24 Reliable Used Cars You Can Score When You’re Broke

It's fun to see all the new car release announcements and drool over the specs and beautiful designs. I could look at concept car photos all day, but let's be honest. Most people can't afford to drop $60-80k on a new car, so while it may be fun to dream, we also need a car to get to work. 

So what are the practical, budget-friendly cars on the market that will get us to and from work without taking our whole paycheck? 

Jalopnik asked its readers to share their top recommendations for the perfect car for broke people, and they had a lot of fantastic insight into affordable, reliable rides. 

And spoiler alert: they're all known for their fuel efficiency and reliability. What else is there?

Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla is known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and low maintenance costs. It's considered one of the best cars on the market, and you can get one for around $10k if you look for a 2014-2017 model. Corolla's have good resale value and reasonable repair expenses.

Honda Fit

The Honda Fit is a subcompact car with five doors and a hatchback body style. It has just enough space inside, it has excellent fuel efficiency, and they're pretty easy to work on yourself. Honda is renowned for their high quality and reliability when owners perform regular maintenance work. If you're looking into purchasing a Fit, ask for maintenance records and look for a 2010-2013 model.

Motorcycle

If you're just looking for a way to zip around town and don't need the space of a car, a motorcycle could be a great option. They are generally more fuel-efficient than cars, and if you find a used one, they can be dirt cheap. 

Geo Prizm

The Geo Prizm is just a rebadged version of the Toyota Corolla. Everything true about the Corolla is true about this car. You can just search for them under a different name for more options. 

Buick LeSabre

These cars may look like grandpa cars, but they're known for their spacious interiors. Since most people don't think these cars are attractive, their price tag is as low as possible. If you just need a vehicle that can get you from point A to point B, and you don't care about the style, then this is the car for you. 

Toyota Echo

Everyone thinks this car is, well, funny-looking. And since the design is weird, that makes the price tag look really good. The Echo is a small, economical option. It's simple, and it's got Toyota's reputation of excellence behind it. 

3rd Generation Toyota Prius

Another Toyota option. Surprised? We're not. Toyota is just great at producing reliability. The third-generation Prius is a hybrid car, which means you are saving even more money at the pump. And by now, these cars have depreciated just enough in price to be affordable without being too old. 

Mitsubishi Mirage

A Mirage is one of the most affordable newer car options. It's cheap and slow, but it's reliable, and it leaves your dollars in your wallet. Pick one that's around 4-5 years old, and you're good to go.

2000 Toyota Camry

If you are lucky enough to spot an older Toyota Camry model, like the 2000 version, please scoop it up. Some of these are available for under $5k and can get you another 150k miles on the road with enough tender love and care. 

GM Delta Platform Car

There are several options for GM's Delta platform, including the Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5. These cars often have reasonable price tags and great fuel efficiency, and after a quick Google search, I found one for under $4k. In this market, that's as cheap as it gets.

Saturn Ion

The Saturn Ion is a practical choice, but not necessarily a pretty one. But we're not looking for pretty; we're looking for cheap. I did a quick search on CarGurus and found three options in my area under $8k with less than 100k miles on it, so there are plenty of these out there to snag. 

Pontiac Vibe

This option is cheap because Pontiac is out of business, but it's awesome because it's basically a Toyota Corolla. It's got excellent cargo space, and you can probably find one under $5k if you do your homework and haggle a little. 

Honda Accord

The Honda Accord is a perennial favorite known for its reliability, strong resale value, and excellent fuel efficiency. Even older models can offer a comfortable ride, well-appointed interiors, and a reputation for low maintenance costs. Doing a quick search on CarGurus will show you that there are countless of these on the market for a reasonable price. 

