First Car or Daily Driver – Best Budget Picks on Copart
Last edit: September 08 2025 • 705 view
Today we will talk about 2 of the most popular types of cars people buy on Copart and IAAI. We did our own research and found that most of our customers want either a good and reliable daily driver that won’t cause problems, or a cheap and cool first car.
There are dozens of options at salvage auctions, and the choice is huge – you can find a used car for any taste. But if you want to buy super cheap, our top list is made for you:
For a first car, we picked several options, and the first is 2013-17 Nissan Versa.
In fact, it’s one of the cheapest sedans in the US. It has a simple design and very low maintenance costs. It’s still a reliable Japanese car. At car auctions, you can find a good one for $1,500-$2,000. It won’t really make you stand out, but for a first car on a tight budget it’s almost perfect.
If you need an SUV, the 2010-15 Chevrolet Equinox is a very solid choice.
There are many of them at insurance aucto auctions, especially from insurance companies, so prices are very affordable. Parts are cheap and easy to buy. Things like grilles, headlights, and trim pieces can be found on eBay for very low prices ($10-$40). The 2.4L version is fairly reliable with normal fuel economy. It has a roomy cabin with good materials and nice design. Typical sale price is $1,300-$1,800.
Doesn’t that sound like the perfect first SUV?
And finally, if you want something cooler and more interesting, a great choice is 2011-2016 Scion tC.
It’s a cool coupe with a panoramic roof and a sporty look. It’s built on a Toyota platform, so it’s reliable. The brand isn’t very popular, so you can buy it at very sweet prices. At auction it will be about $2,000-$2,500. For a cool first car, it’s a real steal.
If you’re looking for a daily driver from car auction, it should be reliable and inexpensive – the main goal is no headaches. We picked cars exactly like that, which you can buy very cheaply.
Our first choice is the 2013-15 Chevrolet Malibu (2.5L).
A good midsize sedan that’s very underrated. It offers more comfort than budget compacts, yet Copart auction prices are still low. Perfect for long trips, looks good, and can be repaired anywhere. From $1,000-$1,500 you can find a decent one with normal mileage and minor damage.
If you want an SUV, a very sensible option is the 2012-19 Dodge Journey.
Demand is low, so you can get a great deal. It’s roomy, has 3 rows of seats, cheap parts, and a nice interior. The 2.4L engine is very reliable, and the R/T version is a real beast!
And our final pick is the 2014-17 Mazda 6 (2.5L)
It’s unfairly less popular than the Camry/Accord, but it has a more interesting design, good handling, and moderate fuel use. This Mazda is a great car – keep up the maintenance and it will last a long time. It has many advantages: smooth and responsive powertrain, quick acceleration, sporty handling, and a well-built interior with top-quality materials. A great choice if you want a practical, reliable, and comfortable auction car.
We hope our top list was useful for you. If you think there are better options for a first car or daily driver, write to us – we’ll be happy to hear your feedback!
