Perfect Cars For First Time Drivers

Ford For most young people and their parents, purchasing a first car is a significant step.
1 good solution is to look at used cars, which could often be had for a fraction of the price 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 concentrated on automobiles which are on the industry right now for under $15,000. We looked for people who are reliable, fun to drive, comfortable, appealing, economical, functional, and most of all, secure.
For safety, we checked out the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) average front overlap crash test ratings for the automobiles we selected.
Prices are based on current prices on Autotrader.com and reflect the lowest cost we think a decent example may cost.

1998-2005 Lexus IS300

Starting price: $6,500 and up IIHS crash test evaluation: Great Why buy it: When launched in 1998, the IS300 was supposed to function as Lexus' response to the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes' C-Class. While it has not been in a position to overtake its German competitors, the IS300 still manages to provide Lexus brand cache, and build quality at an affordable yet fashionable package. For drivers that have to haul more stuff, the IS300 even offers a Sportcross wagon big enough to fit most mountain bikes or other sports equipments. Though the BMW 3-Series was and still is the best compact sports sedan on the market, the baby Lexus made the list over its Bavarian counterpart chiefly due to concerns about possibly expensive repair costs and dubious electrical gremlins which have been proven to plague elderly BMWs.

2011-Present Volkswagen Jetta TDI $13,500

Starting price: $12,500 and up IIHS crash test rating: Great Why buy itThe sixth generation Volkswagen Jetta provides buyers a fun European sports compact sedan with a decidedly upmarket feel. For the value-minded customer, the diesel TDI engine option provides great selection and fuel economy in a powerful package. However, as with any technologically advanced European sedan, take time to search for a well preserved lower mileage example, as out-of-warranty repairs to the car might become pricey.

2001-present Honda Civic

Starting price: $5,000 and up IIHS crash test evaluation: Good Why buy it: The Honda Civic is bulletproof. If properly maintained, the car can go for well over 250,000 miles without any difficulties. As one of the most well-known cars on earth, spares are easy to come by and fixes are comparatively affordable. Getting popular means that there's large aftermarket service for the auto, so children can customize a Civic for their liking for not much cash. Also, the sporty and functional Si hatchback from the early 2000s is currently available for below $10,000. And because it was only available with a manual gearbox, it teaches a good lesson.

2012-Present Ford Focus

Starting price: $9,000 and up IIHS crash test rating: Great Why buy itSince its inception in 1998, the Focus has been a star performer for Ford. However, for year, Ford's US and European division sold distinct automobiles under the "Focus" name -- together with the European version better received. For 2012, the next generation Ford merged the model and gave the US Focus customers the European car they'd been waiting for. Power for Emphasis comes from a 2.0 liter 160 horsepower inline four cylinder engine. Individuals looking for higher performance can opt for the critically acclaimed 252 hp Focus ST -- though even used cases of the model might be expensive.

1998-2004 Toyota Tacoma

Starting price: $5,900 and upward IIHS crash test evaluation: Acceptable Why buy itToyota's Tacoma pickup makes our record as the sole representative of the pickup segment. The Tacoma offers rocky off-road capability in addition to Toyota's strong build quality. The truck's available four -and - six-cylinder powerplants provide fantastic functionality, but some may find them to be a bid thirsty when it comes to fuel.