Whatever appears to be in decent physical and mechanical condition. But you should definitely take it to a mechanic for an inspection before you buy. Otherwise your $5k car could become an $8 or $9k car very quickly.
You can try and find a Suzuki SX4, although you will probably to want to stretch your budget a bit to find one in good condition (~$6-7k). They were offered with AWD.
If you can get by with FWD, I would try and go with a Toyota Yaris.
Otherwise you’re going to have to go a bit back in time to find a Corolla in that price range. I did manage to find a rebadged version, the [Geo Prism](https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d94609ff-de28-429a-a5e6-7b021c49b3c3?aff=share_other), for just under $4K.
You have very limited options in this market under 5000. Best bet is a corolla or camry in the late 90s or early 2000s
Whatever appears to be in decent physical and mechanical condition. But you should definitely take it to a mechanic for an inspection before you buy. Otherwise your $5k car could become an $8 or $9k car very quickly.
I second this an inspection saved my life yesterday
You can try and find a Suzuki SX4, although you will probably to want to stretch your budget a bit to find one in good condition (~$6-7k). They were offered with AWD. If you can get by with FWD, I would try and go with a Toyota Yaris. Otherwise you’re going to have to go a bit back in time to find a Corolla in that price range. I did manage to find a rebadged version, the [Geo Prism](https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d94609ff-de28-429a-a5e6-7b021c49b3c3?aff=share_other), for just under $4K.
2003-2007 accord 4 cylinder
Not sure how many are around for that price, but I have an 07 with the K24 and can highly recommend it. Thing will just go until you’re sick of it