17 Best Cars to Buy When You’re Broke (Cheap & Reliable)
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- Опубликовано: 24 мар 2025
- Struggling to find a reliable car on a tight budget? In this video, we explore 17 of the best cars to buy when you’re broke, featuring affordable options that deliver reliability, low maintenance costs, and great value. Whether you're a student or saving money, these cars won't break the bank.
#affordablecars #reliableusedcars #cheapcars #budgetcars #bestcarsunder5k
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Title says 17... list started at 13... Where the rest?
Honda accord 130r2014
I bought a 2005 Toyota RAV4 with 54000 miles on it for $1500 . I needed a mall car. I love driving this thing. I have a bmw 540 and I always walk to my rav4 . The best $1500 I ever spent
I don't believe you
A 2005 RAV4 with that mileage in good\very good condition would sell for around 10k on a used car lot. Private party value is over 6k. You must have bought it from your mom.
If a word of what you say is true, dollars to donuts the Beemer is late 2000's - 2010's era with oil leaks everywhere, misfires, with CEL on, doesn't run or is broke down and too costly to fix. You bought the RAV4 wrecked or from family or both because the Beemer let you down. You go to it because you have to.
A mall car??? Wow affluence
@@billyhill2172
She didn’t say when she bought it. She could be telling the truth!
This video comes at a time where used cars are the only option for us commoners. All else is outside of the budget unless we substitute basic needs.
Totally agree. Unfortunately, sellers are aware of that and hike up the prices on the used cars. Those prices are ridiculous as well and also on FB Marketplace. The mileage on these cars and the price they are asking is insane!! $15,000+ with 200,000 miles! I don’t think so!
New cars are too complicated and costly.
EV's and hybrids (new) are
Very pricey. No basic transportation is being made anymore. With limited SS available, I'm left with no choice but used.
Very true
Don't be scared of an ES 330 with over 200,000 mi on it. Check for burning oil and make sure the frame is good and it will go forever. We know from experience
Exactly what I'm looking for when I come out of my Mazda lease at the end of the year.
All of my toyotas and lexus have been over 150, 200,000 miles, when purchased. I do maintenance at the beginning and recheck 4 to 5 months after. They easily go double and triple that number. These cars are the 🐐.
I just got one yesterday. O4 and 120 k miles for $3500. I pray I can drive it for a while. I don’t want a car note!
I bought a Mazda 3 2009 Sedan 1.6l, 75000kms at 4200 euros. Really well kept through the years, no rust.
I had a 2004 For Escape. I was 3rd owner. Bought it for $900. Needed a battery and plugs. My daughter wrecked it in 2019 when she was T-boned. It turned her 180° even cracked tge paint on opposite side. She was not hurt Thankfully. That little thing had over 279,000 and was still going strong. I miss my Escape
They say Fords are not good to buy. Those Escapes I think are nice
Owned an Element, a Vibe, and a Corolla. Vibe was probably the best but all three were good cars. The Element was a great local car, great in snow but on the highway it gets wind blown and probably only 20-21 mpg combined. The Vibe got great mpg locally, geared for city/urban driving. The Corolla was the best travel car.
Perhaps u already know, The Vibe is a Toyota
I have a 2007 Jeep Compass as my daily driver with 145,000 miles on it, the transmission just went out on it, before that it was one thing after another, at a point where i don't want to put more money into it, now I'm looking for a Honda Element, heard of it's reliability and i like the boxy look of it and how simple and utilitarian it looks on the inside.
@ I'd also consider a Scion XB, also a great reliable car with good space.
So why did you get 3 cars?
@@thelowprofile9767 They were at different times. I still have the Vibe, about 290k...
Some of the best cars I have owned in my 35 years-
1987 Toyota Pickup
I was a 15-16 year old kid in 2005, obviously I did not keep up with maintenance like I probably have should. One time, I remember hearing that engine oil had to be replaced/ topped off. I had been driving for at least 1.5 years without even checking it. The dipstick was bone dry. Obviously I topped it off then. All that being said it never once failed me, outside general maintenance. Inline 4, 4 speed manual, 99hp, lol. I sold it at 313k mi. I would wake up to go to school and at least once a month, there was a note under the wiper, asking if I was going to sell, to call this number.
(Crazy story, I went to Guatemala for a work recruitment trip in 2024, I saw so many of these still on the road!)
I sold that truck and got a nice 1990 Toyota Corolla. Drove like a boat, but same as the above. A lot of good times in that car. Had that Corolla until I moved to Florida at 22.
A few domestics later.
In 2025 I drive a 2003 Toyota Camry. 190k mi.
I do most of the work myself.
That's why I like these older Toyotas. Parts are so very cheap, very easy for a novice like me to repair. Engines are bonafide bullet proof.
