Best Used Cars For First Time Drivers In 2018

Ford For many young people and their parents, purchasing a first car is a major step.
1 great 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 list, we focused on cars that are on the industry today for under $15,000. We looked for people who are reliable, fun to drive, comfortable, attractive, economical, practical, and first and foremost, safe.
For safety, we checked out the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) moderate front overlap crash test ratings for the cars we selected.
Rates are based on current prices on Autotrader.com and reflect the lowest cost we believe an adequate example may price, car detailing & auto detailing in Pickering Ontario.

2012-Present Ford Focus

Starting price: $9,000 and up IIHS crash test evaluation: Good Why buy itSince its beginning in 1998, the Focus was a star performer for Ford. But for year, Ford's US and European division sold different cars under the "Focus" name -- with the European version much better received. For 2012, the next generation Ford unified the model and gave the US Focus customers the European automobile they'd been awaiting. Power for Focus comes out of a 2.0 liter 160 horsepower inline four cylinder engine. People looking for greater performance can opt for the critically acclaimed 252 hp Focus ST -- although even used cases of the model may be expensive.

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 spectacle, the sporty small roadster all but saved the segment from extinction. With the next generation (now called the MX-5), the 2006 Miata still gave its owners a fun and thrilling push, 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.

2010-Present Chevrolet Equinox

Starting price: $14,000 and up IIHS crash test evaluation: Good Why buy itThe second creation Chevy Equinox not only continued the model's sales success, it gave General Motors a top notch compact crossover SUV to compete against the segment leaders. The Equinox offers a drivers a comfortable and competent crossover in stylish and appealing package. The base powerplant for the Equinox is a 2.4 liter 182 hp four-cylinder motor, while more expensive models come equipped with a selection of strong V6 engine choices.

1998-2005 Lexus IS300

Starting price: $6,500 and up IIHS crash test rating: Good Why buy itWhen started in 1998, the IS300 was supposed to function as Lexus' response to the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes' C-Class. Though it hasn't been able to overtake its German rivals, the IS300 nevertheless manages to provide Lexus brand cache, and construct quality in an affordable yet fashionable package. For drivers that need to haul more things, the IS300 even offers a Sportcross wagon large enough to match most mountain bicycles or other sports equipments. Though the BMW 3-Series was and still is the best compact sports sedan on the current market, the infant Lexus made the record over its Bavarian counterpart mainly because of concerns about potentially expensive repair costs and dubious electrical gremlins that were known to plague elderly BMWs.