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Looking for cheap used cars in 2025? You’re not alone. With rising new car prices due to recent tariffs, many buyers are turning to the used car market for affordable options. However, navigating this landscape requires updated strategies and insights. In this guide, we check out the best times to buy, financing options, and tips to secure a reliable cheap used car that fits your budget.
Best Time to Buy a Used Car
According to Ramit Sethi, New York Times bestselling author and founder of iwillteachyoutoberich.com, December is the absolute best time of the year to buy a car. Why? Well, it’s a psychological issue relating to used car salesmen making their quotas and annual bonuses.
When is the Best Time to Buy a Car for Cheap?
Timing your purchase can significantly impact the deal you secure. Historically, the end of the year, particularly December, has been ideal for buying cars due to sales quotas and bonuses. However, in 2025, additional factors come into play.
Recent 25% tariffs on imported vehicles have led to increased prices in the new car market, prompting more buyers to consider used cars. This surge in demand may cause used car prices to rise in the coming months. Therefore, purchasing sooner rather than later could be advantageous.
Additionally, consider shopping during the last days of sales quarters:
- March 31st
- June 30th
- September 30th
- December 31st
Dealerships often aim to meet quotas during these periods, potentially offering better deals.
Furthermore, the author reminds readers that cars are long-term investments. Therefore, opt for a reliable cheap used car as your first car over a flashy car. The key is to:
- Choose the right cheap used car
- Negotiate a good price
- Drive it for a long time
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Consider Your Financing Options Before You Buy
No matter where you’re buying a cheap used car, always consider your financing options. You can get an auto loan from your own bank, or financing from a dealership. A pre-approved auto loan will help you avoid a lousy deal with high interest secured by your dealer. Some used car dealers make a profit by marking up the interest rate.
According to MoneyUnder30, you can save money on auto financing by knowing your credit score and leveraging competing loan offers at the dealership. Their best tips include:
- Sticking within your budget
- Keeping the loan term as short as possible
- Putting money down (that 10K you have stashed away, or 20% if you can)
- Pay for any extras using cash
- Remembering the financing costs.
Check out their auto loan calculator to see what you can expect to pay.
Interest rates for used car loans
Interest rates for used car loans have experienced significant changes. As of April 2025, the average interest rates based on credit scores are as follows:
| Credit Score Range | Average Interest Rate (%) |
|---|---|
| 750 or higher | 11.17% |
| 700–749 | 12.79% |
| 600–699 | 14.78% |
| 451–599 | 21.17% |
Source: U.S. News – Average Used Car Loan Interest Rates in April 2025.
These figures indicate a notable increase compared to previous years, underscoring the importance of securing favorable financing terms.
Key Considerations:
- Credit Score Impact: A higher credit score can significantly lower your interest rate, leading to substantial savings over the loan term.
- Loan Terms: Shorter loan terms often come with lower interest rates but higher monthly payments. Assess your financial situation to determine the most suitable term.
- Lender Options: Credit unions and banks may offer different rates. For instance, Navy Federal Credit Union offers used car loan rates starting at 4.99% for terms up to 36 months .Navy Federal Credit Union
Recommendations:
- Improve Your Credit Score: If possible, work on enhancing your credit score before applying for a loan to access better interest rates.
- Shop Around: Compare offers from multiple lenders, including banks, credit unions, and online platforms, to find the most favorable terms.
- Consider Pre-Approval: Obtaining pre-approval can give you a clearer picture of the rates you qualify for and strengthen your negotiating position.
- Evaluate Total Loan Cost: Look beyond the monthly payment and consider the total cost over the life of the loan, including interest and fees.
By staying informed and proactive, you can secure a used car loan that aligns with your financial goals and minimizes your overall expenditure.
Where to Find Cheap Cars for Sale
Buying a cheap used car is a big decision, but it’s typically not a difficult process if you know what you’re looking for and where to look.
- Option #1: Online sales sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay list cars that are available for cash. If you’re looking for the best-used cars under 10000, this would be the place to look. One benefit is that having the cash on hand gives you the power to negotiate the price, which means you may get a car that’s worth a little bit more within your budget. However, it’s up to you to ensure you don’t buy a lemon.
