Resources limited? Kelley Blue Book lists 10 best used cars under $8,000

(July 29, 2016) IRVINE, Calif. — While today's new cars are jam-packed with the latest tech features and forward-thinking styling, they also are now more expensive than ever, with the average price of a new car currently at $33,801.  Many people shudder at the thought of a large monthly car payment, and most average American car shoppers cannot afford to buy a brand-new car outright, resulting in a sizable market for affordable used cars. 

Based on the recommendations of KBB.com editors after consulting their master mechanic, Kelley Blue Book kbb.com has named this year's 10 best used cars under $8,000.

If the prospect of a monthly new-car payment makes you break out into a cold sweat, you might be relieved to learn that there are good used-car alternatives to that all-new vehicle. The experts at Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com have named their annual list of the 10 Best Used Cars Under $8,000 for 2016.

"While spending $8,000 or less won't get you the newest tech or the shiniest paint job, it can buy you solid, reliable transportation that will last for the next several years if you play your cards correctly," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com. 

"For those who feel a keen ache in their checkbook thinking about the prospect of a big monthly payment, this year's list of KBB.com's 10 Best Used Cars Under $8,000 should provide some relief, because there are good used-car alternatives to a more expensive vehicle."