Ford For most young people and their parents, buying a first car is a major step.
1 good solution is to look at used cars, which can frequently be had for a fraction of the cost of new versions.
We came up with 15 used automobiles we believe are the best for the young car buyer on a budget.
To make our record, we focused on cars which are on the industry right now for under $15,000. We looked for ones that are dependable, fun to drive, comfortable, attractive, economical, practical, and first and foremost, secure.
For security, we checked out the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) average front overlap crash test ratings for the cars we picked.
Prices are based on present costs on Autotrader.com and reflect the lowest price we think an adequate example may price.
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 offers buyers a fun European sports compact sedan with a decidedly upmarket feel. For the value-minded client, the diesel TDI engine option offers great selection and fuel economy in a powerful package. However, just like any technologically advanced European automobile, take your time to look for a well preserved lower mileage case, as out-of-warranty repairs for your car might become pricey.
2004.5-2012 Volvo S40
Starting price: $7,900 and upward IIHS crash test rating: Good Why buy it: Introduced in mid 2004 as a "2004.5" model, the next generation S40 sedan is Volvo's take on a tiny, stylish, and sporty sedan. As expected with any Volvo, the S40 has a slew of safety features. Power for the S40 comes from Volvo's venerable inline five-cylinder. The base variant pumps out a respectable 168 horsepower, while sportier turbocharged variations produces up to 227 ponies.
1999-2006 Toyota Celica
Starting price: $5,500 and up IIHS crash test rating: 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 a 140 or 180 horsepower lookup engine, the Celica's spirited performance does not decrease is high fuel economy ratings. As a sports car, beware of copies that have been abused by boy racers or have experienced low-quality after market modifications, since they may diminish the long-term durability of the car.
2006-Present Honda Fit
Starting price: $7,000 and up IIHS crash test evaluation: Great Why buy itThe Honda Fit was an unqualified success across the world for the automaker. The Fit offers fun, flexibility, and reliability in a compact package. Although the Fit premiered in different parts of the planet in 2001, the version didn't make it into the US until 2006. The earliest used examples of the automobile represent the tail end of this first generation model, which has been replaced with another generation in 2009. Both generations of the Fit are powered by Honda's trusty 1.5-liter inline lookup engine generating 109 horsepower in the gen 1 version and 117 in the gen 2 automobiles.
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 stored the segment from extinction. With the next generation (now called 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 your MX-5 comes out of a peppy 2.0-liter 170 horsepower inline four cylinder engine driving the rear wheels in traditional roadster fashion.