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Travel-Sized Mitsubishi Pajero MiniTop 10 Family Cars Under $10,000
Shopping for your next family car on a budget? We’ve found some great options to look for that come in under $10,000!
A Great Family Car That Won’t Break the Bank
Finding a nice used car that can fit a $10,000 budget is getting harder every year it seems, especially if you’re trying to account for an entire family. You’ve got car seats, bags, strollers, sports equipment, toys, snacks, coolers, and some much more kids gear before you even get the family into the car. I’ve found myself in this exact situation recently as I’m shopping for a second daily driver, so I figured there might be other parents out there in a similar situation. These used family cars I’ve found while scouring Carsforsale.com come with somewhat lower mileages, are relatively new, and they can all commonly be found below $10,000 across the country. Let’s get shopping for your family’s next affordable ride!
Subaru Impreza Wagon (2012-2016)
Let’s start with a nice option from Subaru. The fourth-generation Subaru Impreza Wagon is the smallest family vehicle you’ll find on this list, but it’s a pretty great value for a family of five. All these used Impreza models will feature Subaru’s Symmetrical all-wheel-drive (AWD) system that’s ideal for whatever season. The most common engine you’ll find inside this model is the 2.0L flat-four that can achieve up to 31 mpg combined. Some standard features of note are the remote keyless entry, remote engine start, and 22.5 cu-ft of cargo space that can expand up to 52.4 cu-ft with the rear seats down. You can also find some used examples carrying the full Subaru Eyesight suite of advanced safety tech. The only gripe with this model is if your kids are still sitting in rear-facing car seats, then those front seats are going to be a little tight for taller passengers.
Ford Edge (2011-2014)
The Ford Edge is a great crossover for a growing family. We suggest looking at the refreshed first-generation examples that were available between 2011 and 2014. These Edge models featured a better looking exterior and more tech features. Inside is room for a family of five with 32.2 cu-ft of cargo space behind the second row, but that can expand to 68.9 cu-ft if needed. Powering most of these used Ford Edge models for under $10,000 is a 3.5L V6 that achieves 22 mpg combined with the FWD drivetrain, but you can find AWD versions too that provide 20 mpg combined. A 2.0L EcoBoost inline-four can also be found but benefits over the V6 are negligible.
Jeep Compass (2011-2017)
The first-generation Jeep Compass wasn’t much to look at until its refresh for 2011 when Jeep refined its suspension and carved out a better looking exterior. Families can find this Jeep SUV for sale under $10,000 on the used market with either a fuel efficient FWD drivetrain or an off-road ready 4×4 one. You’ll also find the Compass available with two four-cylinder engines but go for the 2.5L if you can as it achieves nearly the exact same fuel economy as the 2.0L while boasting more power. Inside is a nicely appointed interior and 22.7 cu-ft of cargo space. The Jeep Compass is a great choice for a small family of slightly older children. Like the Impreza, take note that rear-facing car seats make things a bit cramped.
Chevrolet Equinox (2013-2017)
The Chevrolet Equinox is the epitome of a budget friendly family vehicle. The entire second generation can be found for a sub-$10,000 price point on the used market with relatively low mileage. We suggest shopping for models after 2013 though as these gained better materials, entertainment options, and more advanced safety features. Inside there is a nicely laid-out interior for this price point and 31.5 cu-ft of space behind the second row. There’s plenty of passenger space inside to provide a comfortable riding experience or for installing rear-facing car seats with little impact on front passenger comfort.
Volkswagen Tiguan (2016-2023)
The Volkswagen Tiguan just entered its third generation so that means that previous iterations of the model are starting to see decent price drops on the used market. The second-generation Volkswagen Tiguan from 2016 to 2023 is an ideal candidate for an affordable family car. While last year’s models still come with a bit of a premium, 2020 and older models fit into our $10,000 budget for the most part. The 2.0L four-cylinder in the Tiguan isn’t overly impressive for fuel economy or power, but it gets the job done. You can find the Tiguan with either an economical FWD or an AWD drivetrain. Inside this premium classed SUV is a modern interior, nice entertainment tech, available advanced safety tech, and a good amount of passenger room. While it’d be a little cramped, you can find a third row in this compact SUV for models 2018 and older. A great spot for younger kids though!
Mitsubishi Outlander (2013-2021)
Keep an eye out for this budget friendly Mitsubishi SUV with extra seating. For under $10,000, you can find the third-generation Mitsubishi Outlander on the used market. This family car option features a good amount of passenger room, seating for up to seven, a competent infotainment system, and some basic advanced safety features. At this price point, the most common engine you’ll find on the Outlander is a 2.4L four-cylinder with FWD, but this generation was available with a 3.0L V6 and AWD too. If that third row isn’t necessary for your family, check out the Outlander Sport for the same experience in a slightly smaller package.
Kia Sorento (2016-2020)
The third-generation Kia Sorento introduces another great family car option that can be found with a third row for under $10,000. At the expense of cargo room, the third-row seats open up seating for a total of seven spots. Outside that extra seating, you get a nicely laid out and spacious cabin, modern infotainment tech, advanced safety features, and a great design that can last a family for years to come. For our price point, you’ll commonly find the economical 2.4L four-cylinder engine paired with FWD, but a 3.3L V6 and AWD were options for this generation too.
Dodge Journey (2011-2020)
Looking for a mid-sized three-row SUV that isn’t too old for under $10,000? It’s out there! The Dodge Journey has been discontinued for a bit now, but the model makes for a great family car on a budget. We suggest shopping for models after the 2011 updates as they provide more features and updated components. Families will find three rows of seating, fun cargo cubbies that can double as a cooler, great passenger space, some modern tech, and you can even find ones with a flip down rear seat entertainment system. Most Journey models under $10,000 will carry a 2.4L four-cylinder and front-wheel drive, but the available 3.6L V6 and AWD can be found optioned on too. If you do find a V6 totting Dodge Journey, you’ll be able to tow up to 2,500 pounds of stuff for that weekend getaway with the family.
Kia Sedona (2015-2021)
The Kia Sedona has been replaced by the Carnival over at Kia, but the discontinued minivan makes for a great family option under $10,000. We recommend the last generation that started in 2015 as it’ll feature more modern amenities and a nicer design. Inside is seating for up to 8 passengers and enough room for even adults to enjoy the third row. You get the benefit of sliding rear doors, so kids leaving door dings in the parking lot should be negated. The 3.3L V6 powering the front wheels in the Sedona won’t wow you with performance or fuel economy, but it does allow this minivan to tow up to 3,500 pounds. It’s not a Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna with all the bells and whistles, but it’s a great value given the Sedona’s price.
Dodge Grand Caravan (2008-2020)
Another discontinued Dodge to be on the lookout for is the Dodge Grand Caravan. Shoppers should try to find fifth-generation Dodge Grand Caravans 2011 and newer. This is when the model received its first major refresh, and subsequent years only further made this Dodge minivan an ideal choice for an affordable family car. Seating for up to seven with second row captain’s chairs were made even better with the awesome Stow ‘n Go seating functionality. Easily fold seats into the floor or use that hideaway cubby for extra cargo space. As you make your way towards the tail end of the model, you’ll find that it came with some great rear-seat entertainment options, an infotainment system, and some modest safety tech. The only engine you’ll find on these refreshed Grand Caravans is a 3.6L V6 sending power to the front wheels exclusively. It won’t wow you with fuel economy, but it can tow up to 3,600 pounds at least.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in December 2020 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
