Best Used Cars For First Time Drivers In 2019

Ford For many young people and their parents, buying a first car is a major step.
1 good solution is to look at used cars, which could often be had for a fraction of the cost of new versions. We came up with 15 used automobiles we believe are the very best for the youthful car buyer on a budget.
To make our record, we focused on cars which are available on the market today for under $15,000. We looked for people who are reliable, fun to drive, comfortable, attractive, economical, functional, and first and foremost, secure.
For safety, we checked out the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) moderate front Door crash test ratings for the cars we selected.
Rates are based on present prices on Autotrader.com and reflect the lowest price we think an adequate example may price.

2001-present Honda Civic

Starting price: $5,000 and up IIHS crash test evaluation: Good Why buy itThe Honda Civic is bulletproof. If properly maintained, the vehicle can go for well over 250,000 miles with no issues. As one of the most popular cars in the world, spares are easy to come by and fixes are comparatively inexpensive. Being popular means that there's large aftermarket support for the car, so kids can personalize a Civic for their liking for not much cash. Additionally, the sporty and practical Si hatchback from the early 2000s is now available for under $10,000. And because it was only accessible with a manual gearbox, it teaches a good lesson.

2011-Present Volkswagen Jetta TDI $13,500

Starting price: $12,500 and up IIHS crash test rating: Great Why buy it: The sixth generation Volkswagen Jetta offers buyers a pleasure European sport compact sedan with a decidedly upmarket feel. For the value-minded client, the diesel TDI engine option offers great selection and fuel economy in a potent package. However, just like any technologically innovative European sedan, take your time to look for a well preserved lower mileage example, as out-of-warranty repairs for the car may become pricey.

2004.5-2012 Volvo S40

Starting price: $7,900 and up IIHS crash test rating: Good Why buy itIntroduced in mid 2004 as a "2004.5" version, the next generation S40 sedan is Volvo's take on a tiny, stylish, and sporty sedan. As expected with any Volvo, the S40 is equipped with a ton of security features. Power for your S40 comes in Volvo's venerable inline five-cylinder. The base version pumps out a decent 168 horsepower, while sportier turbocharged variants produces as much as 227 ponies.

2002-2007 Toyota Highlander

Starting price: $7,000 and up IIHS crash test rating: Good Why buy it: The Toyota Highlander is ideal for the driver looking for a solid crossover SUV. While it does not have the off-road capacities of the Tacoma pickup, the Highlander's four-wheel drive system offers solid bad weather functionality and provides drivers a reassuring sense of solidity. Sharing a stage with the pricier Lexus RX, the Highlander asserts the interior build quality seen in its premium cousin. Environmentally conscious buyers may choose the Highlander Hybrid. But, consumers are headed into unfamiliar territory as aging batteries and hybrid drive components may result in expensive repair bills.

2005-2012 Acura RL

Starting price: $14,500 and up IIHS crash test evaluation: Great Why buy it: The Acura RL was Honda's flagship model and is the most expensive car on the list. When fresh, the RL retailed for about $50,000, however, utilized examples are available for far less. As Honda's flagship, the company unloaded its technological goody bag for the RL. Top of the line models include onboard navigation, a premium sound system, active sound cancellation, a ceramic drive-shaft, handcrafted walnut wood beams, and a slew of modern security features. The Rl's innovative "super handling" all-wheel-drive system and strong 300 horsepower V-6 gives the car a truly superior driving experience.