“I want one so bad”: Mechanics reveal the best used cars you can buy for under $10,000
Mechanics are offering a helping hand during a tough time by recommending decent cars you can get for less than $10,000. This is no longer an easy feat with inflation and tariffs driving up prices, but with a little luck and some inside knowledge, you might be able to find something at this price that won't immediately die on you.They'll have a lot of miles on them, but don't fret—they used to make cars to last.Older ToyotasEich Brothers Automotive has been giving out free advice like this on their TikTok account for years, and they could save you quite a bit of money. Garrett had multiple recommendations for cheap car models. @eichbrothers What’s the BEST car you can buy for under $10,000? #carrepair #tiktokautocampaign #autotech #mechanic #autoshop #shoptalk #shoplife #affordablecar ♬ original sound - EichBrothers "Toyotas now are a little bit costly, especially in the used car market," he said. "If you can get one for $10K that's under 200,000 [miles], then great."For something even cheaper, he offered up the Scion TC in particular.Specific MazdasGarrett went on to shout out Mazdas, but only a couple specific models."A CX9 specifically with a 3.7 if it's had chains and a water pump done," he continued. "It should last another hundred thousand miles.""Mazda 3A, too, with a 2.3 liter [engine]," he added. "Great engine. It's a Ford engine."Dodge Avenger. No, really.For his final recommendation, Garrett had to acknowledge that his choice will be controversial.@eichbrothers/TikTok"I need to be really, really specific with this one," he said. "People are probably gonna light me up on this.""Dodge Avengers—specifically 2.4 liter non-multi-air."He stressed that this always depends on the car's general condition, encouraging viewers to get a pre-purchase inspection before buying anything used.Honda Civic SIMoving on from Garrett, Conner recommended his personal dream car."Probably a Honda Civic SI," he said. "Those are pretty good. I want one so bad."The 2025 version of this car earned a 10 out of 10 from Car and Driver as a practical and affordable option that also manages to be fun to drive. If Conner is correct, the older models must be just as good if they can remain reliable even as their value dips below $10,000.A 1980s VolvoIf you really want to go back in time to when car manufacturers put out little tanks made to last forever, Patrick recommends Volvo.@eichbrothers/TikTok"Late 80's Volvo 240's," he said. "I think there's one out there that's hit like three million miles."Patrick is almost right. According to the company itself, Irv Gordon drove a Volvo P1800 he bought in 1966 a total of 3.2 million miles. He still held that world record in 2023, five years after his death in 2018.The Daily Dot has reached out to @eichbrothers for comment via TikTok.The internet is chaotic—but we’ll break it down for you in one daily email. Sign up for the Daily Dot’s newsletter here.Sign up to receive the Daily Dot’s Internet Insider newsletter for urgent news from the frontline of online.The post “I want one so bad”: Mechanics reveal the best used cars you can buy for under $10,000 appeared first on The Daily Dot.
The team at Eich Brothers Automotive, known for dispensing free car advice on their TikTok account, recently shared their top picks for budget-friendly used cars. Mechanic Garrett acknowledged the rising prices of used Toyotas, suggesting that if you can snag one with under 200,000 miles for $10,000, it's a solid deal. For an even cheaper option, he specifically recommended the Scion TC.
Moving beyond Toyota, Garrett highlighted specific Mazda models. He suggested a CX9 with a 3.7-liter engine, but only if it has had its timing chains and water pump replaced, estimating it should then last another 100,000 miles. He also gave a shout-out to the Mazda 3 with a 2.3-liter engine, praising its Ford-built engine.
In a potentially controversial pick, Garrett cautiously recommended the Dodge Avenger, but with a very important caveat. He stressed the importance of finding one with a 2.4-liter non-multi-air engine. He emphasized that the overall condition of any used car is crucial and strongly advised getting a pre-purchase inspection before committing to a purchase.
Another mechanic from Eich Brothers, Conner, revealed his personal dream car: the Honda Civic SI. He believes older models of this car are a great option, offering reliability and potentially dipping below the $10,000 mark as they age. He expressed his admiration for the model, stating, "I want one so bad."
For those looking for a truly vintage and durable option, Patrick from Eich Brothers suggested late 80's Volvo 240's. He cited their legendary longevity, mentioning the possibility of finding one that has clocked an impressive number of miles. He referenced Irv Gordon's record-breaking Volvo P1800, which achieved 3.2 million miles.
The Eich Brothers' recommendations offer a glimmer of hope for those navigating the challenging used car market. Their advice highlights the importance of careful selection