Good Cars To Start Out With In 2018

Ford For most young people and their parents, purchasing a first car is a significant step.
One good option is to look at cars that are used, which could often be had for a fraction of the cost of brand-new versions. We came up with 15 used cars we think are the very best for the young car buyer on a budget.
To make our record, we focused on automobiles which are on the industry today for under $15,000. We looked for ones who are dependable, fun to drive, comfortable, appealing, economical, functional, and first and foremost, secure.
For safety, we checked the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) moderate front overlap crash test ratings for the cars we picked.
Rates are based on present prices on Autotrader.com and reflect the lowest cost we think a decent example may cost.

2004.5-2012 Volvo S40

Starting price: $7,900 and up IIHS crash test rating: Great Why buy it: Introduced in mid 2004 as a "2004.5" version, 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 variants produces as much as 227 ponies.

2002-Present Honda CR-V

Starting price: $7,500 and up IIHS crash test evaluation: Good Why buy itSince its launch in 1997, the Honda CR-V has been among the most popular selling mini-SUV's on earth. The CR-V offers an incredible blend of market, utility and Honda's unbeatable history for reliability. Though some may find the CR-V's smallish four-cylinder engine for a tad underpowered, it's more than acceptable for most daily commutes. Honda has also contained a host of fun features like a collapsible center console and an in-car picnic table. The CR-V has kept its value remarkably well, therefore finding a well-preserved example might expect a cost premium.

2011-Present Volkswagen Jetta TDI $13,500

Starting price: $12,500 and up IIHS crash test evaluation: Good Why buy itThe sixth generation Volkswagen Jetta offers buyers a pleasure European sports compact sedan with a decidedly upmarket feel. For the value-minded client, the petrol TDI engine option offers great range and fuel economy in a powerful package. However, just like any technologically advanced European automobile, take time to look for a well preserved lower mileage example, as out-of-warranty repairs for the car might become pricey.

2005-2012 Acura RL

Starting price: $14,500 and up IIHS crash test rating: Good Why buy it: The Acura RL has been Honda's flagship model and is the most expensive car on the list. When fresh, the RL retailed for around $50,000, but used examples can be found for far less. As Honda's flagship, the company unloaded its technological goody bag for the RL. Top of the line models include onboard navigation, a premium sound system, active sound cancellation, a ceramic drive-shaft, handcrafted walnut wood beams, and 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 really premium driving experience.

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 only representative of this pickup section. The Tacoma offers rugged off-road capability in addition to Toyota's strong build quality. The truck's accessible four -and - six-cylinder powerplants provide fantastic functionality, but some may find them to be a bid thirsty when it comes to fuel.

1999-2006 Toyota Celica

Starting price: $5,500 and upward IIHS crash test rating: Great Why buy it: The Toyota Celica sub-compact sports car is quick, fun to drive, reliable, and provides a surprising degree of utility. Powered by either 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 which were abused by boy racers or have experienced low-quality after market modifications, as they might diminish the long-term sturdiness of the automobile.