Good Idea Or Bad Idea?

All-wheel drive is an essential feature for those who live in areas with rough weather. Tackling less-than-ideal road conditions requires some extra grip, even if you’re not intending on adventuring. Many new cars now come with all-wheel drive as standard – or as an optional extra – however, it always adds more to the final bill.

So, can you find an all-wheel-drive car for very little money? On the used car market the answer is yes – but whether that’s a good idea or not is something else entirely. We’ve hand-picked 10 used all-wheel-drive cars for under $10,000 to discuss; here’s what issues you may run into buying a cheap AWD car, and whether you should even bother picking one up at all.

2017-2018 Volvo V60 Cross Country

Used Car Value: $9,500

The Volvo V60 Cross Country is the perfect combination of wagon practicality and all-wheel-drive dependability. And, with early-year models starting at around $9,500 on the used car maret, it is a lot of car for the money. The V60 Cross Country is a lifted version of Volvo’s popular V60 model, and like the regular V60, comes with the same four-cylinder engines and standard features. When you add the extra ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive to the Cross Country, you get a car that combines rugged aspirations with Swedish safety in mind. With Volvo now also killing off the wagon, you’ll also have somethng special on your hands in the future.

Despite the reputation of Volvos being as reliable as you can get, the V60 Cross Country does have a few issues. Chief among these are oil consumption issues due to valve leakage, as well as power-steering failures, although both of these issues seem to be fixed easily due to the V60 Cross Country sharing numerous parts with Ford vehicles. Because of that, we think the V60 Cross Country is a great, cheap AWD car for any purpose.

2006–2013 BMW X5

Used Car Value: $9,000

The BMW X5 is our big premium pick for a sub-$10,000 AWD car. The second-generation model, produced between 2007 and 2013, is a larger and more comfort-oriented SUV compared to the first generation, and with an available V8 engine, the X5 can be a brute too. A diesel option was available back then – the most frugal of the bunch – and with original MSRPs from more than a decade ago being quite high, picking one up for $10k or less is a bargain. Smooth ride and plush interior aside, the X5 is no stranger to issues. The 6-speed automatic transmission is known to become temporarily inoperative and miss shifts altogether, leading to potential transmission replacements, a cost that may be more than the current car itself.

Along with that, the second-generation X5s are known for air suspension problems, another costly fix that may leave your car with a sagging front or rear suspension, hindering both the ride and off-roading ability. If you can find a sub-100,000-mile X5 available, it may be a solid bet for someone who wants a premium, go-anywhere SUV. However, be warned that you may spend more on parts and maintenance than you do on the actual car itself.

2011–2016 Subaru Impreza

Used Car Value: $8,500

The 4th-generation Subaru Impreza is a legend in the all-wheel-drive space, and for just $8,500, this rally-inspired car can be yours. While not the excellent WRX STI variant, the regular Impreza serves as a solid, reliable daily that comes standard with both all-wheel drive, and Subaru’s well-known dependability. The Impreza was one of the only compact cars in its class to feature all-wheel drive – whether as a sedan or hatchback – an option still rarely seen in its competition today, leaving the Impreza room to handle any surface with ease.

Some issues you may run into with the Impreza are issues with the CVT, particularly with the transmission holding onto revs longer than needed, potentially increasing stress on the engine. Speaking of the engine, excess oil consumption is a common problem with the 4th-generation Impreza that can lead to engine failure or flooded cylinder heads. Rust is also a common problem with the Impreza, especially in states that receive harsh winters, so watch out for any rust bubbles under the paint. Despite all of those issues, the Impreza is a rock-solid option for people who need a small, practical hatchback that can tackle anything you may throw at it, and we recommend it as a cheap car with AWD. And, if you aren’t a fan of the hatchback style, then the Impreza can aslo be had a one of the best AWD sedans for under $10k.

2007–2018 Jeep Wrangler

Used Car Value: $8,000

If you’re looking for a dedicated off-roader, the Jeep Wrangler JK can be found for just $8,000, a solid deal considering how Wranglers typically have some of the highest resale values of any SUV on the roads. The Wrangler is synonymous with being a go-anywhere vehicle capable of taking anything thrown at it, and with the Wrangler JK’s more plush interior and creature comforts, it makes for a solid daily driver for those who want the Wrangler experience.

Despite this, the Wrangler is known to have issues, particularly with the 3.6-liter V6 engine. These engines are prone to block cracking and oil leaks, both of which can be costly to fix and hard to stop once the engines pass 100,000 miles. And, while not a direct reliability issue, the Wrangler JK is known for having both poor fuel economy and a harsh ride, something that Jeep fans may look past, but unless you’re a member of the Jeep family, the Wrangler JK may be too much for some to handle.

2009–2014 Ford F-150

Used Car Value: $7,000

The 12th-generation Ford F-150 is our pickup truck pick for this list. The most popular truck in America is popular for a reason, as the F-150’s affordable price, high levels of equipment, optional V8 engine, and all-wheel drive make this a versatile do-anything truck for everyone from farmers to builders to people who just need a bit of space to haul extra cargo. And from just $7,000, this truck is now accessible to everyone. The 12th-generation F-150 is a generally reliable truck, but there are a few issues to take note of.

