Old Ford luxury car

The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that the average age of non-commercial vehicles on the road is 11.4 years. Clearly, Americans are keeping their cars longer, and buying used instead of new a large portion of the time.

With this trend seemingly on the rise over the past decade, we’ve compiled a list of 10 excellent cars, trucks, and SUVs from ten years ago that can be had for the very reasonable price of $10, 000 or less. From small cars to big trucks, there’s something for every prospective buyer.

Small Car: 2005 Honda Civic

The Honda Civic has been a long-time favorite among small car buyers, and even ten-year-old models can match the fuel efficiency and reliability of modern cars

The Civic has long been one of the most reliable, best value choices in the small sedan market, and the story was no different ten years ago. With up to 35-mpg on the highway, this perennial favorite is still on par with the fuel efficiency of modern gasoline and hybrid models. Top-spec examples can be had for around $7, 500, and don’t worry about a high mileage figure, as Hondas from this generation can last for hundreds of thousands of miles.

Midsize Car: 2005 Toyota Camry

The best-selling car in the world didn't earn that title for no reason. Toyota's bulletproof Camry will soldier on for hundreds of thousands of miles and remain affordable

The world’s best-selling car certainly deserves its title, as Toyota Camry owners are some of the most satisfied on the road. The fifth generation Camry was one of Toyota’s best-selling models ever, and it’s no surprise, as even the top-spec XLE trim with the optional V-6 saw fuel economy figures of 26-mpg highway. Well-kept models can still be had today for around $9, 000 depending on location.

Large Car: 2005 Chrysler 300C

Chrysler's powerful and classy 300C was a benchmark in the American large car segment in its time, and remains a best buy in the used car market

Chrysler may not have been at their prime in 2005, but the resurrected 300C remains one of the best models they’ve released in decades. With a 340-hp 5.7-liter V-8 and styling that looks at home on cars with 5 times the price tag, the 300C is still a strong choice in the large sedan segment. Good condition models can be had for $10, 000 or less.

Station Wagon: 2005 Mazda6 Wagon

Mazda's midsize wagon is still one of the most fun-to-drive cars in its segment, and remains an engaging SUV alternative

In a segment that had all but abandoned station wagons, the Mazda6 stands out as an attractive, fun-to-drive midsize car with a wealth of interior space. With 220-hp from its reliable and punchy 3.0-liter V-6, the Mazda6 wagon could still manage a respectable 25-mpg highway. For around $7, 000 you can have the versatility of a midsize SUV or crossover with the driving dynamics of a sports sedan. What’s not to love?

Crossover: 2005 Nissan Murano