Doug DeMuro is a popular American YouTuber, writer, and businessman. He posts car reviews on his YouTube channel, which currently has over 4 million subscribers. In addition to his YouTube channel, Doug DeMuro also deals in automobiles and has a website for selling cars known as Cars & Bids. Asides from running his own business, DeMuro is also a writer and editor at Autotrader.
DeMuro has loved cars since he was a kid and got his first ride at the age of 16. He owns over 26 cars, many of which he has featured on his YouTube channel. While he has some expensive cars like the 2020 Land Rover Defender, and the 1999 Mercedes-Benz G 500 Cabriolet, he also likes these pretty cheap cars on Autotrader, which are under $10,000. Let's take a closer look at Doug's picks and the reasoning behind each one.
10 1998-1999 Mercedes-Benz ML320
The idea for the 1998-1999 Mercedes-Benz ML320 was conceived in Germany, but the car was made in America. It comes with conservative styling, both inside and out. Perhaps the most advanced feature in the ML320 was the automatic climate control system that helps drivers get through poor weather without compromising on luxury, or safety. Here's Doug sharing his thoughts on the Mercedes-Benz ML320.
The ML320 also came with several great features like the brake assist and Electronic Stability Program (ESP). You can get the 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML320 for an asking price of just $6,000.
9 1998-2002 Toyota Land Cruiser
The Land Cruiser is a roomy cushy and compliant suspension SUV that measures up to the Range Rover. Toyota did a great job with the 1998-2002 Land Cruiser in every aspect, whether it is the V8 engine or off-road prowess that allows the Land Cruiser to power through boulders and ditches. Here's DeMuro's view on the Toyota Land Cruiser. That said, Doug must really have a thing for Land Cruisers because he got himself a 2013 model.
The 1998 Land Cruiser rocks a 4.7-liter V8 engine that produces 230 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. Here's a clean used 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser that goes for $10,000.
8 1999 Toyota Corolla
Since its introduction in 1966, millions of people have fallen in love with the Toyota Corolla, in any form it comes, be it a sedan, coupe, wagon, or hatchback. In the embedded video, Doug DeMuro says Toyota Corolla is one of the greatest cars he has ever driven.
Under the hood of the 1999 Corolla, you will find a 1.8-liter, all-aluminum DOHC 4-cylinder engine with a power rating of 120 hp and 122 lb-ft of torque. In terms of fuel economy, the 1999 Corolla isn't all that bad, with 38 mpg on the freeway and 31 mpg around the city. Here's a 1999 Corolla put up for sale at $5,999.
7 2003-2007 Infiniti G35 Coupe
If you want the thrill of a German grand touring car at a bargain, the Infiniti G35 Coupe is worth your consideration. With honors like the 2003 MotorTrend Car of the Year, Infiniti stole the hearts of millions of buyers with its G35 Coupe, which goes for about $9,995 on the used car market.
From 2003 to 2007, Infiniti kept the 24-valve 3.5-liter V6 engine that's rated 280 hp and distributes power via either a 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission. Doug considers the 2003-2007 G35 as one of his favorite older Infiniti models.
6 2004 Cadillac CTS-V
To favorably compete with BMW M cars, Cadillac released the performance-oriented V-Series in 2004. Not only does DeMuro like the 2004 Cadillac CTS-V, but he also owned one at some point. Although the ride is quite rough, that's no stumbling block for someone like Doug who's big on power and speed.
The 2004 CTS-V comes with a 5.7-liter V8 that delivers 400 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque via a Tremec 6-speed manual transmission. The '04 CTS-V sprints to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and tops out at 163 mph. You can get a clean 2004 CTS-V for just $7,850.
5 2004-2006 Toyota Sienna
If you need a used minivan as your family vehicle or workhorse, the Toyota Sienna is one of your best bets. From 2004 to 2006, Toyota maintained the same standard 3.3-liter V6 engine that makes 230 hp. Not only is the Toyota Sienna well-priced for $9,995, but Doug also prefers it over the Honda Odyssey due to its higher power rating, better gas mileage, and better reliability.
When it comes to safety, the Sienna offers standard features such as stability control, anti-lock brakes, and side-curtain airbags. But given that these Sienna models are over a decade old, it would be too much to ask for automatic braking and forward-collision warning.
4 2005 Honda Civic
The 2005 Honda Civic isn't at the top of the class in terms of driving experience, but the well-tuned suspension offers a comfortable ride nonetheless. With its 35.7-cubic-foot cargo area, the 2005 Civic can accommodate bulky items for your long-distance trips. In this article, DeMuro highlights a long list of reasons why the Civic is a great car for just $4,489.
The most powerful Civic model is the Si, with a 160-hp rating. But if you are more interested in fuel efficiency, opt for the Hybrid model, which takes you up to 51 MPG on the highway and 45 MPG around the city.
3 2005 MazdaSpeed Miata
According to DeMuro, the 2005 MazdaSpeed Miata is his all-time favorite MX-5 model. Doug loves the MazdaSpeed for its power generation and great mileage. Other impressive features include the 6-speed manual transmission, 17-inch Racing Hart alloy wheels, manually-folding soft top, and Black Mica finish. Find DeMuro sharing his thoughts on the MazdaSpeed Miata.
This MazdaSpeed Miata receives power from a turbocharged 1.8-liter DOHC inline-4, with an output of 178 hp and 166 lb-ft of torque. Here's a clean 2005 MazdaSpeed Miata that goes for $9,988.00.
2 2007 Fiat 500 Abarth
Fiat brought back the 500 nameplate in 2007 in the form of a retro-styled hatchback. So what does DeMuro love about this $6,477 Fiat 500 Abarth? To start with, the 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder under the hood can develop about 160 hp and offers fast reflexes to push the 500 Abarth to 60 mph in about 8.0 seconds. Here's Doug and Hoover discussing the Fiat 500 Abarth.
Power gets to the front wheels of the Fiat 500 Abarth through a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission, with the former being the preferred option.
1 2008 Acura TL 6-speed Manual
If you want to get a lot of bang for your buck, the Acura TL is the best car to buy. This entry-level luxury car is not only reliable but also performance-oriented. The base model version gets its power from a 3.2-liter V6 engine that makes 258 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque. Spot DeMuro and Hoover talking about the Acura TL.
The base engine in conjunction with a 5-speed automatic transmission propels the Acura TL to 60 mph in less than 6.0 seconds. But Doug DeMuro prefers the Type-S, which cranks out 286 hp from a 3.5-liter V6 engine with a 6-speed manual transmission. The 2007 Acura TL Type-S goes for about $9,995.