Perfect Cars For First Time Drivers

Ford For most young people and their parents, purchasing a first car is a significant step.
One good solution is to look at used cars, which could frequently be had for a fraction of the cost of new versions. We came up with 15 used cars we think are the best for the youthful car buyer on a budget.
To make our list, we focused on automobiles which are available on the market right now for under $15,000. We looked for ones that are dependable, fun to drive, comfortable, appealing, economical, functional, and most of all, safe.
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 current prices on Autotrader.com and reflect the lowest cost we think a decent example may price.

2012-Present Ford Focus

Starting price: $9,000 and up IIHS crash test rating: Good Why purchase itSince its inception 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" title -- with the European version much better received. For 2012, the next generation Ford merged the version and gave the US Focus clients 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 -- though even used examples of the model may be expensive.

2011-Present Volkswagen Jetta TDI $13,500

Starting price: $12,500 and up IIHS crash test rating: Good Why buy it: The sixth generation Volkswagen Jetta provides buyers a pleasure European sport compact sedan with a decidedly upmarket feel. For the value-minded customer, the petrol TDI engine alternative provides great range and fuel economy in a potent package. However, as with any technologically advanced European sedan, take your time to search for a well preserved lower mileage example, as out-of-warranty repairs to the car may become pricey.

2006-Present Honda Fit

Starting price: $7,000 and up IIHS crash test evaluation: Good Why buy it: The Honda Fit was an unqualified success throughout the globe for the automaker. The Fit offers fun, flexibility, and reliability in a compact package. Although the Fit was introduced in other parts of the world in 2001, the model didn't make it into the US until 2006. The oldest used examples of the automobile represent the tail end of the first generation version, which was replaced with another production in 2009. Both generations of this Fit are powered by Honda's nimble 1.5-liter inline lookup engine producing 109 horsepower at the gen 1 version and 117 from the gen 2 cars.

2001-present Honda Civic

Starting price: $5,000 and up IIHS crash test rating: Great Why buy itThe Honda Civic is bulletproof. If properly maintained, the vehicle can go for over 250,000 miles without any difficulties. As one of the most popular cars on earth, spares are easy to find and fixes are comparatively affordable. Getting popular means that there's large aftermarket service for your car, so kids can personalize a Civic to their liking for not much money. Additionally, the sporty and practical Si hatchback from the early 2000s is currently available for under $10,000. And because it was only accessible with a manual gearbox, it teaches a fantastic lesson.