- Opinion: Should you buy a car from Craigslist or eBay?
- Option #2: Car dealerships now have great deals on certified pre-owned cars. However, many late-model used cars cost more than $20,000, which means you will probably have to take out a loan to cover the purchase. Still, being able to put down half of that should give you a decent break on interest payments. If you decide to go with a dealership, make sure you buy a certified pre-owned car if you can.
What is a Certified Pre-Owned Car?
- A Certified Pre-Owned car is a late-model used car that has been refurbished, inspected, and certified by the manufacturer or another certifying authority. CPO cars typically come with additional benefits, such as special financing and an extended warranty.
- Option #3: Car rental companies like to keep their rental fleets in pristine condition, and know that their clientele deserves the latest models. That means that you could get a sweet deal on a cheap used car from a rental company. According to CNN Business, Enterprise sells a million used cars a year globally at significantly discounted rates. Because these cheap used cars are often less than two years old and sell for less than other used car dealers charge. Look at the companies’ websites for cheap used cars for sale, and consider trying:
- Hertz’s Rent2Buy – A 3-day rental that allows you to buy the car if you like it.
- Enterprise – They offer a 7-day buyback period. If you return the car during that week, you can return the car for the purchase price less a $200 restocking fee.
- Avis offers a 0% down payment and no payments for 45 days.
Auto Auctions
- Option #4: Auto auctions are available both online and offline, which is handy, whether you want to touch and feel the car before you buy it, or whether you prefer using the internet. There is of course the risk that these cheap used cars are sold “as is”, so you don’t know what you get until it is shipped to your door. Many cars sold on auction are damaged and costly to repair. However, you could probably get a car for well under your budget, and all in, you might still end up with a cheap used car for under $10,000.
Cheap Pre-owned Cars | Age, Mileage, and Maintenance
Things to consider when buying a cheap used car
The used car market offers amazing deals on high-quality cars, provided you consider everything carefully. According to Consumer Reports, the quality of used cars has improved in the last few years. Statistics show that since 2007, issues with used cars aged five years have decreased by a third.
Two of the most important factors to consider in a used car is age and mileage.
A cheap used car that is a few years older may seem more affordable in terms of the initial purchase price, but if it presents problems in the long term, it is a bad investment. The most common issues buyers face with used cars once the manufacturer warranty expires includes:
- Gearbox, clutch, and brake issues – These parts are in constant use, so wear and tear is more likely, but these issues will require urgent repairs.
2. Technology – Newer cars have lots of in-car technology, which can become faulty.
New cars typically have fewer issues in the first three years on the road, as they are typically under maintenance plans. However, once the warranties and service plans run out, owners are less likely to keep up with maintenance. If you buy a used car, be sure to maintain parts such as:
- Battery
- Tires
- Brakes
- Filters
- Fluids
These items need regular maintenance, repairs or replacements on a cheap used car and doing that will help enhance the lifespan of your car.
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Used Cars | Finding the Mileage Sweet Spot
Most people would prefer buying a brand new car, but it’s just not always practical (or affordable). On the other hand, when you’re on a budget and can’t afford expensive repairs, you have to consider the quality of the cheap used car you’re buying. Mileage directly correlates to wear and tear; so how much mileage is too much?
What if the perfect used car has a 100,000 miles on the clock?
What if the exact same car has 50,000? One would assume that the cheap used car with the lower mileage is the best deal. But it’s not that simple. If the car with the higher mileage was driven almost exclusively on the highway by a commuter, it will likely be a better buy than the car with 50,000 miles that belonged to a car rental company in a busy city.
But there’s a rule of thumb: When you look at AutoCheck and Carfax, you will notice that the industry average is approximately 15,000 miles a year. Therefore, if you’re buying a 10-year old cheap used car with 100,000 miles on it, it’s actually not bad. But if it has much more or much less, you might want to find out why that is the case.
How Many Miles Are Left on That Cheap Used Car?
When buying a cheap used car, you want to make sure it lasts. And if you’re planning to ship a used car across the country, you want to know it’s worth the investment. Good news? Some used vehicles are built to go the distance—literally.
