I have scoured the web in search of used cars that have been awarded a ‘Top Safety Pick’ badge by none other than the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Not only are these some of the safest used cars on the market, but they are also fabulously affordable (under $10,000) as I share what I found online.
2014 Ford Fiesta SE
To kick things off, I came across a very sporty looking one owner Ford Fiesta hatchback in silver with a 5-speed manual transmission, accident-free history, rear sun visor, and a staggeringly low 68,772 miles for $9,497. However, looking further down the list, I found a 2013 5-door sedan in bright green, also a manual and again a one-owner vehicle with 88,666 miles and no previous damage for a very reasonable $5,999. Hard choice!
2012 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Premium
This ‘Premium’ model in ‘Ice Blue’ comes with Bluetooth, sunroof/moonroof, alloy wheels, ‘Cold Weather’ package including heated seats, good condition original floor mats, anti-theft system, a clean title and no damage or accident history. It’s a 6-speed manual with 94,870 miles on the odometer for $9,800. However, just as good is a slightly older 2008 ‘Special Edition’ model in immaculate condition with 96,000 miles, sunroof/moonroof, breathtaking deep sea blue exterior and light ivory interior, all-wheel drive drive-train, and automatic transmission for $8,995.
2012 Mitsubishi Lancer SE
The ever popular Lancer has been around since the 1970’s, but still has amazing reliability and good looks. The model I found is a 5-door hatchback with a silver exterior, plenty of trunk space, rear spoiler, 99,480 miles, no safety recalls or previous accidents, and comes in comfortably under budget at $8,751. I did also spot a 2008 red sedan with sunroof, really low 58,323 miles, and no previous accident history for just $6,995. Depends on whether you’re after space in the trunk with a little more mileage or less mileage and a sunroof.
2007 Toyota Highlander 4WD 3rd Row
If you’re looking for something a little bigger like an SUV, then look no further than the Toyota Highlander with three rows of seating (otherwise known as the 3rd row model). This sparkling example is 4 wheel-drive in pristine white duco, with soft tan-colored memory leather vented seats, bonnet protector, sunroof, side roof racks, 3.3 liter V6 engine, automatic transmission and 99,690 miles for $9,995.
2009 Hyundai Tucson Limited
On the subject of SUV, this model has withstood the test of time and proved itself as a safe option. The model I first noticed was this 2009 ‘Limited Edition’ automatic in ‘Desert Sage’ exterior color. No accidents or damage, it has roof racks, plenty of trunk space, and only 56,370 miles for $9,995. However, I did also spot for the same price a slightly older 2007 Tucson GLS with alloy wheels, premium sound system, two previous owners, 58,522 miles and full service records. Decisions.
2010 Suzuki Kizashi SE
Icy blue in color, I found a well presented Kizashi with a light tan interior, dual exhaust, sports steering, no reported accidents or damage, continuously variable automatic transmission, and 90,569 miles on the clock for $7,950. Bargain! But hang on. I also found a 2011 Sport SLS model in metallic deep blue again with a light tan interior, automatic transmission, no accident history and only 52,396 miles for $2,045 more at $9,995. I’d probably choose the lower mileage model for a little bit extra as it still comes under budget.
2013 Mazda3 i SV
There are plenty of Mazda3’s on the used car market making them a great reliable option for bargaining and spare parts. So I first came across a 2013 automatic model in ‘Crystal White Pearl Mica’ with only 75,625 miles for top end $9,957. Then I came across a 2010 ‘Liquid Silver Metallic’ Mazda3 i Touring model with extras such as a sunroof/moonroof, alloy wheels, and updated Bose 6-Disc CD audio package with 10 speaker surround system. With 82,204 miles traveled, it’s a real bargain at just $7,770. Sold! This list of the safest, affordable used cars shows it is possible to get what you’re after (that’s not too old) if you do your research. It’s exciting exploring the used car market, getting to know what cars will suit your lifestyle and your budget. Hopefully, you will take away some valuable information from this article and others on rearviewreview.com moving you closer to your very own purchase.