We all love having a nice car that we can buy and drive for the first time. However, buying your first car can be a hassle for you since you are not familiar with the used car market. Don’t worry, we’re going to talk about good first cars under $5 000.
Of course, you know that a $5,000 car probably has quite a few miles on the odometer, but if it’s in good condition and has extensive service history, 150,000 miles is easily within the range of what can be described as “used cars.” reliable”.
You’ll have to save some money for maintenance, but you’ll have to do it even on a $30,000 car that’s just out of warranty. If there’s one piece of advice we can give, it’s that you shouldn’t shop by make and model. buying a used car based on its condition.
You’ll have to shop around for these bargains and accept that none of these cars come fresh off the assembly line. But if it lives up to your expectations, you can find some great deals on good first-time cars for less than $5,000.
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List Of 9 Good First Cars Under $5 000 Right Now
While finding a used car can be difficult right now, there’s no reason buyers should settle for an unreliable or dangerous car just because their budget is tight. Many models that were smart choices when new years later still have the same good qualities as much cheaper older used cars.
And yes, even used cars under $5,000 can provide quality, reliable transportation. Read on as we explore bargain options for great first-time cars under $5,000.
1. 2006 Acura TSX
- Best Used Price:- $4,400
- Engine:- 2.4 Liter/ Inline 4-Cylinder
- Horsepower:- 205 HP
- Mileage:- 20 City / 28 Highway
Drivers looking for a sport sedan that’s a little more upscale than the typical four-door station wagon will find plenty in the 2006 Acura TSX. With its superior handling characteristics, high-quality interior, and generous standard equipment, it’s a solid choice for daily use.
And like most Acura products, the TSX offers a high level of sophistication, an above-average reputation for reliability, and good value for money. It came standard with a dynamic 2.4-litre engine with 200 hp and 164 pound-feet of torque.
It was mated to a six-speed manual transmission, although a five-speed automatic was optional at no extra cost. Most of its models also have excellent reliability ratings, making it a good first car to buy used for under $5,000.
2. 2005 Buick Park Avenue
- Best Used Price:- $3,270
- Engine:- 3.8 Liter/ V6
- Horsepower:- 205 HP
- Mileage:- 17 City / 26 Highway
When you’re loading a supersized sedan with national heritage and luxury, it’s hard to go wrong with the shapely Park Avenue. Buick’s flagship sedan gets grille and taillight revisions for 2005, and the base Park Avenue model gets the front fender “portholes” previously reserved for the top-of-the-line Park Avenue Ultra.
Both models have a 3.8-litre V6 and a 4-speed automatic transmission. The base model has 205 horsepower and the Ultra is supercharged for 240 horsepower. ABS, self-levelling rear suspension and leather interior are standard.
Also a front bench seat for 6 passengers; Ultra offers optional front hubs. Park Avenue offers traditional American comfort and convenience at prices that undercut other premium full-size cars.
For that, it gets Recommended status, with a focus on the Ultra model as the best performing and good first car under $5,000 in this lineup.
3. 2006 BMW 3 Series
- Best Used Price:- $3,930
- Engine:- 3.0 Liter/ V6
- Horsepower:- 255 HP
- Mileage:- 21 City / 29 Highway
The 3 Series is a driver’s car: accelerate, turn and stop with remarkable agility and balance without seriously compromising comfort or common sense.
Ultimately, the 3 Series represents consistent product character and values, defining what has become one of the most respected brands among automotive enthusiasts. The 3 Series accounts for 40 per cent of BMW’s global sales, and BMW is a high-tech brand.
Car buyers expect technology in their products. But after an extensive test drive, the question arises as to how much technology is appropriate in a 3 Series and when it deviates from the car’s original purpose.
The 3 Series has always been the benchmark for compact sport sedans and this car lives up to its heritage and ultimately its price.
4. 2005 Ford Ranger
- Best Used Price:- $3,740
- Engine:- 4.0 Liter/ V6
- Horsepower:- 207 HP
- Mileage:- 24 City / 27 Highway
The 2005 Ford Ranger is a compact truck with room for five people. It’s designed for drivers who want an affordable light-good first car under $5,000 that can hold its own off-road. A Ranger equipped with the German 4.0-litre overhead cam V6 jumps off the line and accelerates quickly.
An optional five-speed automatic transmission complements each available engine with close ratios for better throttle response when accelerating, towing a trailer, or driving off-road. The Ford Ranger offers spacious, comfortable accommodations and practical features.
The seats were updated for 2004 with moulded headrests and higher backrests for added comfort. Regular cabin models have a fabric bench seat that accommodates three people on board. The seat splits 60/40 to access the space behind.
5. 2007 Honda Accord
- Best Used Price:- $4,982
- Engine:- 2.4 Liter/ V4
- Horsepower:- 244 HP
- Mileage:- 26 City / 34 Highway
Despite being one of the oldest cars in the midsize segment, the 2007 Honda Accord is still a solid choice for consumers who want a sedan or coupe that does just about everything right. It is available as a coupe or sedan with a four-cylinder or V6 engine.