FYI our family vehicle is a newer model Chrysler Pacifica.
That being said, we know, if shtf, we lean on our 20+ year old Toyota. There is always a way to keep it running.
The 6 speed manual is awesome
Older Toyotas and Hondas in good shape are gold...unless they have really high miles and\or are in poor shape. The only cars mentioned that can actually be had for 5k or less are the Mitsubishi, Ford, and Lincoln. And I wouldn't touch those with a ten-foot pole.
I had 3 Mitsubishi's. Outl!nder Sport, Galant, and mirage. I had the sport 4 years before I had to start dumping money in it. got rid of it at 105k
Even AI agreed that Japanese cars are in general, No. 1 car in rhe USA.
arguably n the world 😏
On every single one of these that have timing belts figure in the expense of doing a timing job right after purchase or your good deal might just end up a junkyard queen. Never trust the previous owner to have done anything common sense like that.
I would like to have the Honda Accord, but my favorite Honda is the Ridgeline
There's an article from a Popular Science website that reported 80% of cars driven globally as of, or up until 2015, are Toyotas. And about 1/3 of them dates back to the 1980s. It shows how dedicated Japanese engineers at the time were to making a good product.
The Vibe is a very sharp vehicle
just got a 09' rav4 for free 3 months ago runs great, 155,000 miles on her.
If they are under 5k in price, then they probably have well over 200000 miles, especially if it is Lexus 330
I got a 05 es330 with 150 with 1 owners I’m the second owner gotta do your research my guy
@@Angel-e3c4x That’s a great price with low miles. Not sure if you live in southwestern US, but cars are priced higher in general because they do not have rust like the areas that get cold weather.
@@manfredmann2766 I got my car for 4200 it was at 130,000 miles when I got it and I’ve taken it from so Cali to Florida with no issues at all . Love this car I’m buying a rx330 soon btw I stay in so Cali
Nope, buy in the Midwest where the used car market isn't insane. Skip MN though to avoid frames rusted out.
Not true at all. I got 2017 buick lacrosse for 4800 with 98k..Just bumper damage and needed a detailed cleaning
The Honda Element is a very nice vehicle and I like the rubber floors, easy to clean and the RAV4 and the Matrix is very reliable and great size
They are not made to be hosed out though
@mitchhedberg4415 I know that, but still easier to sweep or vacuum than carpeting
I wouldn't buy a hybrid that old, the hybrid battery is very expensive to replace, but I'll get a regular Fusion with the 4 cylinder non turbo
I agree. Although I once read a story of someone that had bought a used Toyota Camry hybrid for cheap because it needed a new battery. The person that bought it was knowledgeable about electric circuits so he figured he could maybe fix it. After he removed the battery he started testing each cell but discovered that they all test fine. But when he would test the packs output it tested with a weak voltage. He later discovered that it was because of corrosion on some of the terminals. So he cleaned them up and the battery tested like new again.
100 percent agree
No Civic??? And hard pass on Fusion,MKZ. Good luck finding an element or rav4 for 5k
I would like the manual transmission in the Camry and the Lexus 330 is great
The Forester is a great option especially with the manual transmission and AWD safety
The best generation of Corolla is made from 2003 to 2008.
I have a 2004 and it is bullet proof.
Ill keep driving my 93 Ford ranger it's best 600 dollars I ever spent after 4 years driving.
#fordfnranger
Great choice, small truck and reliable, especially if it's a manual transmission
My 94 is still running good 385000 miles.
I won't buy a Camry worth 33,000 toward an increased 45,000 to 50,000 price tag. Dealerships nationwide are taking a beating from their own greed, and dealerships are closing. Good job.
My first gen forester still kicking super easy to work on. Small AWD vehicles.
I've always wanted to be a Subaru fan, I've owned three: transmission problems with the first and head gasket problems with the other two. Also, compared to the Toyotas I've had they have more interior noise, harsher ride, and feel cheaper. Scotty Kilmer does not like them. But I raised my Impreza hatchback with Forester suspension and it was awesome in the snow!
Subaru in 25 has eclipsed Lexus & Toyota for reliability mainly under the Crosstrek flag. The Crosstrek has an 99 out of an 100 in reliability. The unmentioned Impreza is basically an low rider Crosstrek. I have an 21 manual impreza and don't plan on getting rid of it any time soon.
The word ‘a’ will help your comments read better.
And you will have to pay The dealer to do the rear brakes because of the computer.
Had a '96 RAV4 4-door I bought in '99, drove it for 13 years on minimal maintenance until my mechanic said "trade it in while you can."
