Automotive Insider

The Best Used Cars Under $2,000

Today, many are opting to purchase used cars for transportation. The economy and job market has forced many people to reconsider how they spend their money. Often, it is no longer feasible to finance a $20,000 or more vehicle. Used cars can be reliable and inexpensive, but only if the purchaser has a good understanding of the principles behind purchasing a used vehicle. Finding a good car under $2000.00 is not a difficult as one may think.

A used car must be a well-maintained car. In many cases, used vehicles under $2000 have a lot of mileage on them. If the car was properly maintained, this shouldn’t be a problem. Whenever possible, request maintenance records for the car. Timely oil changes, good tire care and needed tune-ups will help ensure the vehicle will continue running.

Second, be overly critical of the appearance of the vehicle. This can be another way to determine how well maintained the car is and if it has been in any accidents. Check the paint job, the tires and upholstery not only for signs of wear, but also for signs of replacement. A new paint job or fresh upholstery may point to a previous accident or other problem.

Because the used car market is so fluid, it is difficult to create a list of vehicles to look for.  Instead, below is a list of makes and models that are generally considered to be good buys.

1. Honda Accord (late 1990’s) – Honda Accords are well known for their ability to stand the test of time. In fact, statistically speaking there are more used Honda’s driving around today than any other brand. These cars are well built, suffer from few ‘major’ issues, are classically designed and typically relatively fuel efficient for an older car.
2. Ford Ranger (approximately 2000) – The Ford Ranger may not be as well known as its big brother the F-150, but it is simply a great choice for a used vehicle. Tough and rugged, the Ranger is known for its inexpensive replacement parts. It is considered to be one of the easiest cars to work on, making necessary repairs less expensive.
3. Subaru Impreza (2000 – 2002) – This is a fun car with the ability to perform well in poor driving conditions such as snow or heavy rain. It can be expensive to repair but, with regular maintenance, is known for its ability to go the distance.
4. Hyundai Accent (2000) – One of the best little cars out there, many come with a 10 year warranty on their powertrain. Consumer reports state that the Hyundai Accent is built to last and with regular maintenance is fully efficient as well!

No matter which used vehicle you choose, be sure to do your due diligence and thoroughly review the vehicles history. Regular maintenance is critical for older vehicles, so be sure the car was maintained. Used cars under $2000 can be safe, fun and efficient.