Ford For many young people and their parents, purchasing a first car is a significant step.
One great solution is to look at used cars, which could frequently be had for a fraction of the price of brand-new versions. We came up with 15 used cars we believe are the best for the youthful car buyer on a budget.
To make our list, we concentrated on cars that are on the market right now for under $15,000. We looked for people who are dependable, fun to drive, comfortable, attractive, economical, functional, and most of all, safe.
For security, we checked the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) moderate front overlap crash test ratings for the automobiles we picked.
Rates are based on present costs on Autotrader.com and reflect the lowest cost we believe a decent example may cost.
2006-Present Honda Fit
Starting price: $7,000 and up IIHS crash test evaluation: Good Why buy itThe Honda Fit has been an unqualified success across the globe for the automaker. The Fit offers fun, flexibility, and reliability in a compact bundle. Although the Fit was introduced in other areas of the world in 2001, the model didn't make it into the US until 2006. The oldest used examples of this car signify the tail end of this first generation model, which was replaced with another generation in 2009. Both generations of the Fit are powered by Honda's trusty 1.5-liter inline lookup engine generating 109 horsepower at the gen 1 model and 117 from the gen 2 automobiles.
2011-Present Volkswagen Jetta TDI $13,500
Starting price: $12,500 and up IIHS crash test evaluation: Good Why buy it: The sixth generation Volkswagen Jetta provides buyers a fun European sport compact sedan with a decidedly upmarket feel. For the value-minded client, the petrol TDI engine alternative offers great range and fuel economy in a powerful package. However, as with any technologically innovative European sedan, take time to search for a well maintained lower mileage example, as out-of-warranty repairs to your car may become pricey.
2002-Present Honda CR-V
Starting price: $7,500 and up IIHS crash test rating: Good Why purchase it: Since its launch in 1997, the Honda CR-V has been one of the hottest selling mini-SUV's in the world. The CR-V provides an amazing blend of market, utility and Honda's unbeatable track record for reliability. Though some may find the CR-V's smallish lookup engine for a tad underpowered, it's more than acceptable for most daily commutes. Honda has also included a range of fun features like a collapsible centre console and an in-car picnic table. The CR-V has retained its own worth remarkably well, therefore locating a well-preserved example might require a cost premium.
2006-2015 Mazda MX5 Miata
Starting price: $12,500 and up IIHS crash test rating: N/A Why buy it: When the original 1990 Mazda Miata showed on the scene, the sporty small roadster all but stored the section from extinction. With the next generation (currently called the MX-5), the 2006 Miata nevertheless gave its owners an enjoyable and thrilling drive, but with all the creature comforts expected in a modern sports car. Power for your MX-5 comes out of a peppy 2.0-liter 170 horsepower inline four cylinder engine driving the rear wheels in traditional roadster fashion.
2001-present Honda Civic
Starting price: $5,000 and up IIHS crash test rating: Good Why buy it: The Honda Civic is bulletproof. If properly maintained, the car can go for well over 250,000 miles without any difficulties. As one of the most popular cars in the world, spares are easy to find and repairs are relatively inexpensive. Being popular means that there's large aftermarket support for your auto, so children can personalize a Civic to their liking for not much money. Additionally, the sporty and practical Si hatchback from the early 2000s is now available for below $10,000. And because it was only available with a manual gearbox, it teaches a fantastic lesson.
2005-2014 Ford Mustang
Starting price: $6,000 and up IIHS crash test evaluation: Great Why buy it: When Ford introduced the fifth-generation Mustang at 2005, it reinvigorated a muscle car market which was effectively on life support. The Mustang makes our list since it provides drivers economical access to horsepower at a tasteful package with styling which withstands the test of time. Available, with both V-6 and V-8 options, the suggested version is your mid-level Mustang GT with the 5.0 liter V-8. Though the V-6 is a little more efficient compared to 5.0, the operation drop-off and deficiency of GT trimming go-fast goodies makes the larger motor the optimal option.
