Best Used Cars for Military Members Without a Car Payment

Having a monthly car payment means you’ll have less to spend every month on other living expenses such as groceries, fuel, and utilities.

Additionally, if you have PCS moves to save for, having an extra monthly expense means you won’t be able to save as much every month to meet your goal.

For service members who don’t want a monthly car payment, purchasing a pre-owned car is a great idea.

Without a monthly auto loan payment, you’ll avoid interest charges and won’t run the risk of being “underwater” if something should happen to the car itself.

But how do you find a pre-owned car that can fit a tight budget, especially if you’re in the service?

We did some of the footwork for you and found five of the best cars to purchase for service members who want to avoid having another financial commitment every month.

But first, let’s look at what you should consider when shopping for a car that you can buy outright.

• Reliability: Consider looking for cars with fewer than 100,00 miles on the odometer.
• Affordable maintenance: Maintenance and repairs can quickly run your wallet dry, so it’s important to find a car with low maintenance costs.
• Fuel economy: Spending a lot of your money on fuel can become costly in the long run, so finding a vehicle that can get up to at least 30 mpg can be a wise move.
• Resale value: Consider vehicles that are easy to sell before an upcoming PCS move.
• Purchase price: Leave room in your budget for taxes, registration, insurance, and unexpected repairs.

The Best Cars to Avoid a Monthly Car Payment

When finding a car that doesn’t require a payment, it’s important to first figure out your budget. If you can afford up to $5,000, remember to add in the cost of insurance, fuel, and repairs during the time you own the car.

In this case, you may want to find a car that costs around $3,000 to $4,000 to have a little extra cushion. However, if you can save up to around $10,000, that will put you in a better position for a more expensive car.

In our examples below, we’ll outline a few cars that can fall well within a budget between $5,000 and $10,000.

2008-2010 Honda Civic: A tried-and-true legend in the compact segment

The first car to consider is a Honda Civic, specifically the eighth generation (2006 to 2011 range).

While this generation of the Honda Civic lacked many of the tech-savvy and comfort features you’ll find in a new model, it provided many of the necessities for everyday driving.

This included available leather upholstery, heated front seats, satellite radio, and automatic climate control, depending on the trim level you choose.

Every trim level was powered by the same 140-horsepower four-cylinder engine, which mated to either a five-speed manual or automatic transmission.

If you prioritize fuel efficiency, you can also find a Honda Civic Hybrid model in this vintage, which could save you money at the pump.

Otherwise, we recommend finding a Civic EX-L model, which includes the most comfort features and available technology.

2009-2013 Toyota Corolla: A strong reputation for reliability

When it comes to a reliable sedan, it’s hard to beat a Toyota Corolla. If you’re shopping in the $5,000 to $10,000 range, the 10^th generation Corolla, produced from 2009 to 2013, is a great choice.

This Toyota Corolla offers the best balance of value, efficiency, and comfort with features like a 132-horsepower four-cylinder engine, up to 35 mpg on the highway, and plenty of basic technology.

OK, so its tech features are relatively outdated, considering most models came with a six-speaker sound system with old-school iPod integration, but if you want modern technology, including Apple CarPlay, you can install an aftermarket unit.

This means you’ll have an older car that you don’t owe money on, but can still enjoy late-model technology found in the new Corolla model. That sounds like a winning combination.

2012-2013 Mazda3: The driving enthusiast’s commuter car

Who says that affordable cars meant for commuting had to be boring? If you thought so, the second-generation Mazda3 may be able to change your mind.

Known for its engaging driving dynamics, this version of the Mazda3 featured a potent 155-horsepower Skyactiv-G engine that could be paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission while receiving up to 39 mpg on the highway.

Even better, you may be able to find one of its higher trim levels equipped with leather upholstery, an upgraded Bose sound system, and even navigation. Of course, the navigation system may be outdated, but you can also use your smartphone to get around.

2012-2017 Toyota Camry: A spacious commuter sedan

If you need more space, we recommend looking for a 2012 to 2017 Toyota Camry, which is a midsize sedan that offers more front and rear-seat legroom than its little sibling, the Corolla.

It’s also available with three different powertrains, including a four-cylinder engine for better fuel economy and easy drivability, a V6 engine for more power, and a hybrid option for those who prioritize fuel economy.

Some key trim levels to focus on include the SE trim, which includes a sport-tuned suspension, steering-wheel paddle shifters, and available Ultra-suede trim, as well as the top-trim XLE.

This version includes more premium amenities, including a power moon roof, leather-trimmed upholstery, heated front seats, and a dual-zone automatic climate control.

Additional Vehicle Recommendations

Here are some additional vehicle recommendations for a budget between $5,000 and $10,000:

• Honda Fit
• Honda Accord
• Toyota Prius
• Mazda CX-5
• Toyota RAV4

Buying a Car With Cash

Avoiding a monthly car payment doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality. If you’re working with a budget between $5,000 and $10,000, you can easily find a quality vehicle that can provide many comfort amenities while lasting you for many years to come.

Additionally, service members sticking to a tight budget will have more money left over for their income, savings, and other financial priorities.