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Absolute auto steals for under $5,000

We've been trumpeting this from our rooftop. Safely quarantined but still trumpeting, to the chagrin of our neighbors. If you've got the cash to buy a car in these times, do it! Prices are plummeting, and while the act of physically testing, purchasing, and then disinfecting said car might be a hurdle, if you can swing it without catching the bug, good on you.

We've reviewed some spectacular deals on new cars in previous posts. Here we're going to hit a segment that could apply to anyone – used car steals for under $5,000. Because we're talking sub-$5,000, suffice it to say many of the cars you'd pick up here are going to have some serious mileage on them. As such, projecting this car to be your go-to vehicle over the next 3 to 5 years clocking 60 miles per day on average is not realistic.

Instead, these are great rides to have around as a spare, weekend car or a first car for a teen who might take it out on a Friday night or the weekend. They'll likely wreck it during the first month, so not a big financial hit. Score one for the parents.

And on to our list …

Acura TSX

Acura TSX

The TSX had a lot in common with its close cousin, the Honda Accord. No mystery here, Honda is the controlling manufacturer of Acura, and the first-generation TSX was a real hit (clients and critics alike). When hunting for a used TSX, keep an eye out for the 2006 version with six-speed manual transmission. This model had a VTEC inline-four engine and 205 horsepower. Not mind-blowing on the HP side, but it provided some pleasantly surprising power off the block. Moreover, compared to other entry-level sports sedans, the TSX sported 17-inch wheels plus Bluetooth stereo.

Ford Mustang

Hard to leave a Mustang off a list like this. If you're into the 90s, appreciate a good Beverly Hills 90210 episode and went through a baggy jeans phase, then a 90s Mustang is right in your wheelhouse.


You'll have your pick between a hatchback, convertible, or coupe. Keep in mind the Mustang is a loud ride, but the power is well worth it. Getting your hands on a V-8 engine for under $5,000 is a steal no matter how you cut it.

Honda Insight

Didn't expect this one here, did you? In all honesty, we didn't either. The Insight was an odd bet from Honda. Futuristic (that's polite for "this is weird-looking") for its time, the Insight was built with range, the open road, and keeping the weight off in mind. It was never intended to be the class jock or the number one cheerleader. In fact, you'll never come across a rusty Insight. Know why? Because it's made of aluminum!

A quirky ride, but the Insight was reliable and super-efficient at the pump. We're just not sure how stoked your 16-year-old will be when he/she sees the Insight waiting in the driveway.

Infiniti J30

This one hits close to home. Your scribe wanted this ride but instead settled on an i30. A solid choice, but the J30 was the real treat, and while Nissan never churned out a four-door 300ZX, the J30 was about as close as it got. In fact, the same 205 horsepower 3.0-liter V-6 that the J30 features were also found in the non-turbo sports car version of the 300. If you do have your eyes set on the J30, go for the J30T, the Touring model. You get some sweet aluminum BBS-mesh wheels plus a trunk spoiler, albeit rather subtle.

A great sedan that you might be able to score for way under $5,000 now that everyone is sedan-hating. We're cheering the hate as that makes sedans cheaper for the rest of us!

Honda Accord

Doesn't get any more reliable than the Accord. We know, it's the Bill Belichick pick, the Spurs of the 90s, the most played-out cliche for "reliable" you can conjure up. 


Well, the Toyota Camry might have something to say about that, but that's another post for another day. The Accord has been featured on the Car and Driver 10Best list for 34 straight years. That's Michael Jordan, Babe Ruth, Jerry Rice, and Wayne Gretzky wrapped up into one. Rather astounding, and the seventh-generation Accord (2003) specifically chalked up a host of awards, which might be a great place to start your search. Honda got a little frisky from 2005 to 2007, experimenting with a V-6 hybrid, but it's not likely you'll find one out there for under $5,000.

BMW 5-Series Wagon

For the true BMW heads, the heads that enjoyed Beemer wagons specifically, these cars are extremely rare on the resale market. They are collector's items, through and through, and if you're lucky enough to spot one for under $5,000, it'll likely have 200,000 plus miles and will have been driven into the ground (with tender loving care, of course). The Bangle-styled E61 Touring was a classic, complete with all-wheel drive and an exterior to die for. The last version left the US in 2009. Many have been eagerly awaiting a return.

Lexus LS400

Technically, the Acura Legend was the first Japanese luxury ride. It was lauded, revered, pick your adjective. And rightly so, after all, the Legend was the first time the Japanese dipped their toes into the luxury waters. Before this, it was the Germans, Italians, and Brits that reigned over the luxury market. But once Lexus hit, that was that. The LS400 had the Germans in their crosshairs, and the LS was a straight shot to the gut. For the first time, Toyota manufactured a V-8 just for this ride and then priced it at a cool $35,000. This was a tad steep, but looking back on it, a Mercedes S-Class was going for $50,000.

Keep an eye on the timing belt, but if it's in good shape, then this car should be a soldier for years to come.

Jeep Wrangler

A quick aside – this car was driven from Colorado to Las Vegas without doors nor a top … and this writer was part of said journey. Still trying to recall that journey, there was lots of music, sunblock and there must have been enough gas money because the trip was a roaring success. 

The best part about the photo above is the presence of an 11-year-old documenting said debauchery. 

The phrase "Old Faithful" gets thrown around quite a bit, but faithful, reliable, and an all-around solid ride is an apt description for the Wrangler. The 4.0-liter inline-six is a load to handle, and despite its rugged exterior, the Wrangler is a surprisingly pleasant car to ride in for 10 hours per day under the blazing sun.

Ford Ranger

Compact pickups have all but disappeared. It's a shame, but similar to sedans, people either want a truck or SUV, they're not in the market for middle of the road. However, if you're looking for a workhorse ride that you can also drive around the city, look no further. The nearest competitor is the Toyota Tacoma, and that's also a solid bet as a side-note. A Ranger in flaming yellow is the go-to choice here. You'll be the talk of your block if you leave it out front so your quarantined neighbors can take it in and talk about you over the neighborhood chat room.

Mazda Miata

Of course, the Miata is included in this list. Of all the lists of all-time great cars we've churned out over the years, the Miata seems to weasel its way in every time. The only knock we can think with the Miata is it might be too small as an everyday ride. Your scribe's father had one, in fact, and we can't remember ever hitting the local Trader Joes in this car. With that said, however, the trunk is quite spacious for its size, and the feeling of tooling around the city in this car far exceeded the drawbacks of not being able to pick up more than 4 bags of groceries.

Keep an eye on Miatas from 2001 to 2005. The NB2 chassis is what you want as it carries much improved (compared to years prior) projector headlights and an engine with higher compression and valve (variable) timing. The best part about the Miata, however, are the spare parts. They are affordably priced, abundant, and with decent care, this car can top 300,000 miles easy.

Believe it or not, we had to leave off roughly six more models. We might add those later on as they're well-deserved cars at a $5,000 price point.

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