Hyundai Accent (2015) - $8,000

If you want a newer Hyundai than the Elantra , and you don't want to settle for a smaller car, the Accent is a great option for under $10,000. You can get a well-maintained example of an Accent for that price.

But keep in mind that the Accent isn't a car you'd want to use for long trips or on the highway. The engine is small and quite noisy. However, for city driving, it's an economical car, and the Accent is one of the best options available.

Toyota Prius C (2014) - $9,000

Also known as the Toyota Aqua in some markets, the Prius C is a compact hatchback with a smaller body but the same powertrain as the regular Prius . This translates to better fuel economy and all the advantages of a hybrid, but at a lower price point—to the point where you might be happy with a smaller car.

If you're buying a ten-year-old hybrid, expect the battery to have some issues, but you can find a private repair shop to replace it, which makes the car practically new, since the rest of the components in a Toyota don't get damaged.