DOUG DEMURO has a wide range of automotive industry experience, from work at a Ferrari dealership to a manager for Porsche North America. A lifelong car enthusiast, Doug's eclectic vehicle purchases include a Porsche 911 Turbo, an E63 AMG wagon, an old Range Rover and a Mercedes Benz G-wagen.
If you're interested in a used car, you're probably worried about the usual pitfalls, such as expensive repairs, pricy maintenance and potential unknown issues left from the previous owner. Fortunately, many automakers offer certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles to combat these fears. Certified pre-owned models include a manufacturer-backed warranty, a full inspection and many other perks, and some cost less than you might think. We've listed eight excellent certified pre-owned vehicles you can buy today for around $10,000 or less.
2012-2014 Chevrolet Sonic
The Chevrolet Sonic has been one of our favorite subcompact cars since its arrival in 2012. Offered in LS, LT, LTZ and RS trim levels, we prefer any model equipped with the optional 1.4-liter turbocharged engine (optional in the LT; standard in the LTZ and RS) because the powerplant can reach up to 40 miles per gallon on the highway. We also like the Sonic's long list of available equipment, which includes a remote starter (standard in the LT) along with heated seats and a 7-inch touchscreen (standard in the LTZ). Best of all, there are currently 100 different Sonic models listed on Autotrader for around $10,000 or less with Chevrolet's certified pre-owned warranty, which offers 1 year or 12,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and 5 years or 100,000 miles of powertrain protection.
2011-2013 Ford Fiesta
Ever since the Ford Fiesta's debut in 2011, we've felt the small Ford has been among the best subcompact cars on the road. Offering handsome styling and two available body styles (a 4-door sedan or a 5-door hatchback), the Fiesta boasts nearly 40 mpg hwy and a long list of available equipment, including Ford's SYNC infotainment system, leather upholstery and keyless ignition, if you opt for the upscale Fiesta SEL and add a few options. You may be able to do just that, as there are nearly 175 different certified pre-owned Fiesta models on Autotrader for around $10,000 or less, all of which come with Ford's excellent CPO warranty, which touts 1 year or 12,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and 7 years or 100,000 miles of powertrain protection.
2012-2014 Hyundai Accent
The Hyundai Accent is a highly competent small car offering several major benefits over a typical sub-$10,000 used vehicle. The biggest one is its warranty, as there are nearly 80 certified pre-owned 2012-2014 Accent models on Autotrader for around $10,000 or less, all of which come with the brand's 5-year or 60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and its 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. We also like the Accent for its long list of standard safety features, which includes items such as side-curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes and stability and traction control.
2012-2014 Kia Rio
Although there are only around 35 different certified pre-owned 2012-2014 Kia Rio models on Autotrader for around $10,000 or less, we strongly suggest seeking them out. There are several reasons, and one is styling, as the 2012-2014 Rio offers a modern look unrivaled by most subcompact cars. We also like its long list of excellent standard safety features, which includes side-curtain airbags, anti-lock disc brakes and stability control with traction control. Best of all, there's Kia's certified pre-owned warranty, which offers 5 years or 60,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and 10 years or 100,000 miles of powertrain protection.
2010-2013 Kia Soul
There is a wide variety of reasons why the Kia Soul is one of our favorite compact cars. One is its excellent practicality, with a tall roof and hatchback body style giving the Soul more interior room than virtually all its rivals. We also like its kooky look, its odd color palette and, most importantly, its pricing. There are more than 20 certified pre-owned Soul models available nationwide for around $10,000 or less. That's a great deal, especially when you consider Kia's certified pre-owned warranty offers 5 years or 60,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and 10 years or 100,000 miles of powertrain protection.
2011-2014 Nissan Sentra
Although the Nissan Sentra isn't mentioned with other popular compacts such as the Ford Focus, Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, we think it should be, especially when you're considering a used model. Used Sentras are available for highly affordable prices, with nearly 50 different certified pre-owned 2011-2014 examples for sale on Autotrader across the country for around $10,000 or less. Opt for a 2013 or later SL model, and you can receive some serious goodies, including automatic climate control, a navigation system, a backup camera and leather upholstery -- combined with Nissan's certified pre-owned warranty, which offers 7 years or 100,000 miles of powertrain coverage from the car's original sale date.
2009-2013 Toyota Corolla
Even though the 2009-2013 Toyota Corolla has been replaced with a newer model, its benefits are still there -- specifically, its durable construction, a roomy interior and fuel economy reaching as high as 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway (not bad for a compact car). We especially like the midlevel LE and XLE models for their generous convenience features, which include power windows and locks (in the LE), keyless entry and variable intermittent wipers (in the XLE). Interested? There are currently more than 60 different 2009-2013 Corolla models available on Autotrader for around $10,000 or less with Toyota's certified pre-owned warranty, which offers 1 year or 12,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and 7 years or 100,000 miles of powertrain protection from the car's original sale date.
2011-2014 Volkswagen Jetta
If you're interested in a roomy compact car with a generous certified pre-owned warranty, look no further than the 2011-2014 Volkswagen Jetta. In terms of the warranty, there are nearly 70 different models on Autotrader boasting Volkswagen's certified pre-owned program, including an excellent warranty touting 2 years or 24,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage once the original warranty has expired. We also like the Jetta's large interior and trunk, which beats out just about everything else in its class. Then there's the equipment: Opt for a midlevel Jetta SEL, and you'll have keyless ignition and entry, a navigation system, Bluetooth, an iPod interface and cruise control, all while returning 24 mpg city/31 mpg hwy with the sedan's 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine.
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