10 Of The Most Reliable Used Cars Under $8,000

The truth is that getting a car can feel like running through a minefield. The main challenge is that there are thousands and possibly millions of options to choose from. Hanging over that is the huge cloud of uncertainty as to their reliability. There's no hiding from the fact that a used car presents its own unique challenges, which makes matters more difficult when you're working with a budget as tight as $8,000. But fear not, as there is a way around it.

If you're looking to buy a good used car under $8,000, you don't have to settle for something that's on its last legs. Age and mileage are important factors, but they're not everything. There are some models that have built a reputation for going well past 200,000 miles with just routine maintenance. These cars are dependable, easy to repair, and won't drain your wallet with constant trips to the mechanic. 

For this list, we have consulted reputed consumer analytics and intelligence company J.D. Power for its Quality and Reliability ratings. We then cross-referenced them with car listings on Cars.com and Kelley Blue Book (KBB) to ensure they fall under the $8,000 price point.  Without further ado, here are 10 of the most reliable used cars under $8,000.

One compelling option when searching for a dependable used car under $8,000 is the 2012 Scion xD. The Scion is a bit of an oddball that left many scratching their heads as to why Toyota made the brand. The quickest answer is that it emerged in 2003 as Toyota's way of catering exclusively to its American and Canadian buyers. The Scion xD is a subcompact hatchback that made its debut in 2008. It was produced for six years before Toyota discontinued the entire Scion division in 2016.

Without a doubt, what makes the 2012 Scion xD a reliable budget choice is its 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. The engine is the right blend of performance and durability. It produces 128 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque while giving you a fuel efficiency of 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, according to EPA estimates. Depending on market availability, you can choose between a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic.

If the seller has followed Toyota's recommended maintenance schedule, which is found in the owner's manual, then you have nothing to worry about. The schedule includes oil and filter changes, tire rotations, and brake system inspections every 5,000 miles. To further ease your apprehensions, the 2012 Scion xD received a Quality & Reliability score of 85 out of 100 from J.D. Power. KBB values this model at $5,201.

The Chevy Malibu is a greatly underrated vehicle. It doesn't get the pomp and fanfare of the Silverado, Colorado, or even Camaro. But perhaps that works in its favor as it is a hit on the aftermarket. The midsize sedan has been a constant in Chevrolet's lineup since it was first released in 1964. With such an abundance of model years to choose from, our guide on the best years to consider is a must-read. However, if you're working with an $8,000 budget, look no further than the 2012 model.

What the 2012 Chevy Malibu lacks in technological innovations, it more than makes up for in reliability and sturdiness. After all, there's a reason J.D. Power gave it a remarkable 89 over 100 rating in its Quality & Reliability category. Safety is a strong suit for the 2012 Malibu. It is equipped with an antilock brake system, stability and traction control, as well as full-length curtain-type airbags. You'll need to note that the vehicle has been recalled three times for issues with the seat belts, brakes, and electrical system. So, a little heads up to do your due diligence on the one you purchase by confirming whether recall work has been done on it. KBB data stipulate that the car has a current resale value of $4,384 and a trade-in value of $2,347.

Getting an electric vehicle for under $8,000 is impossible, right? Think again. Chevrolet's commitment to building durable vehicles shines through again with its Volt model. Frankly, if the Chevy Malibu doesn't cut it for you, then the Chevy Volt will. The 2011 Chevy Volt is a standout model year for this car, and it makes the list not just because it is available for the specified price point. The 2011 Volt is highly regarded, and this is why it beat the Corolla and Prius to win J.D. Power's award as the Best Compact Car of 2011.

The standout feature of this vehicle is its hybrid powertrain. The 2011 Chevy Volt has a 16-kWh lithium-ion battery that powers its electric motor for a range of up to 40 miles. This is complemented by a 1.4-liter gasoline engine, which acts as a generator to extend the car's total range to about 300 miles.

This futuristic dual-engine mode sets the tone for the car's overall reliability. The EPA rates the 2011 Volt at 93 MPGe (electric) and 37 mpg (gas-only), making it one of the most efficient used vehicles on this list. In the same regard, its safety ratings leave little to no worries. The 2011 Volt earned a five-star overall crash rating from the NHTSA and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick. It's a shame the Volt was discontinued in 2019, as these are just some of the many reasons Chevrolet should consider bringing it back. The 2011 Chevy Volt currently sells for $4,902, according to KBB.