Wow, that '96 RAV4 sounds like it gave you a solid ride. 13 years with minimal maintenance? That’s the kind of commitment we all dream of-both from cars and relationships😎😆. Your mechanic probably saw it as a 'retire while you’re ahead' situation, but hey buddy, the fact it lasted that long on a budget speaks volumes. RAV4s just have that legendary 'I got your back' energy. Thanks for sharing your story and keep watching our videos for more.
If it sounds too good to be true then it probably isn't. Used cars in the usa are more expensive due to inflation so I'm not sure where he's going to get the estimates.😢
I agree. Without a prayer and a miracle, I just don’t see it. Even so, hoping I can find one!!!
So why does your title say 17 if you only have 13?
Haven't you heard???? Ai is not good with numbers 😅
@@charliemagoo7943 And it can't read the word torque... hate AI.
Must have lost count 😂
I love my 15 XB. It’s double, but so nice!
3rd gen Rav4 is fantastic as well, I own the V6 model and I get 269hp and it is surprisingly fast!!! I also get 23 mpg too so it is so much better than the 4 cylinder
I have to say, this is an excellent video
Very helpful. Thank you
I'm glad it was helpful. Check out for more 😍
162 pounds of torque.( the guy that's editing the video, can't say torque)😂😂😂😂😂
It's called ai😂
Who ever calls "2005" as "20-o-five"? This is how you can tell it's AI voice
Coupe.....coo pee....fake AI bs
A.I.
Gotta love Tok 😂
Easy to find reliable cars for sale but it's hard to find one that's within Ur budget that runs and doesn't need a lot of repairs in the future. U be lucky to find a used car for sale that's been well taken care off and the owner did regular maintenance on it. Most of the time they sell it bcs there's something wrong with it. Make that cash before it turns to thrash.
With the Mazda 3,I'll take the hatchback and 6 speed manual transmission
What happened to the bullet proof Honda Civics?
Never had issues with my '04 Element
Found a 2004 Rav 4 on Autotrader here in California. Dealer is asking for 11 Grand. SMH.
Gotta laugh when these vloggers talk about bargain vehicles in the rest of the USA; Crap hasn't played for decades in Cali
There's a reason people buy new, warranty, no rust, no damage. Better insurance rates. No worries for several years
It’s not that they can’t be found. It’s the fact that these cars used to be $1500.
There's a HUGE gap between "broke" and $5000... for once i would like to see some videos like the old top gear challenges... give you $1500 and get something dependable with that money.
toke and coop eee lol good video.
If I had 5K I'd feel rich.
Thank you
Great video
There is no such thing as a "rear windshield" unless you have a town car or dual cowl phaeton" or are driving backwards. A "wind shield" does exactly that, shields you from the wind. That glass pane in the back of the car is called a "backlite" as it lets light into the back of the vehicle.
Never buy a car when you're broke or when you don't have a steady income.
But how does one get around to get steady income
@@ayalovenaturals public transit, maybe?
Thank you 👍👍
🥂🥂
I can’t stop laughing at “Honda Accord sedan or Coupe-E”😂😂
"Toke" the word is Torque 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
The Honda Element had the worst ground clearance.
Anyone know should you be finding these cars at a dealer or private sale, and the best website or other resource to locate them
The Lincoln MKZ would be great, except for the ecoboost
Horrible vehicle coming from a consumer.
Interesting, just watched the Top 10 cars that get stolen and Rav4 and Camary was on the list.
Scotty Kilmer brags about the 1.8 litre engine, but I didn't know that they were available with a manual, my Ford Focus has a manual transmission
I thank you for mentioning him. I was trying to remember his name. And there you are to save the day. And my old brain 😂❤
@DramaMustRemainOnTheStage you're very welcome
The 2 best built car brands in the world are Toyota & Honda, just check Consumer Reports, this is because Toyota & Honda make the effort to be better.
First thing that came to my mind after reading the title: nothing. I'm broke, why but a vehicle that requires maintenance, insurance and gas? Unless it's an investment, meaning, while I'm at work it's also working not just sitting in some parking lot.
The Lincoln MKZ, specifically the 2011 and 2012 are both extremely unreliable vehicles due to the severe recalls and timing chain and water pump job (which is worth more than the car, give or take 6k job). This car has given nothing but problems and is a huge money pit. DO NOT BUY IT.
P.S It was released in 2007, where are you getting your facts? It’s sort of hard to deem any over your content credible considering the information you’re providing is false. Another thing, it’s a 3.5 liter v6 not a 2.5
What a BS title of your video! People don’t buy cheap and reliable cars when they are broke, but when they are SMART,
And broke lol
@@christiangriffith225 Can confirm. I’m both 😂😂
HONDA ODDESY’S SHOULD HV MADE DAT LIST ‼️ THIS TRANSMISSION BEEN BOUT TO GO OUT FOR BOUT 8years now 🥴IM STILL PUSHING THIS JOINT 💅🏽
I want a manual transmission. No cvt and n Niassn anything.
