All the above are awesome options, but doubt you'll be saving any $$.
For what its worth department.
Just sold my 2010 2.5 SE Jetta Sportswagen with 165k miles to purchase a newer Golf Sportswagen SEL. Recommend either, but the Golf is above the $10k budget. Had Volvo X70s & V70s for years now prefer the VWs. Yes the VWs are a bit more modest, but they are well built with terrific fit & finish. Both VWs have superb agile handling, turn and stop on a dime, plenty of get up and go & 30-35 mpg regular gas.
Will comfortably do 70 all day with good sound deadening, acoustic glass & multi-adjustable heated seats. Great AC. Fits 10' 2x4s inside!
Only drawback is keeping the pano sunroof drains clear, but if they get cleaned out once in a while not often a problem.
2014 was the last year for the Jetta wagon and with low miles could be had for $10k or under. Also available with a manual! 2.5 engine is robust (170 hp) with good gearing so is quite quick and rarely needs much more than an oil change. The Jetta wagon was one of the most reliable dd cars I ever owned right behind the 05 Mazda 3 Hatch w/5spd; the VW isn't as tinny or tiresome to drive 100-150 miles a day either.
Not a Bimmer nor a Volvo, but a heck more reliable and cheaper to own. Only thing that kept me from buying a Subaru is problematic head gaskets, driving feel and handling and I don't need or want AWD. Besides, it drove like a truck unless we're talking wrx which will be above $10k for a decent one.
Both these pictures were taken a couple weeks before I sold the car with 165k miles. Sure doesn't look like that kind of mileage. Good quality built car. Take a look at one.