Chief among these is the steering wheel rattle, which has plagued F-150s for years. This is usually a sign of suspension that’s on its way out, and can also be seen on modded or lifted trucks, so stay away from those when looking for a 12th-generation model. The EcoBoost engines on the F-150 are prone to leaky turbos and issues with the vacuum pumps cracking and leaking as well, an issue seen on multiple early EcoBoost engines. We still recommend the F-150 as a great, cheap AWD truck. Just make sure to find a model with the V8, as it is much more reliable.

2000–2007 Toyota Highlander

Used Car Value: $6,500

The first-generation Toyota Highlander ticks every box when it comes to a perfect all-wheel-drive offering. It has three rows of seats, it is famously very reliable, has solid build quality, and with prices for high-mileage models starting in the mid $6,500 range, an easy choice for those looking for a bullet-proof SUV. The Highlander combines both a pleasant on-road experience with an optional all-wheel drive system that gives it some off-road credibility, even though this SUV is better suited to roads and light gravel tracks.

And, with an available hybrid powertrain, the Highlander is also one of the most economical all-wheel-drive cars on our list, getting 33 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. Common issues to look out for are oil leaks on the V6 option and headbolt issues for the 4-cylinder. Like the Impreza, the Highlander is prone to underside rusting, so make sure to look closely at the frame before buying. However, these are all minor issues compared to how many things the Highlander does right, and we strongly recommend taking the first-generation Highlander into consideration when looking for the best AWD car under 10k.

1998–2006 Audi TT Coupe

Used Car Value: $5,000

The first generation of Audi’s legendary TT model can be found for as little as $5,000 for a higher-mileage model, and for that, you get one of the sharpest and most fun cars to drive. The TT was Audi’s answer to a small, peppy sports car that could be fun both on and off the track, and with Audi’s signature quattro drive system, perform in any conditions. With a selection of 1.8-liter four-cylinder engines, the TT is both fun and economical, a feat rarely achieved in the sports car world.

That all being said, the TT does have its fair share of issues, particularly the engine, as timing chain issues on engines over 100k miles are very common, and the all-wheel-drive system is prone to fluid leakage, potentially leading to a heavy repair bill after purchasing. As much fun as the TT is, unless you’re ready and dedicated to dealing with cheap European car maintenance, we suggest avoiding the TT or budgeting carefully.

2000–2006 Chevrolet Suburban

Used Car Value: $3,500

The 9th-generation Chevy Suburban, made famous by Tony Soprano, is the quintessential American SUV. This nameplate, the longest running in US history, is a by-word for reliable and rugged build quality that can take you and the whole family on a cross-country road trip in supreme comfort with plenty of space to spare. It’s no wonder, then, that these Suburbans, even after 20 years, are still seen everywhere. And, for just $3,500, one can be yours. That being said, the Suburban does come with its fair share of issues.

The 5.3-liter Vortec V8 is known to start having problems after 150,000 miles, with cylinder misfires and overheating being common issues with the engine, sometimes requiring an entire engine replacement. The 4-speed column shifter is also known to stick, causing uneven shifting that could damage the transmission. The good news is that parts for the Suburban are cheap and plentiful, meaning the cost to keep a 9th-generation Suburban running is quite cheap compared to other offerings on our list. That means that if you’re looking for the best used AWD cars under 10k, this could be a very cheap, but surprising option.

2002–2007 Infiniti FX35

Used Car Value: $3,000

The Infiniti FX35 was the brand’s first crossover, and with models starting at just $3,000, it offers a lot of bang for your buck. The FX35 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 making 280 hp, meaning you get quite a healthy amount of power for the price you pay. The FX35 also has a nice interior, with comfortable leather seats, navigation as standard, and even a clock on the dashboard, an option rarely seen in cars today. There are a few catches. However, as with the low price of these crossovers, there are some major issues to be aware of.

For starters, the 3.5-liter V6 is prone to a plethora of issues, including timing chain problems, leaky alternators, and fuel filler hoses experiencing cracks and leakage, potentially leading to the engine dying. Along with those engine issues, the automatic transmission is known to skip gears and cause unusually high idles, which could stress the transmission and cause a replacement, which could be costly. While we think the FX35 is a stylish, comfortable, and dirt-cheap premium AWD car, we can’t say we recommend it due to how many issues it has; however, more expensive, low-mileage options may fare slightly better.

2005–2012 Acura RL

Used Car Value: $2,500

At just $2,500 for a high-mileage model, Acura’s former flagship model, the RL, is one of the cheapest cars you can find with all-wheel drive. The second generation model produced between 2005 and 2012, was based on the European Honda Legend, a car we never got in the United States. Because the RL was powered by a Honda VTEC engine and shared a majority of its parts with other Honda models, these cars are supremely reliable. That being said, with most cars in this price point being over 200,000 miles, they might need some additional maintenance, specifically with an increase in oil consumption as well as coolant leaks. However, because of how easy it is to find parts for VETCs and how cheap they are to maintain, with a little bit of elbow grease, we think the RL is an okay buy for someone looking for a premium all-wheel-drive cruiser on a heavy budget.

Sources: Volvo, Acura, Ford, Infiniti, Chevrolet, Subaru, Jeep, Toyota, BMW, Audi, NHTSA, EPA