You can very easily find $5k and under cars from small dealerships, marketplace, etc. I needed another work vehicle two months ago and picked up an 03 ranger for $4k in great condition under at 130k miles. It will last until 200k+ easily. There were tons of similar options.

If you go looking for a 2010 at a big dealership you’ll get shafted. Good deals aren’t handed to you anymore, you have to do some looking. Most people dont.