla of this timeframe.

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The 2011 Toyota Camry, unlike the Accord, is available only as a sedan. It’s one of the best sedans of the era, with your choice of efficient 4-cylinder engine or more powerful V6, a spacious interior, and lots of equipment on loaded XLE models. Expert Tip: XLE and Hybrid models featured an ionizing air cleaner in the climate control system.

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Available in both coupe and sedan form on our budget, the 2012 Honda Accord is a great example of one of the benchmark cars of the past several decades. With leather upholstery and a V6 engine — or more efficient 4-cylinder — on the menu, the 2012 Accord offers a lot of value for not much cash. If you can’t find a 2012 in your price range, you can also look for a 2010-2011 model.

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