Another American-made gem on our list is the Buick Lucerne. Buick is a subsidiary of General Motors and has made its mark for producing comfortable and quiet rides. The 2011 Buick Lucerne is a full-sized sedan. On the inside, you'll find a spacious cabin with comfortable seating for up to six passengers. Its interior also features dual-zone automatic climate control, a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, and power-adjustable front seats. Not to mention an available Harman Kardon premium audio system.

Under the hood, it comes with the iconic Buick 3800 V6. This is a standard 3.9-liter V6 engine that produces 227 horsepower and 237 lb-ft of torque. It also has a four-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain delivers an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 17 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. There is also a Super model that features a 4.6-liter V8 engine, which generates 292 horsepower and 288 lb-ft of torque. The fuel economy for this powertrain is 15 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.

If you're looking for quality and reliability, then this is your guy, as it boasts a 91 J.D. Power score in that category. If you, however, prioritize driving experience, then the 2011 Lucerne might fall short of expectations. This is because the V6 engine feels underpowered, and the four-speed automatic transmission is dated compared to competitors. But, selling for just $4,249, according to KBB, it's totally worth the trade-off.

Continuing with American made, if you're searching for something more luxurious and plush, then Cadillac has just the vehicle for you. The 2011 Cadillac DTS can be described as old-school luxury that is timelessly dependable. This vehicle is iconic in many regards. Most notably, it is Cadillac's last full-size sedan with front-wheel drive and a V8 engine. However, it also has an impressive reputation for reliability, earning a remarkable Quality & Reliability score of 93 out of 100 from J.D. Power.

At the heart of this American-made juggernaut is a 4.6-liter Northstar V8 engine. Depending on the trim, this engine will give you between 275 and 292 horsepower and 288 to 295 lb-feet of torque. This engine is paired with a four-speed automatic. The interior is spacious and soft. The DTS seats up to six passengers, thanks to the available 40/20/40-split front bench, with both rows offering ample legroom.

A well-maintained DTS should have gotten oil changes every 7,500 miles, as recommended by Cadillac. It should also have received transmission fluid service at 45,000 miles and cooling system flushes every five years. Keeping up with service is non-negotiable, and due diligence should be exercised before purchasing a used one. According to KBB, this car currently sells for $5,114.

The Toyota Corolla is arguably the most reliable car model ever produced. You can say it's a champion of dependability and reliability. Choosing the right model year can, however, be tricky as there are so many to choose from. While some of the Corolla's model years excel, others are best avoided. But, all things considered, the 2012 model might just be the best bang for your buck. In typical Toyota style, the 2012 Corolla doesn't try to be flashy. Instead, it's a straightforward, durable, and fuel-efficient sedan that delivers consistent quality and endures through time. This is precisely why it remains a top pick for used cars in general and is unrivalled if you're looking for one under $8,000. KBB lists this vehicle with a resale value of about $5,800.

The 2012 Corolla is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 132 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque. It clearly isn't built for speed, but it nails the essentials. The engine is mated to either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission, and it returns an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, which makes it perfect as a daily commuter for budget-conscious drivers.

J.D. Power gave the 2012 Corolla an excellent Quality & Reliability score of 88 out of 100. Its resale value also ranks highly at 87 over 100. It finished tied for first with the Chevrolet Volt and Toyota Prius for the Best Compact Car of 2012 award. If properly maintained, the Corolla easily sails past 200,000 miles.

The Corolla's younger brother and a dominant vehicle on the used market is the Toyota Camry. The Camry was released 16 years after the Corolla in 1982, and the Japanese manufacturer extended the theme of reliability that underscored the latter. For this list, we have chosen the 2012 Camry as it provides drivers with a reliability that is far greater than its price point. The Camry underwent a redesign in 2012 that brought about sharper styling, improved handling, and a smoother ride. It is offered in L, LE, SE, and XLE trims.

Most models are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that will give you 178 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. This is usually paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. There's also the more powerful 3.5-liter V6 available in SE and XLE trims. These generate 268 horsepower while still returning respectable fuel economy. The four-cylinder model gets an excellent 25 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, making it one of the most efficient in its class.

