Ford For many young people and their parents, purchasing a first car is a major step.
One good option is to look at cars that are used, which could often be had for a fraction of the price of brand-new versions.
We came up with 15 used automobiles we believe are the best for the youthful car buyer on a budget.
To make our record, we focused on automobiles that are on the industry right now for under $15,000. We looked for ones that are dependable, fun to drive, comfortable, appealing, economical, functional, and most of all, secure.
For safety, we checked the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) average front Door crash test ratings for the cars we selected.
Rates are based on current costs on Autotrader.com and reflect the lowest price we think an adequate example may cost.
2006-2015 Mazda MX5 Miata
Starting price: $12,500 and up IIHS crash test evaluation: N/A Why buy itWhen the first 1990 Mazda Miata showed on the scene, the sporty little roadster all but stored the section from extinction. With the next generation (currently known as the MX-5), the 2006 Miata nevertheless gave its owners an enjoyable and thrilling drive, but with all of 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 traditional roadster fashion.
2002-2007 Toyota Highlander
Starting price: $7,000 and up IIHS crash test rating: Great Why buy itThe Toyota Highlander is ideal for the driver looking for a good crossover SUV. While it does not have the off-road capabilities of the Tacoma pickup, the Highlander's four-wheel drive system offers solid bad weather functionality and gives drivers a reassuring sense of solidity. Sharing a stage with the pricier Lexus RX, the Highlander maintains the interior build quality seen in its more premium cousin. Environmentally conscious buyers can choose the Highlander Hybrid. But, consumers are headed into unknown territory as aging hybrids and hybrid drive components may result in costly repair bills.
2005-2014 Ford Mustang
Starting price: $6,000 and up IIHS crash test evaluation: Good Why buy it: When Ford introduced the fifth-generation Mustang at 2005, it reinvigorated a muscle car market which has been effectively on life support. The Mustang creates our list because it gives drivers economical access to horsepower in a elegant package with styling which withstands the test of time. Available, with both V-6 and V-8 options, the suggested version is your mid-level Mustang GT with the 5.0 liter V-8. Though the V-6 is a little more efficient than the 5.0, the operation drop-off and lack of GT trim go-fast goodies makes the bigger motor the perfect choice.
2006-Present Honda Fit
Starting price: $7,000 and up IIHS crash test rating: Great Why buy itThe Honda Fit was an unqualified success across the globe for the automaker. The Fit offers fun, versatility, and reliability in a compact bundle. Although the Fit premiered in different areas of the planet in 2001, the model didn't make it to the US until 2006. The earliest used cases of the car signify the tail end of this first generation model, which was replaced with another production in 2009. Both generations of the match are powered by Honda's nimble 1.5-liter inline lookup engine producing 109 horsepower at the gen 1 model and 117 from the gen 2 cars.