You have $10,000. What car would you buy?

Add another zero to that number and that's a a question I hope I need to answer one day. But today is not that day.

For most Canadians, especially young ones, looking for wheels under $10,000 is a reality. Heck, my first car cost me $1,500 and my second (and third) barely crested $5,000.

Hyundai Canada is currently offering the Accent for $9,999.

So would you go for a brand spanking new Accent or get something used?

Let's see, a quick peruse of AutoTrader.ca shows that $10,000 will buy the following:

• 1999 BMW 540i (156,000km)
• 2003 Jeep Wrangler (105,000km)
• 2005 Honda Civic (106,000km)
• 1981 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 (165,000km)
• 1993 Mitsubishi 3000 GT (23,799 km)
• 2007 Ford Focus (48,000km)
• 1998 Lexus LS400 (190,000km)

So, would you go for the Accent or something else?

Comments

[Scott]

Heart's choice - BMW
Logic's choice - Civic

[Emro]

GTI?

[Scooter @ Autonorth.ca]

With the heavy incentives Ford's putting on the Rangers, you can have a brand new Ranger supercab 4x2 with a 4.0 litre and a 5-spd manual for about a grand more. What's the big deal? Look at the equipment differences and the value retention. Most listing for 4-5 year old rangers actually EXCEED the price of a new one.

Practicality on the cheap.

But for $10k, I'd sooner replace my Forester XT Manual - assuming I could ever find another one.

[Arthur]

Used RSX?

[MOdo]

My buddy did the BMW 5-series thing. It popped 2 trannies at $2500 each. He sold it for next to nothing after the trans went the second time.

10K IMO ? I'd find an 04-5 G35 and barter the guy down to $10,000.

[Matthew]

On that I'd go for the Focus or the Wrangler.

[Joe]

I went for the Accent a year ago and I am still happy with my choice. 5 year warranty! I got tired of fixing used cars plus my monthly payments are cheaper ($200 taxes in) than the $5000 used car I bought. 30k and I have only done reg. service. Cheap to drive and maintain, thats important on a budget!

[automotive parts]

If I have $10,000 I will choose Ford Focus because the car model is not outdated compared to others and the parts are not hard to find.