9 Most Reliable Used Cars in 2025 That Cost Less Than $10K
Written by
Nicole Spector
Edited by
Molly Sullivan
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The list of things that are seeing prices go up in 2025 is practically endless. And in case you missed it, you should know that used cars are also on that list. Used car prices for 1- to 5-year-old models have increased by 1% year-over-year. One percent may not sound like much, but it breaks down to an average price bump of $317.
Despite rising prices, you can still get a used car for under $5,000, but will it be reliable? That’s a really important question, especially if you’ll need this car to last you years. To be safe, you probably want to shop with a budget closer to $10,000.
Let’s look at nine of the used cars under $10,000 that U.S. News & World Report has ranked as the most reliable on the market in 2025. Each of these cars scored at least 89 out of 100 on J.D’s power reliability test. What are they like and what makes them great? Perhaps most importantly, exactly how much do they cost?
2013 Buick Verano
- Price: $9,851
- J.D. Power reliability score: 91/100
Edmunds’ expert review described the 2013 Buick Verano as a “comfortable and composed” ride, which makes this car sound like peak quiet luxury. The review also praises the interior design of this car, which makes it feel larger than it is. This automobile isn’t the right choice for speed demons; in Edmunds’ performance testing, this model accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 9.0 seconds, which is slow for cars in this class.
2012 Lincoln MKZ
- Price: $9,825
- J.D. Power reliability score: 89/100
Quiet, responsive and decked out with solid “infotainment,” the 2012 Lincoln MKZ is a nifty midsize premium sedan. It’s not the most polished luxury sedan out there, but the keyword here is “reliable,” and this car checks off that box in bold.
2010 Audi A6
- Price: $9,150
- J.D. Power reliability score: 89/100
Among the numerous pros of the 2010 Audi A6: a nicely finished interior, all-wheel drive, strong supercharged V-6 and great fuel economy. Edmunds went so far as to say this car should be considered alongside Japanese rivals. Not many complaints on this one.
2010 Toyota Avalon
- Price: $8,806
- J.D. Power reliability score: 89/100
Roomy, quiet and efficient, the 2010 Toyota Avalon has strong scores on crash tests. It boasts a standard 268-horsepower V-6 engine and can accelerate more rapidly than similarly powered cars. The only significant cons with this car is that it’s pricier than some of its competitors, doesn’t have much flair and has rear seats that do not fold.
2011 Cadillac DTS
- Price: $8,036
- J.D. Power reliability score: 93/100
Here’s a cushy ride with the highest reliability score on this list. It has other things going for it, like a huge trunk for your bulk grocery shopping and a roomy, quiet interior. This one is considered difficult to park because of its size. It’s also better suited for taller people to drive.
2011 Buick Lucerne
- Price: $7,624
- J.D. Power reliability score: 91/100
With this car you can comfortably seat six passengers and take advantage of control features that Edmunds described as “intuitive.” Note: This reliable and pretty affordable used car is not known to have the cleanest handling or the strongest engine.
2012 Scion xD
- Price: $7,337
- J.D. Power reliability score: 89/100
The 2012 Scion xD is a spiffy car, ideal for drivers who appreciate high-tech stereo systems, reclining backseats and who aren’t especially tall. And it’s pretty fast. Edmunds testing found that a manual-equipped xD went from zero to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds.
2012 Chevrolet Malibu
- Price: $7,291
- J.D. Power reliability score: 89/100
The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu doesn’t just have a posh name and a great price; it also has a strong V-6 engine, strong brakes, easy-to-use controls and offers a comfortable, quiet ride. The cons? The backseats aren’t very roomy, it doesn’t have as many features as some of its competitors and the quality of its cabin materials are inconsistent.
2011 Chevrolet Volt
- Price: $7,109
- J.D. Power reliability score: 89/100
If you want a reliable car that will also save you money on gas, you can’t go wrong with the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, a spiffy hybrid. When this car came out, it was considered pricey. Now it’s the cheapest on this list of most reliable used cars under $10,000. Be mindful that the brakes on this guy were called “touchy” by Edmunds.
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