Callum Jones
You've passed your driving test after spending hundreds of dollars on lessons and now you're on the lookout for a new car.
But you've now come across another stumbling block... cars are pretty damn expensive.
When you see the likes of Tesla's Cybertruck retailing at around $80,000, it can be quite a daunting prospect getting your first set of wheels.
Thankfully though there are some options for those on a tight budget hoping to pick up a new whip in the near future.
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While we'd all like to buy a new car, used car purchases are becoming even more popular nowadays - something that has become way more common since the pandemic.
Supply chain issues have ripped through the auto industry in recent years, making it extremely difficult for a lot of manufactures to produce new vehicles.
The supply of used cars on the market has also lessened, meaning car prices have skyrocketed.
According to Kelley Blue Book, the average used car is listed at $26,510, as of January 2024.
And to be honest, that's still pretty expensive for a lot of folks, but fear not.
If you’re ready to buy a car now and have a budget of around $10,000, one car mechanic has a few suggestions.
And there are a lot of reliable cars at that price point as well, something that will be a huge relief for buyers.
Sherwood, a mechanic from Royalty Auto Service in Georgia, began the TikTok video by stating it's always best to buy a car in the south of the US and California to avoid rust.
So, let's get into the car recommendations.
First of all, Sherwood recommends a Honda Civic from 2005-2009 - something you should be able to get in the $5,000-$9,000 range.
"Make sure it’s not been pimped out," the car mechanic noted.
Toyota Corolla is another option, according to Sherwood - though this is a vehicle that will set you back closer to that $10,000 limit.
The mechanic recommends a model year from 2005-2010, with him adding: "Good cars last a long time."
Another Honda is next up, in the form of the Accord.
Sherwood says you'll want to stick with the 4-cylinder model of the car, while also purchasing one in the 2005-2010 range.
And there is a real soft spot for Honda and Toyota in this video, as the final recommendation is the Toyota Camry/Avalon.
You can go as far back as the 2004 model with these models Sherwood says. "Those are probably gonna be a little higher mileage, but great cars," he adds.
Concluding the video, the mechanic says: "Those are probably gonna be a little higher mileage, but great cars."