Best Used Cars For First Time Drivers In 2019

Ford For most young people and their parents, purchasing a first car is a major step.
One good solution is to look at cars that are used, which can frequently be had for a fraction of the cost of 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 list, we focused on cars which are available on the industry right now for under $15,000. We looked for ones 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 cars we picked.
Rates are based on present prices on Autotrader.com and reflect the lowest cost we think a decent example may price.

1999-2006 Toyota Celica

Starting price: $5,500 and up IIHS crash test evaluation: Great Why buy itThe Toyota Celica sub-compact sports car is quick, fun to drive, reliable, and offers a surprising level of utility. Powered by a 140 or 180 horsepower four-cylinder engine, the Celica's spirited performance doesn't decrease is elevated fuel economy ratings. As a sports car, beware of copies that have been abused by boy racers or have had low end after market modifications, since they may decrease the long-term durability of the car.

2011-Present Volkswagen Jetta TDI $13,500

Starting price: $12,500 and up IIHS crash test evaluation: Great Why buy itThe sixth generation Volkswagen Jetta offers buyers a fun European sport compact sedan with a decidedly upmarket feel. For the value-minded client, the petrol TDI engine option offers great selection and fuel economy in a powerful package. However, as with any technologically advanced European automobile, take your time to look for a well preserved lower mileage case, as out-of-warranty repairs for the automobile may become pricey.

2006-2015 Mazda MX5 Miata

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

2005-Present Nissan Xterra

Starting price: $8,900 and up IIHS crash test evaluation: Good Why buy itNissan's second generation Xterra SUV hit the market in 2005 and continued that the first generation model's subject of ruggedness, and simplicity with a concentration on an active outdoor lifestyle. The Xterra has seen few significant changes in the decade it has been in manufacturing and all automobiles are powered by a 4.0 liter version of Nissan's award-winning VQ-series V6 engine that produces 265 horsepower.

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 was efficiently on life support. The Mustang makes our list since it gives drivers cheap access to horsepower in a tasteful package with styling that withstands the test of time. Available, with both V-6 and V-8 alternatives, the recommended variant is the mid-level Mustang GT using all the 5.0 liter V-8. Though the V-6 is a little more efficient than the 5.0, the operation drop-off and deficiency of GT trim go-fast goodies makes the bigger motor the perfect option.