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$10,000 may not seem like much, but it can still get you a decent SUV. With the average cost of a new car coming in at around $40,000, you’ll be looking at used SUVs with a $10,000 budget, but there are some pretty big benefits to that. For one thing, you don’t have to worry about the reliability of your SUV. How reliable a particular model is can be researched on an SUV that’s a few years old or older, meaning you’re less likely to have an unexpected engine rebuild in your future if you shop carefully. These are some of the best used SUVs under $10,000 you can buy.

A red 2012 Chevy Traverse parked in a neighborhood.
2012 Chevy Traverse | Chevrolet

The 2011 Subaru Outback is one of the best used SUVs under $10,000

The 2011 Subaru Outback appeals to a wide audience because of its versatility. It’s classified as an SUV, but it has the silhouette of a station wagon. It makes a great crossover for those who want a sporty alternative to an SUV, but also really still an SUV.

One of the best parts of the 2011 Subaru Outback is its interior cabin space, according to Kelley Blue Book. It has a four-cylinder engine and decent fuel economy. The 2011 Subaru Outback starts at around $8,200.

The 2012 Chevy Traverse is a great seven-seat used SUV

The 2012 Chevy Traverse can not only carry seven or eight passengers, it can also haul up to 5,000 pounds, according to Kelley Blue Book. It also has a decent amount of cargo space. Still, it’s a bit smaller than most seven-seat SUVs, which makes it a flexible alternative to both a passenger car and a larger SUV.

The 2012 Chevy Traverse has a quiet cabin and a decent ride. Its safety ratings aren’t perfect, but they’re pretty good. The 2012 Traverse should start at about $9,650.

The 2008 Toyota Highlander is a solid SUV

Kelley Blue Book says that the 2008 Toyota Highlander is “reliable and rock-solid.” It’s partially the Toyota name that makes the 2008 Toyota Highlander such a great choice. The 2008 Highlander is a three-row SUV with a V6 engine that will get you and your family wherever you need to go. It has a decent amount of front and second-row space, but the third row is a little less roomy.

Like the Outback, the 2008 Toyota Highlander has good fuel economy and a comfortable ride. With good safety ratings – may crash tests get 4/5 stars – the 2008 Toyota Highlander is one of the best used SUVs you can buy for under $10,000.

Even though $10,000 may not feel like a lot of money, you can still get a decent SUV with it. Using the list of the best used SUVs under $10,000 from Kelley Blue Book is a great starting point. You should also look at the SUV’s safety ratings, reliabiity, and owner satisfaction score. In addition, you’ll want to get a vehicle history report and consider taking your potential SUV to an independent mechanic to get it checked out. If you do your due diligence, you can get a great used SUV at an affordable price.

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