Saving: Best used cars for under $10,000

If your budget is tight, finding a good used car that's also inexpensive is tough. But Consumer Reports has found ten terrific options for under $10,000.

To find the best used cars, Consumer Reports scrutinizes safety features and digs through its exhaustive testing results.

Jon Linkov from Consumer Reports tells us, "We have extensive reliability data on millions of vehicles, and only models' years with above-average reliability will make our list."

Here are ten used cars Consumer Reports recommends for under $10,000.

If you're looking for a small car, the 2008 Mazda3 is fuel efficient, fun to drive, and unlikely to wind up in the shop.

The 2005 to 2008 Pontiac Vibe is a reliable, roomy yet compact hatchback.

The 2007 to 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit gives you a sporty European driving experience with nice interior materials for the price.

If sedans are more your speed, Consumer Reports say the 2005 Acura TL, Acura TSX, and Toyota Avalon are good choices.

Linkov says, "Another good option would be the four cylinder Hyundai Sonata or Kia Optima. They're basically the same car, so we list them as one."

Model years 2006 to 2008 for the Hyundai Sonata and 2007 to 2008 for the Kia Optima.

Best bets for SUVs - the 2005 Honda CR-V and the 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander.

Rounding out Consumer Reports' list is the 2005 Honda Pilot.

But before you buy any used car, Consumer Reports recommends hiring a mechanic to do an inspection. A thorough diagnosis should cost about $100, but check the price in advance.

And before you take the car to a mechanic, do an initial inspection yourself using the Consumer Reports checklist.