Cheap used cars that we recommend

Cheap Used Car recommendations from Pick the Payment

Pick the Payment has compiled a list of inexpensive used cars that we think will provide great value to the customer and also offer you a low monthly car payment as well. Most of these vehicles will not be a problem to get a used car loan for either. Pick the Payment dealers do their best to bring cars and SUVs like this to their lots so you have an even bigger selection and even more options to “Pick your Payment”.

1. Hyundai Sonata 2003-2008 : Hyundai has done an amazing job of bringing vehicles to market that are stylish, affordable and come with America’s Best Warranty. A 10 year 100,000 mile warranty. Hyundai Sonatas in this model year range should only cost between $5000-$12,000. Hyundai is building a quality car that looks good too and will provide you with tremendous value for years to come. For these reasons the Hyundai Sonata tops our list. A 4 cylinder will do just fine getting you around 30-32 miles per gallon and generating around 175 H.P. If you really need a 6 you will be pleased. Many of these models can be found with a sunroof as well. Power windows and locks are standard. If you are looking for a bit more fun in your daily drive try to find an SE or Limited model.
2. Chevrolet Tahoe 2000-2005 : This has been a solid choice for a great full size SUV capable of hauling the family or hauling the boat, for many years. If you a are looking to be in the $5000-$11,000 range you can find a lot of vehicle for the money by looking toward a Tahoe. Chevrolet has built very dependable products year in and year out and the Tahoe is no exception. Look to find one with a third row seat as this will be worth more when you go to sell it or trade it in. Also, see if you can locate an LT model if possible as the vehicle came with some additional features as compared to the LS. You won’t have to pay nearly as much for these features now as would would have had to if it were brand new.
3. Toyota Camry 2000-2006 : The “most popular car in America” title for several years will bring a lot of great pre driven models to market as is the case with the Camry. If your budget is $3000-$10,000 you could be looking here for your next used car. Learn a bit about the models as Toyota has been switching names often during the decade and having this knowledge may be the difference between getting a good buy and a great one. Older models are usually sparsely equipped as Toyota shunned popular opinion in the early part of the decade and ramrodded consumers with “you’ll-take-what-we-build” attitudes as opposed to delivering what the public wanted. Consumer opinion and Toyota quality were both so high that they got away with it for a long time. No more however, as competitors like Hyundai have given the populace what they want and a quality car. Still, a pre driven Camry is an excellent choice if you are looking for a dependable, long lasting family sedan on your way to a newer vehicle.
4. Honda Civic 2003-2007 : With several hundred thousand Honda Civics sold in the U.S. finding a pre driven one is not a problem. As with the Toyota Camry mentioned above (and all Toyotas save the Avalon) you may run into the same issue of having to sort through a bevy of stripped out, base type models as Honda exercised the same arrogance as Toyota during most of this production period. Nonetheless the quality and reliability of the cars is legendary. If you need a car priced between $5000-$9000 then this should be on your list to consider.
5. Hyundai Elantra 2005-2008 : For all of the same reasons we mentioned regarding the Elantra’s big brother, the Hyundai Sonata, we can wholeheartedly recommend the Elantra. The only reason is doesn’t make it into 2nd or 3rd place on our list is because the Sonata is a mid sized family sedan that gets almost the same mileage as the Elantra, but for the extra investment in the Sonata you do get quite a bit more car. For those of you who just like the feel of a smaller car and the slightly more nimble handling experience you get behind the wheel of one, the Elantra is a perfect choice. See if you can track down an SE model if possible. It will be a later model and Elantras mentioned in this range will set you back about $6000-$9900.
6. Toyota Corolla 2001-2007 : This is one of the most popular vehicles on the face of the planet if you look back over the last 25 years. A stellar performer that gets great gas mileage and won’t let you down if properly maintained. In recent years it will be much easier to find one equipped with power windows and locks and a few even come with a sunroof. You can’t go wrong with this pre driven gem. Cost about $4500-$9500.
7. Ford Explorer 2002-2006 : When it comes to a quality and popular SUV the Explorer ranks up there with the best of them. Look for an XLT instead of an XLS and try to find a V8 (if you can stand the mileage) and one with a third row seat. What we like about the Explorer is that it came with so many different options that you can probably find a used one with things like tow package and running boards that really make for a nice unit to own. Price range is not too bad for an SUV-around $7500-$14,500.
8. Cadillac CTS 2004-2007 : For a bit of a price difference from some of our previously mentioned models you can get a whole lot of luxury and fun too. Look to pay about $14,500-$20,000. Try to score a sport package and a sunroof as there were plenty of them produced. Also try to track down a 3.6L engine vs. the 2.8.
9. Chevrolet Malibu 2006-2008 : This is another great example of how domestics can compete with the imports-one of the few examples. This is a car that will stand toe to toe with any family sedan on our list. The difference is that you can get a Malibu about 2 years newer than similar cars on the list. The LTZ is about as much fun to drive as anything mentioned and will last you for a solid 10 years before you’ll really have to consider getting rid of it. The interior of the car is very European and the quality of the leather is actually quite impressive. You shouldn’t have a hard time finding an LT at the very least. A 4 or 6 cylinder will serve you well. Expect to pay about $10,500-$17,200. You’ll be glad you did.
10. Nissan Maxima 2004-2007 : Another quality built Japanese car that you can’t go wrong owning. Power options are standard and you can certainly find some with sunroofs. If I were buying one I would wait for a low mile car as most of these are going to come pretty much the same as far as equipment. It’s a bit pricey for what you get, but if you feel better about owning an import or are just a fan of Nissan you can probably justify the $14,500-$20,500 investment.
11. Chrysler Town and Country or Dodge Grand Caravan 2002-2008 : What a tough rid it has been for Chrysler and its loyal customer base. As of this writing the base is dwindling, but hopefully Fiat can caome to the rescue before creditors close in on this American icon. Our list would certainly not be complete without the mention of a minivan, and for the years mentioned Chrysler was synonymous with minivan. Get a few back issues of Consumer Reports to track down all of the models and configurations that Chrysler offered in these nameplates. Opt for a 6 cyl not a 4 banger. Check for missing equipment such as tinted glass or power windows and locks. A lot of these el strippos made it into fleet service for numerous rental car companies. With a little effort you can still get a decent minivan for around $5,000-$13,500. Consider trading somewhere around 75,000 miles if possible unless you plan on driving it into the ground.
12. Pontiac Grand Prix 2002-2007 : Pontiac, a disappearing American tradition, has made some great cars and this would have to be at the top of the list. A sporty family sedan with good looks is not an easy car to build, yet Pontiac pulled it off for years. Many a young man was happy when his wife allowed him to move into this four door once their first child was born as opposed to a station wagon or a minivan. A blue collar, working man special that spoke volumes about the meat and potatoes driver behind the wheel who wanted some real American spirited driving in his or her sedan. We will miss you, but for about $9500-$14,000 these cars will live on a bit longer.

Whatever your flavor of pre driven car is, Pick the Payment can help find it for you. Chances are one of our dealers has a vehicle that you want in stock today. Make it easy on yourself and call today to find out.