If you need a cheap car you’re going to have to settle for something that’s a little aged. However, that doesn’t mean you have to get a car that’s unreliable or unsafe. You can even get a 10-year-old vehicle that’s safe and reliable. Because it’s depreciated so much, you’re also getting a car that’s very affordable.
We hunted through Consumer Reports data, U.S. News and World Report reliability ratings, and NHTSA and IIHS safety data to bring you five good cars. You should feel confident buying these models even after they’ve seen ten years of use. It’s important to note that you still need to do your due diligence when purchasing a used car. Find something with relatively low miles, a well-documented history, and no obvious damage or abuse. If you go with one of the following models and do your homework, you should be able to find something that will be a great vehicle for years to come.
2007 Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is well-known as a reliable and safe ride. The 2007 Accord is listed as being one of the most reliable cars from that year, according to U.S. News and World Report. Also, Consumer Reports listed Honda in the top three brands for reliability for 2007. The NHTSA awarded the Accord a five-star overall safety rating, meaning this car checks a lot of the boxes you should look for.
For 2007 the Accord came with either a 166 hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder or a 244 hp 3.0-liter V6. There was also a hybrid model that used the 3.0-liter V6 in conjunction with an electric motor. Depending on the trim, you could get the accord with dual-zone climate control, heated leather seats, and satellite radio.
The trick will be finding an Accord from 2007 in top-notch condition. These cars are used as family cars, and as such, they experience all the rigors of family life. That typically means the interior will be a little worn out and there will likely be a lot of miles tacked up on the odometer. If you look hard enough, however, you should be able to find one that is in excellent condition. The KBB suggested retail price for the 2007 Honda Accord is between $6,500 and $7,500 depending on trim level and vehicle condition.
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2007 Audi A3
If you’re interested in purchasing something a more upscale than a Honda, consider an Audi. Audi’s reliability ratings are always high, and if you want something practical, the A3 hatchback is a good choice. Consumer Reports called out this specific model in its dependability report for 2007. U.S. News and World Report listed the Audi A3’s reliability among the best out there, too. Also, the car got all good ratings for crashworthiness from the IIHS except for the head restraints and seats, which received an acceptable rating, causing it to just miss being a Top Safety Pick. Still, it's a very safe car. Unfortunately, the NHTSA didn’t rate the 2007 version of the car.
For 2007 the A3 came with either a 200 hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or a 250 hp 3.2-liter V6. Depending on the model you get, you can have dual-zone climate control, satellite radio, Bluetooth, a 10-speaker Bose audio system, heated seats, and navigation.
The A3 offers a sporty and practical hatchback package. One of the things to think about before purchasing this vehicle is the costs of repairs. Typically, cars from premium brands like Audi are a little more expensive to repair. This means that although you should be able to find an A3 for a very affordable price, you really need to make sure it’s in good condition. That way you don’t blow a lot of money on expensive repairs. Still, if you’re after a classy used hatchback, a well-cared for A3 is a smart choice. The KBB suggested retail price for the 2007 Audi A3 is between $6,700 and $9,700 depending on trim level and vehicle condition.
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2007 Subaru Outback
Those who know the Subaru Outback know that ten years is nothing on one of these vehicles. The 2007 Outback is among the best when it comes to reliability, according to U.S. News and World Report. Consumer Reports identified Subaru as one of the best brands for dependability during this time period, too. The NHTSA awarded the Outback a five-star safety rating. All this together means it’s safe and reliable.
The 2007 Outback came with a 175 hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 243 hp 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder, or a 245 hp 3.0-liter six-cylinder. No matter what trim you get, the vehicle comes with all-wheel drive. Also, depending on what specific vehicle you buy, the Outback can come with a six-disc CD changer, six-speaker audio system, dual-zone climate control, and navigation.
Outbacks hold their value rather well, and their owners put a lot of miles on them. Subarus are all about adventuring, and their owners are typically active people. This means a used Outback could have been used to do some light off-roading at some point. If the Outback interest you, go for a low miles
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2007 Ford F-150
If you need a pickup truck, the 2007 Ford F-150 is a smart choice. It has better reliability ratings than other pickups of the year, according to U.S. News and World Report. Consumer Reports noted that Ford’s quality for 2007 was higher than the years before for the brand. The NHTSA awarded the 2007 F-150 a five-star safety rating. Not all trucks from that year can say the same.
The 2007 F-150 came with a 202 hp 4.2-liter V6, a 248 hp 4.6-liter V8, or a 300 hp 5.4-liter V8. Four-wheel drive was optional. Depending on the trim level and options, you could get an F-150 with rear-seat entertainment, navigation, reverse sensing, remote entry, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and satellite radio.
Trucks are often used to tow and haul heavy loads and do other tough jobs. That means that an F-150 from 2007 probably isn’t going to be perfect. Many pickups out there will have a ding or two on them. Don’t let that scare you off. You need to make sure to get a truck that wasn’t in an accident, but you shouldn't sweat a small ding in the bed, door, or tailgate. Focus instead on finding a truck that has a straight frame, good suspension, and low miles. The KBB suggested retail price for the 2007 Ford F-150 is between $6,900 and $16,123 depending on trim level and vehicle condition.
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2007 Kia Sportage
If it’s a crossover you’re after, the 2007 Kia Sportage is a smart choice. U.S. News and World Report noted the Sportage is more reliable than other well-known vehicles from that year, like the Honda CR-V and Toyota Rav4. The Sportage is safe, too. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. That means, the Sportage basically has the whole package.
For 2007, the Sportage came with either a 140 hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder or a 173 hp 2.7-liter four-cylinder. All-wheel drive was available with either engine. Depending on the trim level and equipment, the Sportage was equipped with heated seats, automatic headlamps, a six-disc CD changer audio system with six speakers, and leather seats.
The Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V are better-known and more popular models, meaning you should be able to find a Sportage at a really affordable price. Because its reliability ratings are higher, you should spend less on the vehicle in the long run than you would on the Toyota or Honda. The KBB suggested retail price for the 2007 Kia Sportage is between $5,400 and $6,700 depending on trim level and vehicle condition.
