Best Cars For First Time Drivers

Ford For many young people and their parents, buying a first car is a major step.
One great solution is to look at used cars, which can often be had for a fraction of the cost of brand-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 automobiles that are on the industry 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 security, we checked the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) average front Door crash test ratings for the automobiles we selected.
Prices are based on current prices on Autotrader.com and reflect the lowest cost we believe an adequate example may price.

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 in the world, spares are easy to find and repairs are comparatively inexpensive. Being popular means that there's large aftermarket support for your car, so children can personalize a Civic to their liking for not much money. Also, the sporty and functional Si hatchback from the early 2000s is now available for below $10,000. And since it was only accessible with a manual gearbox, it teaches a fantastic lesson.

2010-Present Chevrolet Equinox

Starting price: $14,000 and up IIHS crash test evaluation: Great Why buy itThe next creation Chevy Equinox not just continued the model's sales success, it gave General Motors a top notch compact crossover SUV to compete against the section leaders. The Equinox offers a drivers a comfortable and competent crossover in stylish and appealing package. The base powerplant for the Equinox is a 2.4 liter 182 hp lookup engine, while more expensive models come equipped a selection of strong V6 engine options.

2006-2015 Mazda MX5 Miata

Starting price: $12,500 and up IIHS crash test evaluation: N/A Why buy it: When the first 1990 Mazda Miata showed up on the spectacle, the sporty little roadster all but stored the section from extinction. With the third generation (now called the MX-5), the 2006 Miata still gave its owners a fun and thrilling drive, but with all 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 traditional roadster fashion.

2005-2012 Acura RL

Starting price: $14,500 and upward IIHS crash test evaluation: Good Why buy it: The Acura RL was Honda's flagship model and is the most expensive car on our list. When new, the RL retailed for around $50,000, however, used examples can be found for far less. As Honda's flagship, the firm unloaded its technological goody bag for the RL. Top of the line models include onboard navigation, a premium sound system, active sound cancellation, a titanium drive-shaft, handcrafted maple wood accents, plus a slew of modern security features. The Rl's innovative "super managing " all-wheel-drive system and powerful 300 horsepower V-6 gives the car a really superior driving experience.