WHERE TO SHOP FOR A VEHICLE UNDER $10,000

Thousand of times i have been asked the same question, what's available from $ 3000 to $ 5000. range certified preferably an import - Toyota or Honda low miles ( dream on ).
If you happen to find one it's most likely high miles and quite a few model years past it's prime, where to find these cars

Franchise Dealerships

Consider yourself lucky if you happen to be at a dealership at the time a trade has just arrived that meets their requirements and available for under $10.000. a franchise dealer will not purchase cars for re-sale under $ 10.000. their main concern is having a high profile in the community, customer satisfaction, repeat business and a Mfg warranty available with every car

Non Franchise Dealerships

There will be great selections under the $10.000 range at non franchise dealers, small corner lots, buy here pay here type dealers, it becomes more risky as your most likely dealing with older model years with high miles, its buyers beware.

 By having a vehicle report from a history service provider such as  AutoCheck® will lesson the fear ending up with a lemon.  there will be many good buys but also a fair amount that is not.
As to how these lower end cars end up on at non franchise car lot...a franchise dealer will wholesale or take to auction any trade-in vehicle that don't meet their strict recondition program and smaller type car lots will bid on these inexpensive vehicles

Buying Private

Buying private is buying AS IS. Whatever problems the vehicle may encounter becomes your problem the moment you except the deal " there is no recourse  "

I highly suggest an independent inspection to ensure not ending up with a lemon parked in your driveway, if seller wont allow prior to purchase you walk away.

I continually get email about recourse where buyers have purchased AS IS only to find cost of recondition added to purchase price made it a bad deal. Don't let it happen to you.

Buying from an Auction

Here you will find many inexpensive vehicles, i strongly recommend you navigate to  AUCTIONS.html  before you intend to set foot in one of these places.

While its buyers beware its possible to get valid value, the Internet or Auto trader is not the places to look for vehicles in this price range.
Shop you local community newspaper along with supermarket billboards you may just get lucky someone just having posted a vehicle in excellent condition that's no longer needed.
Buying from a dealer in this price range the odds are against you, you must have patience and when you find a car that you think fits the bill make sure you navigate to  TESTDRI.html  and study how not to end up with a lemon