Best Used Cars For First Time Drivers

Ford For most young people and their parents, buying 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 cost of brand-new versions. We came up with 15 used automobiles we think are the very best for the young car buyer on a budget.
To make our record, we focused on automobiles that are available on the market today for under $15,000. We looked for ones that are dependable, fun to drive, comfortable, attractive, economical, functional, and first and foremost, secure.
For security, we checked the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) moderate front Door crash test ratings for the automobiles we picked.
Prices are based on present costs on Autotrader.com and reflect the lowest price we think a decent example may cost.

2006-2015 Mazda MX5 Miata

Starting price: $12,500 and up IIHS crash test evaluation: N/A Why buy it: When the original 1990 Mazda Miata showed on the spectacle, the sporty small roadster all but saved the section from extinction. With the third generation (now known as the MX-5), the 2006 Miata still gave its owners a fun and thrilling drive, but with all of the creature comforts expected in a modern sports car. Power for your MX-5 comes from a peppy 2.0-liter 170 horsepower inline four cylinder engine driving the rear wheels in conventional roadster fashion.

2002-2007 Toyota Highlander

Starting price: $7,000 and up IIHS crash test rating: Great Why buy it: The Toyota Highlander is ideal for the driver looking for a solid crossover SUV. While it doesn't have the off-road capacities of the Tacoma pickup, the Highlander's four-wheel drive system provides solid bad weather performance and gives drivers a reassuring sense of solidity. Sharing a platform with the pricier Lexus RX, the Highlander asserts the interior build quality observed in its more premium cousin. Environmentally conscious buyers may opt for the Highlander Hybrid. However, consumers are headed into unknown territory as aging batteries and hybrid drive parts may lead to costly repair bills.

2012-Present Ford Focus

Starting price: $9,000 and up IIHS crash test rating: Great Why purchase it: Since its inception in 1998, the Focus has been a star performer for Ford. But for year, Ford's US and European branch sold distinct cars under the "Focus" title -- together with the European version much better received. For 2012, the third generation Ford unified the model and gave the US Focus clients the European automobile they'd been waiting for. Power for Emphasis comes out of a 2.0 liter 160 horsepower inline four cylinder engine. People searching for greater performance can select the critically acclaimed 252 hp Focus ST -- though even used examples of the model might be pricey.

2001-present Honda Civic

Starting price: $5,000 and up IIHS crash test rating: Great Why buy itThe Honda Civic is bulletproof. If properly maintained, the car can go for well over 250,000 miles with no issues. As one of the most well-known cars on earth, spares are easy to come by and fixes are comparatively inexpensive. Being popular means that there is large aftermarket service for the car, so children can personalize a Civic for their liking for not much cash. Also, the sporty and practical Si hatchback in the early 2000s is now available for under $10,000. And because it was only accessible 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 itWhen Ford introduced the fifth-generation Mustang in 2005, it reinvigorated a muscle car market which has been efficiently on life support. The Mustang creates our list because it provides drivers cheap access to horsepower at a tasteful package with styling that withstands the test of time. Accessible, using both V-6 and V-8 alternatives, the recommended variant is the mid-level Mustang GT using the 5.0 liter V-8. Though the V-6 is a little more efficient than the 5.0, the performance drop-off and lack of GT trimming go-fast goodies makes the larger motor the perfect choice.