7th gen accord with V6 has transmission issues
FACTS
Them 2000-10 vehicles were so good man then came all the ekectric shit
Excellent listing of these great cars.
Some decent recommendations. Do not buy a new car. Take your time and take a prospect to a good mechanic before you buy used.
Remember, does it have a TIMING CHAIN OR TIMING BELT 🧐
First one has well known transmission issues
The rest is good
No Hyundai?
I am missing 4 cars from your list. The title says 17, but you are counting from 13... 😁
Why is he saying Twenty 05 and twenty 06? Just say 05 and 06. The way he's saying it sounds stupid.
I don't think it's a he, I think it's an IT AI !😅
It’s AI when it can’t say torque and it said coopee 😂 instead of coupe.
1:26 what the hell is “tuck” I already tapped out. I can’t do these uninformed AI generated videos.
"TORKE"...but he sounds HUMAN! 😮
Pound feet of "TOKE?" Do you mean TORQUE???
Toke? 😅😅😅
The 2.4l in the 5th gen camry is garbage.
Just bad rings in a couple years
@@mitchhedberg4415 07-8
The 07-09 ones are but 2002-2006 are great
Kia Borrego?
where you get them all your car you called it's?
In my area EVERYONE knows about Toyotas, Hondas, and Subarus. The used car dealerships have all these used cars marked up 20 - 30 % higher than what they're worth and they still sell like hot cakes. You really have to hunt like a hawk to find a good deal.
Yep, the secret’s out, these cars are gold. Dealers know it, and so do buyers, which is why the markup is wild. The trick? Hunt like a hawk, move fast, and don’t sleep on private sellers or overlooked gems like the Pontiac Vibe.
Honda Civic?
2006 Corolla front leg room is 41.6 not much space for tall person!Okay for 5 ft 7 or something
I'm 6'2 and the 2002 Corolla I had was plenty big a
i have both Corolla and Vibe, and the Vibe has much more leg room!...but both great cars!
Using ai to make terrible videos should be a crime
This video very helpful but it American cars model, What about Australia cars models?
Toyota HiAce before 2004 June model RHZ last model, research HiAce from 2005 model to 2015 model?
GM V6 Motor before 2007 model cars reliable?
Glad you found the video helpful! If you're looking for reliable cars in Australia, here are some solid picks:
Toyota HiAce (pre-June 2004 RHZ model) - These were legendary for durability, especially in commercial use. Later models from 2005-2015 had improvements in safety and comfort but retained their reliability.
Holden (GM) V6 engines before 2007 - The Alloytec V6 (introduced in 2004) had mixed reliability, but earlier Ecotec V6 models (like in the VT-VY Commodore) were well-regarded for durability with proper maintenance.
Would you like a dedicated video on reliable Australian cars under $5,000? Let me know.
I'm not sure about the Mitsubishi
No cheap cars in this area ...
Says 17 cars, but video has 13....and torque is pronounced TORK....not TOCK ! Oh and Mitsubishis are usually very poorly rated. Lexus, Toyota, Acura, Honda, Mazda, Subaru and Buick are the reliable brands ☺
A “coupie?” 😂 These bot vids are ridiculous.
I can't believe people pronounce Zero as "Oh!
0 is not O
17 cars? Video starts at 13.
The Toyota RAV4 is not a good car. We got a new one in 2005. The transmission was replaced 3 times. Toyota offered a extended warranty for 150k miles because both the transmission computer and the transmission were both junk. Right out of the factory.
AI voice?Coupee and tock.
Element isn’t that cheap
The accord v6 coupe is only car worth getting on this list everything else slow asf
Nobody is buying any of these cars for track use. Can't legally go any faster around here than 80 mph and my Accord and Ranger will both do that in third gear.
Pontiac ended in 2009.
Not a car on this list that I would owne!
And you're probably in debt and broke
Under 10k maybe but under 5k is a PO💩
Horrible pronunciations but decent information, check with scotty kilmer first
a $5000 Rav4? These computer generated mispronunciations make me laugh. Lincoln has a 3.5 V6 not 2.5
I'm watching this video as a European and it's quite interesting. First of all, there are no European cars on the list. I believe that in Europe you would put perhaps some German, French or Italian cars there. But I understand this depends on the availability of spare parts and stuff like that in different parts of the world. And it's also interesting that the 1st gen Mazda 3 is on my list as well as a budget friendly option for my first car. And funnily enough, we also have Ford Fusion in Europe, but it's a completely different car. It's a small city hatchback, my friend has it but it's possibly the only Ford car for European market that I really don't like.
In America all the European cars are luxury .
Don't trust any Toyota dealership
AI vid 😂