Find a Reliable Used Car for Less Than $5,000

A shiny, new car is nice, but in a difficult economy, it's not always practical. There are plenty of cars sitting in lots around the state that have tens of thousands of miles still left in them, if not more. If you're in the market for a new car, you might be able to get more bang for your buck, at least for the short term, with a good used car. Check out these options around Southern New Hampshire that are selling for less than $5,000.

1. 2000 Saab 9-5 2.3t - $4,988

This 2000 Saab 9-5 2.3t at 13 years old has fewer than 150,000 miles on it, at 147,482. It's a four-door, automatic transmission with a 2.3L I4 16V turbo engine and front wheel drive. The green sedan features leather and real wood trim on the interior, headlights with wipers and cleaning fluid, heated mirrors, and, if you feel ready for a little throwback, a cassette deck with auto-reverse. The full listing is available online or check it out in person at Husson Motors of Salem.

2. 2001 Subaru Forester L - $3,471

This 2001 Subaru Forester L has a 2.5L H4 16V, four doors, an automatic transmission and all-whell drive. This blue SUV-style vehicle has 180,143 miles on it and gets 27 mpg highway and 22 mpg in the city. Features include roof rack, cargo tie downs and cruise control on the steering wheel. See the full listing online or check it out in person at Contemporary Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Milford.

3. 2003 Hyundai Elantra - $4,995

This 2003 Hyundai Elantra is an automatic with a 2.0L I4 16V engine and front wheel drive. At 10 years old it has 116,317 miles on it. This low-frills silver sedan has features that include heated side mirrors, power windows and tinted windows. It gets 33 mpg highway and 24mpg city. See the full listing online or check it out in person at S & J Motor Company in Merrimack.

4. 2004 Saturn Vue - $4,495

With only 108,498 miles on it, this 2004 Saturn Vue has four doors, a five-speed manual transmission, and a 2.2L I4 16V engine. The black SUV has features that include a power sunroof, roof rack, cruise control and lots of cargo space. It earns similar mileage to smaller sedans with 29mpg highway and 24 mpg city. Check this listing out online or see it for yourself at Portsmouth Used Car Superstore.

5. 2005 Chevrolet Classic - $3,995

This 2005 Chevrolet Classic is a four-speed automatic with four doors, front-wheel drive and a 2.2L I-4 engine. The silver sedan has 157,148 mile on it. Features include, power locks and windows, new tires, remote keyless  entry and cruise control. Check out the full listing online or see it for yourself at Turner's Auto Wholesale Exeter.