Best Used Cars For First Time Drivers

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 frequently be had for a fraction of the price of new versions. We came up with 15 used cars we believe are the very best for the young car buyer on a budget.
To make our list, we concentrated on cars that are available on the market right now for under $15,000. We looked for people that are dependable, fun to drive, comfortable, attractive, economical, practical, and most of all, secure.
For security, we checked out the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) moderate front overlap crash test ratings for the automobiles we selected.
Prices are based on current costs on Autotrader.com and reflect the lowest cost we believe an adequate 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 fast, fun to drive, reliable, and offers a surprising degree of utility. Powered by either a 140 or 180 horsepower lookup motor, the Celica's spirited performance does not diminish is high fuel economy ratings. As a sports car, beware of duplicates that were abused by boy racers or have had low end after market modifications, since they might decrease the long-term sturdiness of the car.

2005-2012 Acura RL

Starting price: $14,500 and up IIHS crash test evaluation: Great Why buy itThe Acura RL was Honda's flagship model and is the most expensive car on the list. When new, the RL retailed for about $50,000, however, used examples can be found for much less. Since 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, handmade maple wood accents, and a ton of modern safety features. The Rl's advanced "super handling" all-wheel-drive system and strong 300 horsepower V-6 gives the car a truly premium driving experience.

2006-2015 Mazda MX5 Miata

Starting price: $12,500 and up IIHS crash test evaluation: N/A Why purchase itWhen the original 1990 Mazda Miata showed up on the spectacle, the sporty small roadster all but saved the segment from extinction. With the next generation (currently known as the MX-5), the 2006 Miata still gave its owners an enjoyable and thrilling push, but with all the creature comforts expected in a modern sports car. Power for the MX-5 comes from 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: Great Why buy it: Nissan's second generation Xterra SUV hit the market in 2005 and lasted the first generation version 's theme of ruggedness, and simplicity with a concentration on an active outdoor lifestyle. The Xterra has seen few major changes from the decade it's been in manufacturing and all cars are powered by a 4.0 liter version of Nissan's award-winning VQ-series V6 engine that produces 265 horsepower.