10 Best Used Compact Cars Under $10,000

If you’re looking for a great deal on a used compact car and your budget is around $10,000, you might think it’s an impossible dream. The reality is a great selection of used compact cars are available for less than you’d think. You’ll recognize every name on this list, and there’s a little bit of something for just about everyone, including those who need all-wheel drive (AWD), those who’d like a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and those who want to add a little frisky driving to their daily business (FUN).

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

1. 2012 Honda Civic

10 Best Used Compact Cars Under $10,000 - Kelley Blue Book (1)

The 2012 Honda Civic was the first year of the ninth generation of the Honda that has won and kept one of the industry’s most loyal fanbases since its introduction in the 1970s. The Civic is an excellent example of a practical, reliable, efficient, and well-equipped car for the money. Look for lower-mileage EX models to maximize our $10,000 budget. See 2012 Honda Civic models for sale near you

2. 2011 Toyota Corolla

10 Best Used Compact Cars Under $10,000 - Kelley Blue Book (2)

As legendary as the Civic, though with a somewhat less passionate fanbase, the 2011 Toyota Corolla‘s combination of efficient value and available extras means you can likely find a Corolla LE fitted with the optional power moonroof and upgraded audio package on our budget. Since the Toyota Corolla is the best-selling car of all time, searching one out is never a struggle. See 2011 Toyota Corolla models for sale near you

3. 2011 Toyota Prius

10 Best Used Compact Cars Under $10,000 - Kelley Blue Book (3)

The 2011 Toyota Prius is the most fuel-efficient vehicle on this list without a plug. The Prius is almost as plentiful in the used market as the first two models on this list because it combines practicality and reliability. The Prius also established the hybrid as a terrific mainstream option built to last. See 2011 Toyota Prius models for sale near you

4. 2013 Mazda3

10 Best Used Compact Cars Under $10,000 - Kelley Blue Book (4)

The 2013 Mazda3 is perhaps the most fun-to-drive car on this list, but despite its excellent dynamic bona fides, it doesn’t give up anything regarding comfort, efficiency, or value. For our money, the Sport model is a good fit, with the 155-horsepower 2.0-liter Skyactiv 4-cylinder. See 2013 Mazda3 models for sale near you

5. 2014 Subaru Impreza

10 Best Used Compact Cars Under $10,000 - Kelley Blue Book (5)

For those who battle snowy or low-traction weather, the 2014 Subaru Impreza is an easy choice, as it’s the only model on this list that comes standard with all-wheel drive. Savvy shoppers should find the mid-range 2.0i Premium trim within our budget. See 2014 Subaru Impreza models for sale near you

6. 2015 Kia Soul

10 Best Used Compact Cars Under $10,000 - Kelley Blue Book (6)

The 2015 Kia Soul‘s fun, funky styling creates plenty of interior space in this compact hatch. It’s fun to drive and fuel-efficient, too. In this price range, you should be able to find the top-of-the-line ! (Exclaim). See 2015 Kia Soul models for sale near you

7. 2011 Chevrolet Volt

10 Best Used Compact Cars Under $10,000 - Kelley Blue Book (7)

If you wish you could afford a long-range EV and you need to travel long distances from time to time, the 2011 Chevrolet Volt might be a good fit for you. With about 35 miles of all-electric range, the Volt can function like an electric car if you have a shorter commute, but it can also travel another 300-plus miles on gasoline. See 2011 Chevrolet Volt models for sale near you

8. 2018 Chevrolet Cruze

10 Best Used Compact Cars Under $10,000 - Kelley Blue Book (8)

The 2018 Chevrolet Cruze is the newest model on this list, but that’s only in base Cruze L spec; if you’d like a better-equipped Cruze, consider going to the 2016 model year. Either way, you’ll get a comfy, quiet, efficient car that’s even available with a diesel engine rated for up to 52 mpg on the highway. See 2018 Chevrolet Cruze models for sale near you

9. 2015 Hyundai Elantra

10 Best Used Compact Cars Under $10,000 - Kelley Blue Book (9)

The 2015 Hyundai Elantra adds style to the mix of practicality, value, and efficiency you’ll find elsewhere on this list. It’s also nicely equipped for the money, especially in the Limited trim, which should fit our budget, adding a welcome touch of luxury. See 2015 Hyundai Elantra models for sale near you

10. 2016 Nissan Sentra

For those seeking a bit more tech in their lightly used compact car, the 2016 Nissan Sentra may be a good fit, as it was a tech leader in the segment when new, with features like Bluetooth, automatic headlights, cruise control, and power accessories all standard. The Sentra SV that hits the sweet spot of our budget also lies at the sweet spot of the range, with an available Driver’s Assist package that adds advanced driver aids, navigation, and more. See 2016 Nissan Sentra models for sale near you

10 Best Used Compact Cars Under $10,000

2012 Honda Civic
2011 Toyota Corolla
2011 Toyota Prius
2013 Mazda3
2014 Subaru Impreza
2015 Kia Soul
2011 Chevrolet Volt
2018 Chevrolet Cruze
2015 Hyundai Elantra
2016 Nissan Sentra

10 Best Used Compact Cars Under $10,000 - Kelley Blue Book (2024)