According to updated research from iSeeCars, certain models are more likely to hit 250,000+ miles, making them a smart pick when you’re shopping used and budgeting for auto shipping.
Longest-Lasting Cheap Used Cars
| Vehicle Model | Odds of Reaching 250K Miles |
|---|---|
| Toyota Sequoia | 36.4% |
| Toyota 4Runner | 26.8% |
| Chevrolet Suburban | 22.0% |
| Honda Ridgeline | 25.8% |
| Toyota Avalon | 22.0% |
Source: Clark.com
Why Mileage Matters for Car Shipping
Buying a used car with 100,000 miles might sound like a lot, but if it’s a Toyota or Honda, it could still have 10+ years left—especially with good maintenance.
And if you’re planning to ship your cheap used car, you want to make sure it’s worth the cost. Here’s the deal:
- High-mileage Toyotas and Hondas often survive the journey and keep running strong.
- Investing in open or enclosed auto transport protects your vehicle and adds to its longevity.
- You avoid adding more wear and tear from long-distance road trips.
Pro Tip:
Before shipping your used car, get a pre-shipping inspection. Then, use a trusted provider like Nationwide Auto Transportation for safe, affordable delivery—anywhere in the U.S.
To do this, you want to look at vehicle brands that are known to surpass the 200,000 mile mark. Toyota drivers believe that their cars are only hitting their prime when they reach the 100,000 mile mark.
If you can find a cheap used car from a brand like that and it has 100,000 miles, the car might still have 10 years of life in it, if you typically do 10,000 miles a year.
Best Used Cars Under 10 000
Finding a reliable used car under $10,000 in 2025 is achievable with careful selection. Here are some top recommendations based on reliability, safety, and overall value:
2016 Mazda3
Renowned for its engaging driving dynamics and fuel efficiency, the 2016 Mazda3 offers a stylish design and a comfortable interior. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a compact car with a sporty feel.
2015 Subaru Outback
Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, the 2015 Subaru Outback provides all-wheel drive and ample cargo space. Its versatility makes it suitable for both city driving and off-road adventures.
2013 Honda Civic
The 2013 Honda Civic is celebrated for its reliability and fuel efficiency. It offers a comfortable ride and has a strong reputation for longevity.
2012 Toyota Camry
Known for its spacious interior and smooth ride, the 2012 Toyota Camry combines comfort with reliability, making it a popular choice among used car buyers.
2013 Mazda3
Offering a balance of performance and efficiency, the 2013 Mazda3 is praised for its responsive handling and stylish design.
Tips for Purchasing a Used Car Under $10,000
- Vehicle History: Obtain a comprehensive vehicle history report to check for past accidents, title issues, and maintenance records.
- Mechanical Inspection: Have the car inspected by a trusted mechanic to identify any potential issues that may not be immediately apparent.
- Mileage Consideration: While higher mileage vehicles can be more affordable, ensure they have been well-maintained to avoid future problems.
- Ownership Costs: Research insurance rates, fuel economy, and potential repair costs to understand the total cost of ownership.
By focusing on these aspects and considering the models listed above, you can find a dependable used car that fits your budget and meets your needs in 2025.
The Good News for Cheap Used Car Buyers
The good news is that you don’t have to break the bank to buy a good cheap used car (you might get a good deal if you buy from out of state). As mentioned above, Toyota is a solid brand that frequently surpasses mileage expectations, with the Toyota Land Cruiser being the all-time longest-lasting vehicle, with a whopping 15.7% of cars over 200,000 miles still on the road.
Cheap Used Cars Guide | Conclusion
It’s not too difficult to find cheap used cars under 10 000, but finding a reliable one can be a slightly bigger challenge. Comparing reliability scores of each model is a good place to start in your search for cheap used cars. Also, it might be a good idea to shop around…
Finding a cheap used car in 2025 requires informed decision-making and strategic planning. Once you’ve secured your vehicle, ensuring its safe and timely delivery is the next step. Nationwide Auto Transportation specializes in reliable vehicle shipping services, making your car buying experience seamless.
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Buying a car is a bit cheaper in some states. That will at least give you a fighting chance at getting your money’s worth.
