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Tetyana Yermolenko
Correspondent
What car to buy under $10,000 in 2025 – top new and used models
In 2025, the car market offers quite a few profitable options for those who do not want to spend an amount equal to a one-room apartment in Kyiv on a car. A budget of up to $10,000 allows you to buy a reliable car that is suitable for daily use, and it is not necessary to be limited to new interior models.
Among the available options are both new entry-level cars and used foreign cars from Europe, the USA or Korea. On the Delo.ua portal, we will tell you what you can really buy for this money, which models are worth considering and what to pay attention to so as not to overpay and avoid unpleasant surprises.
New cars under $10,000: what you can find
The segment of new cars with a budget of up to $10,000 in Ukraine remains limited. These are mainly compact models from China and India. They do not compete directly with European or Japanese cars in terms of technology, but they attract with their low price, low maintenance costs, and accessibility for urban use.
- Chery QQ Ice Cream is a small electric car for the city, with a range of about 150 km, starting price $9,500. Ideal for short trips and those who do not plan long trips.
- Bajaj Qute is a compact car-shaped ATV with a 0.2 liter engine. An interesting option for those looking for something as economical as possible; price around $8,500.
- Renault Kwid is a petrol compact imported from India. It can sometimes be found at dealers “on order” for up to $10,000. Easy to maintain, suitable for daily trips in the city.
These cars are suitable for those who want a completely new car and are willing to put up with limited power and minimal comfort. They are unlikely to be the best choice for a family or long trips.
Used cars from Europe, the USA and Korea: the best option
The main segment under $10,000 today is used foreign cars. Ukrainians usually choose cars manufactured in 2014–2018 with mileage of 120,000–200,000 km. This allows you to find a balance between price, comfort, and reliability.
Among the most popular models:
- The Volkswagen Golf VII is a classic hatchback. For $9,000–10,000 you can find a well-equipped diesel version from Europe. The Golf is known for its handling and durability.
- Ford Focus is the leader in the US aftermarket. Parts are available, service is simple, and prices start at $7,500. The sedan and hatchback are popular with young drivers and families.
- The Hyundai Elantra is a reliable Korean sedan. For $9,000, you can find a car in excellent condition, comfortable for daily commutes and trips. The Skoda Octavia A7 is a spacious and economical option. Diesel models with mileage easily fit into the budget, known for their reliable transmission and chassis.
- Toyota Corolla – Japanese durability. Prices are close to $10,000, but the car will last for years, and maintenance is not too expensive.
- Mitsubishi Lancer is a reliable Japanese sedan that can be found even for $5,000 on the secondary market. Models of different years of production remain popular due to their unpretentiousness and availability of spare parts.
Used cars offer a much wider selection than new ones in this price range, allowing you to choose a car that meets your needs in terms of comfort, space, and maintenance costs.
Electric cars under $10,000: what's real
You can also find a few electric cars in this segment, mostly the first-generation Nissan Leaf. Cars with a 24 or 30 kWh battery provide a range of 120–180 km, which is enough for daily city trips.
Operating costs are minimal, and “filling up” costs much less than fuel for gasoline or diesel cars. At the same time, it is important to check the condition of the battery, as its wear significantly affects the real range.
What to look for when choosing a car under $10,000
When buying in this category, it is important to consider several key factors:
- Year of manufacture and mileage – a newer car is less likely to require expensive repairs, and mileage of up to 150–200 thousand km is often the optimal balance of price and condition.
- Maintenance cost – some budget models may have expensive parts or specific maintenance.
- Fuel type – diesel models are more economical, but require high-quality fuel; gasoline models are easier to maintain, and electric cars are minimally expensive, but require battery checks.
- Legal purity – checking the car's history against databases will protect you from problems with fines, loans, or theft.
- Equipment and body condition – even in the budget segment, you can find cars with air conditioning, heated seats, and a security system.
For $10,000 in 2025, it is realistic to buy a reliable car that is suitable for daily commutes, travel, and family use. New cars exist in this budget, but their choice is limited and they are suitable only for narrow needs. Used foreign cars offer much more options and allow you to find the optimal ratio of price, reliability, and comfort. Among them, there are even models like the Mitsubishi Lancer, which can be purchased from $5,000, and with the right approach, they will last for many years.
Even on a budget of up to $10,000, you can find a car that will be more than just a means of transportation, but a comfortable, economical, and reliable vehicle that will meet your needs in 2025.
