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North Strand Nissan

Gary's Auto Sales

Spider

Compact

Sport Utility

6-Cylinder

Flexible Fuel

Used 2010 Mercury Mariner Sport Utility 4D

Used

Mercury

Mariner

Get AutoCheck Vehicle History

Used 2010 Mercury Mariner 2WD

Used 2010 Mercury Mariner 2WD Wilmington NC 28401

Automatic

Midsize

Gasoline

Used 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo Sport Utility 4D

Jeep

Grand Cherokee

Used 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo

Used 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo Little River SC 29566

Laredo

AWD4WD

Used 2004 Isuzu Ascender S Sport Utility 4D

Isuzu

Ascender

Used 2004 Isuzu Ascender S

Used 2004 Isuzu Ascender S Winnabow NC 28479

Luxury

Sedan

Cadillac

Luxury Package

View the Free CARFAX Report for this Cadillac

Used 2005 Cadillac CTS 3.6 w/ Luxury Package

Used 2005 Cadillac CTS 3.6 w/ Luxury Package Sneads Ferry NC 28460

Liberty

Popular Equipment Group

View the Free CARFAX Report for this Jeep

Used 2009 Jeep Liberty Sport w/ Popular Equipment Group

Used 2009 Jeep Liberty Sport w/ Popular Equipment Group Little River SC 29566

Sport

Coupe

4-Cylinder Supercharged

Used 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 230 Sport Coupe 2D

Mercedes-Benz

C 230

Used 2004 Mercedes-Benz C 230 Coupe

Used 2004 Mercedes-Benz C 230 Coupe Wilmington NC 28409

Used 2014 Ford Explorer XLT Sport Utility 4D

Ford

Explorer

Equipment Group 202A

Trailer Tow Package (Class III)

Used 2014 Ford Explorer XLT w/ Equipment Group 202A

Used 2014 Ford Explorer XLT w/ Equipment Group 202A Bolton NC 28423

Wilmington

Used Cars for Sale

Under $5,000

Used cars for sale under $5,000 near you. Find affordable budget sedans, coupes, minivans, or SUVs for $5k or less.

Used Cars for Sale Under $5,000 Near Me in Wilmington, NC - Autotrader - 19377 Total Available

If you’re wanting to buy an affordable used car between <a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-2000" target="_blank">$2,000</a> and $5,000, be prepared to do your due diligence, ask a lot of questions about the car's maintenance history and we'd suggest pay a trust-worthy mechanic to perform a <a href="https://www.autotrader.com/car-shopping/how-do-you-get-pre-purchase-inspection-buying-used-car-257963" target="_blank">pre-purchase inspection</a>. Almost every car asking $5k or less will have between 100,000 and 275,000+ miles, could be between 10 and 25+ years old, have minor to serious cosmetic issues, and some may have slight body damage from an <a href="https://www.autotrader.com/car-shopping/should-you-buy-a-car-thats-been-in-an-accident" target="_blank">accident</a> or two. If the car has a <a href="https://www.autotrader.com/car-shopping/rebuilt-title-vs-salvage-title-whats-difference-281474979846034" target="_blank">salvage or rebuilt title</a>, we would want to understand why that is. Be wary of the slightly used car with low miles but is selling for an unbelievably low price; a car deal that seems too good to be true usually is. When we looked through all the listed cars nationwide selling for $5,000 or less, we even found some that had been <a href="https://www.autotrader.com/car-shopping/should-you-buy-back-your-totaled-car" target="_blank">totaled</a>. Depending on the model year of the car you find, it may not have the safety capabilities which have become standard in newer cars; features such as traction control, stability control, head curtain airbags, or backup cameras, which became federally required starting with the 2018 model year. Models such as the <a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-5000/nissan/altima" target="_blank">Nissan Altima</a>, <a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-5000/honda/civic" target="_blank">Honda Civic</a>, <a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-5000/ford/focus" target="_blank">Ford Focus</a>, <a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-5000/kia/optima" target="_blank">Kia Optima</a> and <a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-5000/toyota/camry" target="_blank">Toyota Camry</a> regularly appear on our $5,000 and under best affordable car lists. Our last tip: if you don't <a href="https://www.autotrader.com/car-shopping/car-finance">finance</a> your car, we’ve found that you may have leverage in your <a href="https://www.autotrader.com/car-shopping/car-negotiations-guide" target="_blank">negotiations</a> if you pay <a href="https://www.autotrader.com/car-shopping/buying-a-car-should-you-pay-with-cash-if-you-can-227481" target="_blank">all cash</a>.