One former owner said, “U.S. Sedans tend to be worth extra consideration. They tend to have a lot less miles for the same price and in many cases, the issues they are prone to have are already been fixed. ”

Nissan Altima

The Nissan Altima is a practical midsize sedan that offers a comfortable and spacious cabin. It's often praised for its smooth ride and good fuel economy, especially in its four-cylinder variants. Used Altima models can be found at reasonable prices, just search on any reputable car-selling platform and you're sure to find a good pick. 

One happy driver shared, “Altimas are indestructible. The amount of mathematically totaled Altimas on the road probably outnumber the amount of good condition Altimas that exist. And they’re still going and going and going.”

Ford Taurus

The Ford Taurus is a full-size sedan with a spacious interior and a reputation for comfort on long drives. Older Taurus models can be found at budget-friendly prices, and they often come equipped with a range of features. While it may not be the most fuel-efficient choice, its affordability and roomy interior make it a solid option.

This is the car that drove me home from the hospital in the '90s. My parents were normal, lower class citizens, and this car was reliable and got them where they needed to be. 

Pontiac Sunfire

The Pontiac Sunfire is a compact car known for its affordability and straightforward design. While it may not offer the latest in features or technology, it's a budget-friendly choice for those seeking basic transportation with a compact footprint. Used Sunfire models are often easy on the wallet and can serve as reliable daily drivers.

Ford Fusion

The Ford Fusion is a midsize sedan that combines a comfortable ride with respectable fuel economy. It's a versatile choice with available features like advanced infotainment systems and safety technology. Buyers on a budget can find older Fusion models that offer a well-rounded package without breaking the bank.

Chevrolet Malibu

The Chevrolet Malibu is a family-friendly midsize sedan known for its comfortable ride and spacious interior. Older Malibu models provide good value for budget-conscious buyers, offering a smooth and quiet driving experience along with practicality and reliability.

Panther Platform (Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, Lincoln Town Car)

The Panther Platform vehicles are full-size sedans offering generous interior space and a smooth ride. These models, including the Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car, are often available at budget-friendly prices in the used car market. They may look like your grandma's car, but we said “cheap,” not cool, so these cars make the list. They are known for their durability and straightforward design.

Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger is a compact pickup truck with a reputation for durability and reliability. Older Ranger models can be budget-friendly options for those needing a versatile and smaller truck for light hauling and everyday use.

One user shared a bit of wisdom and said, “The previous generation Ford Ranger. By the time they’d finished production Ford had been cranking these things out for about eleventy billion years. The bugs were all worked out, parts are cheap for when you do have to repair, and in 4WD trim they were a great, economical little truck.”

Toyota Matrix

The Toyota Matrix is a practical hatchback known for its versatile cargo space and reliable performance. Older Matrix models provide budget-conscious buyers with a combination of practicality, fuel efficiency, and Toyota's reputation for long-term reliability.

A happy owner said, “I like our Matrix, trunk is surprisingly big, enough room for 2 kids + their stuff and bullet proof, indeed. Exciting, not one bit but does the job as our second car. It was sold as a hatchback, they would call this a crossover these days.”

Scion tC

The Scion tC is a sporty coupe that offers a stylish design and a comfortable ride. Older tC models can be found at budget-friendly prices and provide a more spirited driving experience without sacrificing affordability. 

An expert shared their reasoning and said, “Scion TC. Toyota powertrain, cheap replacements parts, and nice looks.”

Pontiac G6

The Pontiac G6 is a midsize sedan offering decent performance and style. Older G6 models can be budget-friendly choices for those seeking a midsize sedan with a bit of flair without breaking the bank.

A commenter on Jalopnik said, “Hot take: The Pontiac G6 is a great looking car. Always thought so. I don’t think I ever drove one but everything else aside, nice looks.”

Chevrolet Lumina

The Chevrolet Lumina is a straightforward and reliable sedan. Older Lumina models are often available at budget-friendly prices, making them suitable options for budget-conscious buyers looking for dependable transportation without frills. They stopped making this car years ago, but there are plenty of used cars still on the market in reasonable shape and for an affordable price.