We get a ton of requests for cars that cost less than $10,000, which as you can imagine is a tough spot for us. If we knew where to buy really great $10K cars, we would literally buy every single one and flood our website with them! 

Now that doesn’t mean they don’t exist. So if you are in a position of needing a 10K car, here are some helpful tips.

1. Lower your risk by staying flexible! Don’t get hung up on color, brand, miles or features. Instead, focus on the source of the car and its condition—that’s where the real value is.

2. Checking inventory on our website is a smart move. If we have vehicles under $10,000, they’ve already been vetted for condition and come from trusted sources. They may not be the color you want or have the miles you hope for, but they WILL lower your risk and that should be the goal of buying a car in the 10K price range. 

3. Consider using your $10,000 as a down payment. Financing can stretch your budget and open up parameters to get you a quality, less risky vehicle.

4. Be wary of what looks like a “good deal” out on the internet or at your local dealer. A cheap price online often comes with expensive surprises later.

5. Now, if MATS can’t help you this time and you’re shopping on your own, start close to home. Ask friends, family, and neighbors if they’re selling a car. It’s usually safer to buy from someone you know and trust who’s cared for their vehicle. 

6. No matter where you find it, always take that car to a mechanic before you buy it. That’s the only way to know its true condition.

The reality is—it’s tough for us to even find cars under $10K in good shape. So if you know someone selling one cheap, that’s usually the best way to go.

Hopefully these tips help! And please remember, we are always here to help!