Perfect 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 option is to look at cars that are used, which can often be had for a fraction of the cost of brand-new versions. We came up with 15 used cars we believe are the best for the young car buyer on a budget.
To make our record, we concentrated on cars which are available on the industry today for under $15,000. We looked for ones that are reliable, fun to drive, comfortable, appealing, economical, practical, and first and foremost, secure.
For security, we checked the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) average front Door crash test ratings for the cars we picked.
Rates are based on present costs on Autotrader.com and reflect the lowest price we believe a decent example may cost.

2012-Present Ford Focus

Starting price: $9,000 and up IIHS crash test rating: Great Why purchase it: Since 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 beneath the "Focus" name -- together with the European version better received. For 2012, the next generation Ford unified the version and gave the US Focus clients the European car they'd been waiting for. Power for Focus comes out of a 2.0 liter 160 horsepower inline four cylinder engine. Individuals looking for higher performance can select the critically acclaimed 252 hp Focus ST -- though even used examples of the model might be expensive.

1998-2004 Toyota Tacoma

Starting price: $5,900 and upward IIHS crash test evaluation: Acceptable Why buy it: Toyota's Tacoma pickup makes our list as the sole representative of this pickup section. The Tacoma offers rocky off-road capacity along with Toyota's strong build quality. The truck's available four -and six-cylinder powerplants offer good performance, but some may find them to be a bid thirsty when it comes to petrol.

2005-2012 Acura RL

Starting price: $14,500 and up IIHS crash test rating: Good Why buy itThe Acura RL was 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 sound cancellation, a ceramic drive-shaft, handcrafted maple wood accents, plus a ton of modern security features. The Rl's advanced "super handling" all-wheel-drive system and strong 300 horsepower V-6 gives the car a truly premium driving experience.

2011-Present Volkswagen Jetta TDI $13,500

Starting price: $12,500 and up IIHS crash test evaluation: Great 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 client, the petrol TDI engine option offers great selection and fuel economy in a powerful package. However, as with any technologically innovative European automobile, take time to look for a well preserved lower mileage case, as out-of-warranty repairs for the automobile may become pricey.