1 great option is to look at cars that are used, which could often be had for a fraction of the cost of new versions. We came up with 15 used automobiles we think are the very best for the young car buyer on a budget.
To make our list, we concentrated on cars that are available on the industry today for under $15,000. We looked for ones that 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) average front overlap crash test ratings for the cars we picked.
Rates are based on current costs on Autotrader.com and reflect the lowest price we believe an adequate example may price.
2002-2007 Toyota Highlander
Starting price: $7,000 and up IIHS crash test rating: Great Why buy itThe Toyota Highlander is ideal for the driver looking for a good crossover SUV. While it does not have the off-road capacities of the Tacoma pickup, the Highlander's four-wheel drive system provides solid bad weather functionality and gives drivers a reassuring sense of solidity. Sharing a stage with the pricier Lexus RX, the Highlander maintains the interior build quality observed in its premium cousin. Environmentally conscious buyers may opt for the Highlander Hybrid. However, consumers are headed into unknown territory as aging batteries and hybrid drive parts may result in costly repair bills.
2011-Present Volkswagen Jetta TDI $13,500
Starting price: $12,500 and up IIHS crash test rating: Great Why buy it: The sixth generation Volkswagen Jetta offers buyers a fun European sport compact sedan with a decidedly upmarket feel. For the value-minded client, the petrol TDI engine alternative provides great selection and fuel economy in a powerful package. However, as with any technologically advanced European sedan, take your time to search for a well maintained lower mileage case, as out-of-warranty repairs to the automobile may become pricey.
2005-2014 Ford Mustang
Starting price: $6,000 and up IIHS crash test rating: Good Why buy itWhen Ford introduced the fifth-generation Mustang at 2005, it reinvigorated a muscle car market that has been efficiently on life support. The Mustang makes our list because it gives drivers cheap access to horsepower at a tasteful package with styling which withstands the test of time. Available, using both V-6 and V-8 alternatives, the recommended variant is your mid-level Mustang GT using all the 5.0 liter V-8. Though the V-6 is a little more efficient than the 5.0, the operation drop-off and lack of GT trim go-fast goodies makes the bigger motor the perfect choice.
2002-Present Honda CR-V
Starting price: $7,500 and up IIHS crash test evaluation: Great Why buy it: Since its launch in 1997, the Honda CR-V has been one of the most popular selling mini-SUV's in the world. The CR-V offers an incredible blend of market, utility and Honda's unbeatable track record for reliability. Though some might find the CR-V's smallish lookup engine to be somewhat underpowered, it is 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 retained its worth remarkably well, so locating a well-preserved example may require a cost premium.
1998-2005 Lexus IS300
Starting price: $6,500 and up IIHS crash test rating: Great Why buy itWhen started in 1998, the IS300 was assumed to be Lexus' answer to the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes' C-Class. Though it hasn't been in a position to overtake its German rivals, the IS300 still manages to offer Lexus new cache, and construct quality at an affordable yet fashionable package. For drivers that need to haul more stuff, the IS300 even offers a Sportcross wagon big enough to fit most mountain bikes or other sports equipments. Though the BMW 3-Series has been and still is the best compact sports sedan on the current market, the baby Lexus made the record over its Bavarian counterpart chiefly due to concerns about potentially costly repair costs and dubious electrical gremlins which have been proven to plague older BMWs.
2012-Present Ford Focus
Starting price: $9,000 and up IIHS crash test rating: Good Why purchase it: Since its inception in 1998, the Focus has been a star performer for Ford. But for year, Ford's US and European division sold different cars beneath the "Focus" title -- with the European version better received. For 2012, the next generation Ford merged the model and gave the US Focus clients the European automobile they'd been awaiting. Power for Focus comes from a 2.0 liter 160 horsepower inline four cylinder engine. People looking for higher performance can select the critically acclaimed 252 hp Focus ST -- although even used cases of this model might be pricey.
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