Alex Kacsh, the owner of Accurate Automotive in Colorado, often answers questions on the @AccurateAutoInc TikTok. He was recently asked, “What’s the best car under $10,000 that you’d recommend to anyone?” With the average used car transaction price hovering above $25,000, it’s no surprise his answer racked up over 12,000 likes and more than 2,500 bookmarks. Here are Kacsh’s top five picks—and a deeper dive into each.

Toyota

Kacsh admitted his car buying on a budget would focus on a few “main brands.” Toyota has long been the reliability king. Consumer Reports gave Toyota’s Lexus luxury division a 65/100 for predicted reliability, while Toyota itself scored a 62/100. Because most Lexus models are mechanically identical to their Toyota cousins, this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re more reliable—it may just mean Lexus owners drive them less and can afford more regular maintenance.

There’s only one problem: Toyota’s stellar reputation translates to higher resale prices. “If you find one under $10,000, expect it to have higher mileage.” Kacsh insists this isn’t a problem: “These cars are built to last, so that doesn’t worry me.”

I’d agree that an older Toyota or Lexus with a bulletproof automatic transmission and naturally aspirated engine has a powertrain that might last into ultra-high mileage (250,000 or beyond) without major repairs. But it will still need wear items replaced—think brake pads, shock absorbers, and even suspension joints or motor mounts.

That’s why I agree wholeheartedly with Kacsh’s final suggestion: “Always get a pre-purchase inspection.” Find a mechanic you trust and take the car you’re considering right to them.

When the iSeeCars website ranked the passenger vehicles most likely to hit 250,000 miles, Toyota and Lexus landed in spots one through nine. Winners include the Sequoia, 4Runner, Highlander Hybrid, Tundra, Lexus IS, Tacoma, Avalon, Lexus GX, and Lexus RX.

Honda

The second most popular Japanese automaker in the U.S. has nearly as bulletproof a reputation for reliability as Toyota. But just like Toyota, Kacsh rates Hondas as “built to last.”

In a separate video, @AccurateAutoInc asked all its technicians for “common” Honda problems. The team struggled to name a single issue these vehicles have.

Consumer Reports gave Honda a 59/100 predicted reliability score when it looked at how well this automaker’s last 30 years of vehicles have held up. Honda’s luxury and performance Acura brand came in close behind at 55/100. That puts both brands ahead of any automakers not from Japan—including everything out of Detroit, Europe, and even South Korea.

The top Hondas on iSeeCars’ list of vehicles most likely to hit 250,000 miles are the Ridgeline, Pilot, Odyssey, Civic, and CR-V.

Subaru

This is the dark horse in Kacsh’s top three. But the master mechanic didn’t hesitate to list Subaru alongside Toyota and Honda—and he’s not the only one.

In Consumer Reports’ 2025 predicted reliability rankings, Subaru stole the No. 1 spot from Toyota and Lexus. The brand earned a 68/100 predicted reliability score based on the durability of its vehicles from the past 30 model years.

In another video, Kacsh answered whether he would “trust a Subaru with 100,000 miles.” He said to be cautious of older models with a CVT instead of a regular automatic transmission. But more importantly, he pointed out that a leaking head gasket is one of the main problems high-mileage Subarus face.

A used Subaru with this repair already completed is likely good for another 100,000 miles. Otherwise, watch for oil consumption and budget to have the head gaskets replaced.

Mazda

The other Japanese automaker is often overlooked on reliability lists. But Consumer Reports was quick to give Mazda a 55/100 on predicted reliability, which ties it with Honda’s Acura division.

When Kacsh was asked what brand had improved its reliability most over the past decade, he said Mazda had made “significant improvements.” But they aren’t yet commanding the used prices that Hondas and Toyotas are. A Mazda is “still a great economical vehicle, good reliability.”

Chevrolet

Kacsh admits that buying a reliable used car from the above brands for under $10,000 might be difficult. He added, “If I can’t find a Honda, Toyota, or Subaru within that budget…I’d start thinking about a Chevy.” In another video, Kacsh shouted out Chevrolet’s mechanically identical cousin, GMC.

I’ll be blunt: when I first heard this, it had me scratching my head. But then I looked up iSeeCars’ list of models most likely to hit 250,000 miles. The top 25 includes the Chevrolet Silverado, Chevrolet Suburban, and GMC Sierra.

So if you’re looking for a full-frame truck or SUV—and don’t mind sacrificing some MPG—you could do worse. MotorBiscuit has reached out to @AccurateAutoInc for comment. You can see Kacsh’s full breakdown in the video embedded below: