Best autos under $5,000
Wanting to purchase their first car or, if necessary, urgently acquire a means of transportation, many are wondering what car to buy for $4,000 in Ukraine. This amount is usually enough to take on all the risks associated with purchasing a used car. And you can’t find anything good for less money either. At the same time, the demand for such cars is quite high, so sometimes you need to spend enough time to figure out which car to buy for $5,000 and not make a mistake.
Car selection from Motor Scout experts
Cars from this segment definitely cannot be called luxury – they are bought when there is an urgent need for transport in the family or at work. Therefore, first of all, when compiling a used car rating, practicality and reliability were taken into account. The list does not include cars of domestic and Chinese production, as their build quality leaves much to be desired. Among cars with mileage of more than 100 thousand km, it is also very difficult to find a decent option.
Basically, good cars under $5,000 in Ukraine are hatchbacks and front-wheel drive sedans. By making a choice in their favor, you will acquire a reliable assistant who will serve you as reliably as possible, taking into account the funds invested in it. The main thing is to approach the selection process responsibly, check the car for accidents and theft, ideally, enlist the support of an experienced specialist who knows all the nuances of the check. Resellers sometimes quite successfully disguise all the shortcomings of old cars, so without the help of a professional you can run into a “pig in a poke.”
Top used cars
The best used cars include the following:
Ford Fiesta 5th generation (year of manufacture from 2002 to 2008);
Hyundai Accent 3rd generation (year of manufacture from 2006 to 2009);
Nissan Almera Classic (year of manufacture 2002-2012);
Citroen C4 1st generation (year of manufacture 2004-2010);
Nissan Note 1st generation (year of manufacture 2005-2013).
Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, but overall they are well worth the cost.
Ford Fiesta
Among car enthusiasts, this is considered the most reliable used car. Despite the fact that it was discontinued more than 10 years ago, the body looks great. Small disadvantages include harsh plastic in the interior, an ascetic dashboard, and low ground clearance. But by purchasing this car, you get amazing sound insulation and a well-tuned suspension. Another advantage is the durability of gasoline engines.
It’s definitely worth checking the paintwork. If the car is not damaged, the body metal and factory paint are fine.
Servicing the Fiesta will not be expensive if you monitor the condition of the valves, adjust them after every 100 thousand mileage and do not overheat the engine.
Hyundai Accent
The third generation of these cars came out just when the company was gaining momentum in the world market. Therefore, such a car for $5,000 will delight you with the quality of the interior and exterior, double-sided galvanization, which conservative drivers really like. Non-factory painting can be checked by expert examination by checking the paintwork, because after an accident and painting, the anti-corrosion resistance may noticeably decrease. It is better not to buy damaged cars, even if they are very cheap.
In general, for conservatives, this is an ideal solution – large mirrors, a spacious interior, energy-intensive suspension, excellent ground clearance. Among the minor drawbacks, the interior is light, and the front console does not have an interesting design.
Nissan Almera Classic
Although this model is of Japanese origin, it was assembled in South Korea. Comparing with the English Almera, only very durable units can be found in general. Diagnostics at a service station show that a chain motor can live almost forever, provided that the chain is replaced in a timely manner. This model was developed at a time when durability and endurance were highly valued, which is why it is still so popular among conservative audiences.
It can even be compared with the Soviet Volga – it holds a straight line perfectly, there is no need to make sharp maneuvers, and improved ergonomics of the driver’s seat are provided. One of the small disadvantages is the stiff suspension.
Citroen C4
Of all the best used cars under 5000, the Citroen C4 has the most modern appearance. The manufacturer has provided a static steering wheel hub, an original dashboard, and other non-trivial solutions. There are a lot of advantages on the technical side – for example, the engine was jointly developed by Peugeot and BMW. True, it is necessary to monitor the quality of fuels and lubricants, and take the car for service in a timely manner. Sound insulation is not great, but the advantages outweigh this. Even a stiff suspension can be called an advantage if you like to make jokes from time to time.
Experienced experts recommend buying a car without an automatic transmission so as not to encounter failures in the control electronics. Such nuances can be identified using computer diagnostics.
The car is very easy to drive, so it is an excellent option for a novice driver.
In principle, emergency vehicles should be avoided, regardless of what model of car you like. And not only because of corrosion resistance, after an accident the geometry of the body may be disrupted; it cannot be detected by eye. You should definitely contact an auto expert who will check the car for participation in an accident, conduct an examination using a paintwork thickness gauge and other methods for determining the true condition of the car. With the right approach, it is quite possible to buy a good car even on a low budget.