J.D. Power gave the 2012 Camry a Quality & Reliability score of 86 out of 100. It also earned the Best Midsize Car of 2012 award, edging out the competition of the Chevrolet Malibu and the Honda Accord. Safety is another one of its major strengths, with the vehicle earning a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. KBB pegs the resale value of this model between $6,736 and $7,428, depending on the trim.

Completing the Toyota sub-$8,000 reliable vehicle trifecta is the Prius. KBB values this vehicle at $5,642. The Prius is widely acclaimed and has a built on an almost 30-year solid reputation. It was the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle and is one of the Japanese manufacturer's greatest feats. There are certain things you should know before buying a Toyota Prius. One is that it's the best-selling electrified vehicle of all time. But it's not an EV per se. Toyota equipped the Prius with its proven Hybrid Synergy Drive system, making it a hybrid. It has a Quality & Reliability score of 86 out of 100 courtesy of J.D. Power. It also ranks highly for safety and resale value.

The 2011 Toyota Prius is a hybrid workhorse that refuses to quit. It combines a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce 134 horsepower. This power is sent through a specialized continuously variable transmission (CVT). It's not quick off the line, but that's beside the point as the real star of the Prius show is its outstanding fuel economy. 

With an EPA-rated 51 mpg in the city and 48 mpg on the highway, the 2011 Toyota Prius is an obvious and excellent choice if fuel economy tops your priority list. Its fuel efficiency figures are surpassed by only a few cars, even today. It also has great safety ratings, with a five-star overall safety rating by the NHTSA, and is also an IIHS Top Safety Pick. So, if you're looking for unmatched efficiency and long-term dependability, the 2011 Prius remains one of the most sensible used car buys on the market.

Toyota's closest rival, both locally and internationally, is Honda. So, unsurprisingly, the Japanese manufacturer has a few gems of its own that will cater to our $8,000 price point. One of these gems is, fittingly, the Honda Fit. With a resale value of $4,454, according to KBB, the Honda Fit is proof that great things come in small, fuel-efficient packages. The model is praised for its bulletproof reliability, sturdy performance, and clever interior design. The 2011 Honda Fit is our focus here. It is one of the best Honda Fit years to buy. And, if size doesn't matter, this could be the smartest choice for you.

When you take a peek under its hood, you should find a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 117 horsepower and 106 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a standard five-speed manual transmission, but there is an option of a five-speed automatic. The engine is efficient, with an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. It's as frugal as it is nimble, making for a fun ride and a dependable daily commuter.

J.D. Power gave the 2011 Fit a Quality & Reliability score of 83 out of 100, with owners raving about its ease of ownership, low running costs, and surprising cargo room. It is also remarkably safe, with antilock brakes, stability control, and full-length curtain airbags. 

We're rounding off with the first and only SUV on the list and another Honda product. The Honda CR-V needs no introduction. The 2011 model, in particular, is just what we recommend. Not only is it one of Honda's best-selling SUVs of all time, but it is also one of the most reliable Hondas ever built. The 2011 CR-V is stellar and a great pick when buying a used car. It is the first of the fourth generation of the model that was produced up until 2015. It is reliable, practical, and versatile, making it a perennial favorite in the compact SUV category.

The 2011 CR-V is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes an adequate 180 horsepower and 161 lb-ft of torque. They match this with a five-speed automatic transmission, which ensures a solid balance is struck between performance and fuel economy. Speaking of which, it has an EPA estimated 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, which is excellent for an SUV of this size. It was ranked as the most reliable compact SUV by J.D. Power, with a Quality & Reliability score of 90 out of 100. On the safety front, it also received high marks in crash tests, earning four stars for front and side impact from the NHTSA and solid safety ratings from the IIHS. KBB values the used 2011 Honda CR-V at $6,394.

To compile our list of the most reliable used cars under $8,000, we utilized a data-driven approach by cross-referencing J.D. Power reliability ratings with real-world used car prices from Cars.com and KBB. We began by consulting J.D. Power's Quality and Reliability Study, which evaluates vehicle reliability based on owner-reported issues. These studies examine three-year-old vehicles. 

After compiling a list of high-reliability vehicles, we cross-referenced them with real-world used car listings on Cars.com and KBB to confirm they could be purchased for $8,000 or less. We considered vehicles with reasonable mileage (typically under 150,000 miles) and in good condition to ensure they were practical long-term investments. Additionally, we excluded models that were too rare or difficult to find. Beyond reliability and price, we reviewed NHTSA recall and complaint data to identify any major safety concerns.