Best Cars For First Time Drivers

Ford For many young people and their parents, buying a first car is a major step.
1 good option is to look at cars that are used, which can frequently be had for a fraction of the price of brand-new versions. We came up with 15 used cars we believe are the very best for the youthful car buyer on a budget.
To make our list, we focused on automobiles that are on the market right now for under $15,000. We looked for ones who are dependable, fun to drive, comfortable, appealing, economical, practical, and first and foremost, secure.
For security, we checked the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) moderate front Door 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 cost.

2005-2014 Ford Mustang

Starting price: $6,000 and up IIHS crash test evaluation: Great Why buy itWhen Ford introduced the fifth-generation Mustang in 2005, it reinvigorated a muscle car market which has been effectively on life support. The Mustang creates our record since it gives drivers economical access to horsepower at a elegant package with styling that withstands the test of time. Accessible, using both V-6 and V-8 alternatives, the recommended version is your mid-level Mustang GT with the 5.0 liter V-8. Although the V-6 is slightly more efficient than the 5.0, the performance drop-off and deficiency of GT trim go-fast goodies makes the larger motor the perfect choice.

1998-2005 Lexus IS300

Starting price: $6,500 and up IIHS crash test rating: Good Why buy itWhen launched in 1998, the IS300 was assumed to be Lexus' answer to the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes' C-Class. Though it has not been able to overtake its German competitors, the IS300 still manages to offer Lexus brand cache, and build quality in an affordable yet fashionable package. For drivers that have to haul more stuff, the IS300 even offers a Sportcross wagon large enough to match most mountain bikes or other sports equipments. While the BMW 3-Series has been and still is the best compact sports sedan on the market, the infant Lexus made the list over its Bavarian counterpart chiefly because of concerns about potentially expensive repair costs and suspicious electric gremlins that were proven to plague elderly BMWs.

1998-2004 Toyota Tacoma

Starting price: $5,900 and up IIHS crash test rating: Acceptable Why buy itToyota's Tacoma pickup creates our list as the sole representative of the pickup section. The Tacoma offers rugged off-road capability in addition to Toyota's strong build quality. The truck's available four -and six-cylinder powerplants offer fantastic performance, but some might find them to be a bidding thirsty when it comes to fuel.

2004.5-2012 Volvo S40

Starting price: $7,900 and up IIHS crash test evaluation: Great Why buy it: Introduced in mid 2004 as a "2004.5" version, the second generation S40 sedan is Volvo's take on a tiny, stylish, and sporty sedan. As expected with any Volvo, the S40 is equipped with a ton of safety features. Power for your S40 comes from Volvo's venerable inline five-cylinder. The bottom variant pumps out a decent 168 horsepower, while sportier turbocharged variants produces up to 227 ponies.

2005-2012 Acura RL

Starting price: $14,500 and up IIHS crash test rating: Good Why buy itThe Acura RL has been Honda's flagship model and is the most expensive car on our list. When new, the RL retailed for around $50,000, however, used examples are available for far less. Since Honda's flagship, the firm unloaded its technological goody bag for the RL. Top of the line models come with onboard navigation, a premium audio system, active noise cancellation, a titanium drive-shaft, handmade maple wood accents, and a ton of modern safety features. The Rl's innovative "super handling" all-wheel-drive system and strong 300 horsepower V-6 gives the car a really premium driving experience.