Our editors have ranked the <a href="https://www.autotrader.com/car-shopping/10-best-used-cars-under-5000" target="_blank">best used cars for $5,000 or less</a>. Given the demand for a cheap $5,000 car, if you can't find these models in your local area, try expanding your search radius. This list was published in March 2025. 
<ol>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-5000/2009/chevrolet/malibu" target="_blank">2009 Chevrolet Malibu Under $5k</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-5000/2012/chevrolet/sonic" target="_blank">2012 Chevrolet Sonic Under $5k</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-5000/2012/ford/focus" target="_blank">2012 Ford Focus Under $5k</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-5000/2009/ford/fusion" target="_blank">2009 Ford Fusion Under $5k</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-5000/2009/nissan/sentra" target="_blank">2009 Nissan Sentra Under $5k</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-5000/2008/saab/9-3" target="_blank">2008 Saab 9-3 Under $5k</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-5000/2008/saturn/aura" target="_blank">2009 Saturn Aura Under $5k</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-5000/2007/subaru/legacy" target="_blank">2007 Subaru Legacy Under $5k</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-5000/2010/suzuki/sx4" target="_blank">2010 Suzuki SX4 Under $5k</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-5000/2009/volvo/s60" target="_blank">2009 Volvo S60 Under $5k</a></li>
</ol>

Find a car within your budget by Body Style. 

Used Cars
<ul> 
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-1000" target="_blank">Cars Under $1,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-1500" target="_blank">Cars Under $1,500</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-2000" target="_blank">Cars Under $2,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-3000" target="_blank">Cars Under $3,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-4000" target="_blank">Cars Under $4,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-5000" target="_blank">Cars Under $5,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-6000" target="_blank">Cheap Cars Under $6,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-7000" target="_blank">Cars Under $7,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-8000" target="_blank">Cars Under $8,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-10000" target="_blank">Cars Under $10,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-15000" target="_blank">Cars Under $15,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-20000" target="_blank">Cars Under $20,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-25000" target="_blank">Cars Under $25,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-30000" target="_blank">Cars Under $30,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/cars-under-40000" target="_blank">Cars Under $40,000</a></li>
</ul>

Used Trucks
<ul> 
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/truck/cars-under-3000" target="_blank">Trucks Under $3,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/truck/cars-under-5000" target="_blank">Cheap Trucks Under $5,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/truck/cars-under-6000" target="_blank">Cheap Trucks Under $6,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/truck/cars-under-10000" target="_blank">Trucks Under $10,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/truck/cars-under-15000" target="_blank">Trucks Under $15,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/truck/cars-under-20000" target="_blank">Trucks Under $20,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/truck/cars-under-25000" target="_blank">Trucks Under $25,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/truck/cars-under-30000" target="_blank">Trucks Under $30,000</a></li>
</ul>

Used SUVs
<ul> 
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/suv-crossover/cars-under-5000" target="_blank">SUVs Under $5,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/suv-crossover/cars-under-10000" target="_blank">SUVs Under $10,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/suv-crossover/cars-under-15000" target="_blank">SUVs Under $15,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/suv-crossover/cars-under-20000" target="_blank">SUVs Under $20,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/suv-crossover/cars-under-25000" target="_blank">SUVs Under $25,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/suv-crossover/cars-under-30000" target="_blank">SUVs Under $30,000</a></li>
</ul>

Used All Wheel Drive / 4X4's
<ul> 
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/awd-4wd/cars-under-10000" target="_blank">AWD Cars Under $10,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/awd-4wd/cars-under-15000" target="_blank">AWD Cars Under $15,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/awd-4wd/cars-under-20000" target="_blank">AWD Cars Under $20,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/awd-4wd/cars-under-25000" target="_blank">AWD Cars Under $25,000</a></li>
</ul>

Used Minivans
<ul> 
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/van-minivan/cars-under-5000" target="_blank">Vans and Minivans Under $5,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/van-minivan/cars-under-10000" target="_blank">Vans and Minivans Under $10,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/van-minivan/cars-under-15000" target="_blank">Vans and Minivans Under $15,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/van-minivan/cars-under-20000" target="_blank">Vans and Minivans Under $20,000</a></li>
</ul>

Used Convertibles
<ul> 
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/convertible/cars-under-5000" target="_blank">Convertibles Under $5,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/convertible/cars-under-10000" target="_blank">Convertibles Under $10,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/convertible/cars-under-15000" target="_blank">Convertibles Under $15,000</a></li>
 <li><a href="https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/convertible/cars-under-20000" target="_blank">Convertibles Under $20,000</a></li>
</ul>

Used Cars for Sale Under $5,000 Near Me - Autotrader - 19377 Total Available

Search from 7 for sale, including a Used 2004 Isuzu Ascender S, a Used 2004 Mercedes-Benz C 230 Coupe, and a Used 2005 Cadillac CTS 3.6 w/ Luxury Package ranging in price from $2,989 to $5,000.

Autotrader has 7 for sale under $5,000 near Wilmington, NC, including a Used 2004 Isuzu Ascender S, a Used 2004 Mercedes-Benz C 230 Coupe, and a Used 2005 Cadillac CTS 3.6 w/ Luxury Package ranging in price from $2,989 to $5,000.

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Used Cars for Sale Under $5,000 Near Me in Wilmington, NC

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7 Results

Used 2010 Mercury Mariner 2WD

Used 2004 Mercedes-Benz C 230 Coupe

Used 2014 Ford Explorer XLT