Put simply, Honda gives each fairing a select number of standard features. The range begins with the budget-oriented Value Package of equipment and ends with the luxurious EX-L. The Hybrid version is also available for the 2007 model.
The Accord’s steering has a smooth, precise feel and the suspension offers a comfortable ride and assertive cornering stance, though sharper cars like the Ford Fusion or Nissan Altima are more enjoyable to drive.
6. 2005 Mazda Miata
- Best Used Price:- $4,000
- Engine:- 1.8 Liter/ V4
- Horsepower:- 142 HP
- Mileage:- 23 City / 28 Highway
We’ll admit that the Mazda Miata might not be the best choice for winter touring on snowy roads, but other than that, this little convertible brings in more smiles per mile than any other car on the list.
It’s great to ride without worrying about overpowering, and repairs are mostly cheap and easy. There’s also a thriving scene for aftermarket parts and upgrades. There’s very little of the swirls and bumps that are the norm on most convertibles.
For a small car, the cabin offers a lot of space and plenty of storage space for small things. For your comfort, there are leather seats are given. And when it rains, the fabric roof can be set up in three seconds and won’t let a drop of water through.
7. 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
- Best Used Price:- $4,300
- Engine:- 4.0 Liter/ V6
- Horsepower:- 270 HP
- Mileage:- 14 City / 19 Highway
When it comes to getting the job done on the tough stuff, the Nissan Pathfinder is one of the good first cars under $5,000. It has permanent four-wheel drive, which allows it to tackle any type of terrain with ease.
The vast majority of Pathfinder customers will choose the 2.5-litre dCi engine, although the 4.0-litre V6 petrol offers more power. All Pathfinders are equipped with the Nissan ALL MODE four-wheel drive system, which includes a low-gear ratio mode for true off-roading.
Traction is managed by a dedicated ESP+ system that orchestrates ABS braking, traction control, and active yaw control for optimal performance both on and off the tarmac.
With a maximum ground clearance of up to 9.1 inches on 4WD off-road models and an underbody design that stows everything below onto the frame rails, the Nissan Pathfinder feels right at home in the dirt.
8. 2006 Nissan Maxima
- Best Used Price:- $4,800
- Engine:- 3.5 Litre/ V6
- Horsepower:- 265 HP
- Mileage:- 18 City / 26 Highway
The 2006 Nissan Maxima offers distinctive styling, a sophisticated personality, and superior performance. Halfway between a mid-size sedan and an almost luxurious sports sedan, it’s a car designed for car lovers who appreciate the exceptional.
Buyers can choose between the more responsive SE and the smoother SL. Either way, Nissan’s 265-horsepower V6 makes it easy to hit the road. Both models are packed with luxury features. The refined cabin is innovative and comfortable with plush, supportive seats.
The interesting Skyview roof, a standard pane of glass that extends across the front and rear seats, is the sort of feature one associates with futuristic concept cars.
9. 2007 Subaru Forester
- Best Used Price:- $4,200
- Engine:- 2.5 Litre/ V4
- Horsepower:- 224 HP
- Mileage:- 19 City / 26 Highway
The 2007 Subaru Forester accelerates very well and offers a solid level of reliability and safety. For 2007, the Forester benefited from a mid-cycle update, which means extensive changes but close to a complete redesign.
The new style made the look a bit more serious and less cute. Inside, subtle changes provided additional comfort and convenience, especially in the rear seat. The suspension has been redesigned for improved ride comfort and increased ground clearance for off-road forays.
The 2007 Subaru Forester includes six variations. All are powered by a 2.5-litre flat-four boxer engine. The Subaru Forester isn’t big by SUV standards. However, its seating position is relatively high and offers more of the commanding view that many buyers look for in an SUV.
FAQ Regarding Good First Cars Under $5 000
Q. 1) What is a good first car in 2022?
Ans. 1) Buying your first car can be an incredibly difficult decision. It feels like everyone has advice for you, and if you’re a fan you probably feel like everyone who isn’t a fan is telling you to get the cheapest beige phone you can find. Take a look at the good first car in 2022:-
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Honda Civic Si
Ford Mustang
Nissan Sentra
Acura RSX
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Q. 2) What is a good budget for a first car?
Ans. 2) Experts recommend that you spend between $5,000 and $10,000 on your first car. But honestly, it depends on what you can afford.
Q. 3) Should my first car be new or used?
Ans. 3) The best way to save money is to buy used ones. A new car loses almost half its value in its first five years, so choose one that’s a few years old but still has up-to-date safety features and still has many useful years ahead of it. Buying used also means getting a better car for the money than buying a new one.
Conclusion
We always want the right advice when we buy a vehicle for the first time. After our house, the car is the second most expensive thing we own. And we don’t want to make the wrong decision when buying a new car.
So we hope that after reading this list of good first cars under $5,000, you’ll find the right, affordable vehicle for you.
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