Colorado mechanic reveals the five cars he would consider buying if he only had a $10,000 budget

This Colorado mechanic with oodles of experience reveals the five cars he would consider buying if he ‘only’ had a $10,000 budget.

We hear a lot about the worst cars to buy used, but if you have $10,000 hanging around, this mechanic thinks he has the answer to all your questions about which are the best on a budget.

He’s seasoned enough to know what to watch out for when you’re trying to find your new (used) steed, but still realistic about compromises.

Here’s the reasoning behind his five brand preferences, along with all the tips and cautions you’ll ever need.

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$10,000 budget + unlimited possibilites = these five cars

Meet Alex Kacsh, a Colorado mechanic and the owner of Accurate Automotive, who recently went viral for his top picks for cars you can still buy (used) under $10,000.

He likes to prioritise efficiency and durability over flashiness, and he’s certainly honest about the constraints that come with his humble, dependable choices.

He looks for reliability, parts availability, and good condition, even with high mileage, in his favorite used car.

He also believes that a pre-purchase inspection is absolutely non-negotiable.

The scores on the doors

In the video, he doesn’t list specific models, but rather his favourite brands that he’d look for under $10,000.

1. Toyota

Toyota is seen as the king of reliability: from Corollas to Tacomas, Toyotas are built to last – which is why they still cost more secondhand.

Expect higher mileage for your budget, but the mechanic insisted they’ll keep running if they’re serviced properly.

2. Honda

Kacsh said that his shop can very rarely find weak spots with Hondas – it doesn’t matter if it’s Civics, Accords, or CR-Vs, they’re all old reliables.

3. Subaru

Especially in Colorado, Subarus are everywhere because they’re reliable overall, but he throws up a warning sign: avoid older Subarus and check if the head gasket has been replaced.

If it has, you’re good, just like this mechanic agrees.

4. Mazda

Mazda has quietly improved massively in the last decade, but it still doesn’t hold used prices as strongly as a Toyota or Honda, which means you can score a lower-mileage car for less money.

5. Chevrolet / GMC

If the Japanese brands aren’t working out, Kacsh says some Chevys and GMCs (like Silverados, Tahoes, and Sierras) are surprisingly durable.

You’ll sacrifice fuel economy, but they’re built tough, and you’ll find plenty of parts everywhere.

So, there you have it! If you’re not looking for something flashy, you’ll find a reliable friend in one of the mechanic’s top five cars, but still sticking to the $10,000 budget.

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