Investing in a pre-owned vehicle can be a smart choice for many drivers, but they must be able to find the right model – and the perfect value – before they can enjoy the open road. Luckily, there are a number of worthy options that can fit the preference and budget of a motorist. 

According to Kelley Blue Book's Market Report for January, there are a few areas where drivers will be able to find value. One of the most intriguing segments is subcompacts, as there are a number of opportunities for motorists to take advantage of low prices, high quality and excellent performance. Especially now, when more car buyers are looking to find used cars that don't cost much but still have impressive fuel efficiency, the subcompact segment is particularly appealing. 

The latest Kelley Blue Book report cited a few models that are worthy of consideration for buyers considering a used car. Among the top choices were the Fiat 500, Mazda Mazda2 and the Chevrolet Spark, which can all be found for less than $10,000. While the Ford Fiesta missed the $10,000 cutoff, it was only by a small margin, making it a good choice for drivers with a more flexible budget. 

“As long as there is strong demand for lower cost and value-focused vehicles, this group of 1- to 2-year-old vehicles with auction values that fall in the sub-$10,000 range will only continue to grow,” said Kelley Blue Book analyst Alec Gutierrez. 

Anyone in search of a subcompact car with superior value should check out the selection at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot is home to hundreds of Carfax-certified options, including many that fill the needs of drivers who want smaller, subcompact vehicles. It also has a wide array of automobiles under $10,000, allowing shoppers to find a car without busting a budget.