As a new driver, the car you use can make a big difference in how well you can drive and how you feel about traveling by car in the future. That means it’s vital to consider safety, reliability, and purchase and maintenance price when selecting your first car. We’ve considered price, reliability, safety features and ratings, and more to give you the top five used cars for new drivers this year!
Honda Civic
The 2015 Honda Civic sedan is a reliable vehicle that received a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a five-star crash rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It’s well-known for having good gas mileage and comes with a unique Honda LaneWatch system that uses a small camera to project a live view of the vehicle’s rear as you drive.
Mazda 3
The 2016 Mazda 3 hatchback’s Top Safety Pick+ and five-star rating make it a must-have for new drivers. Unlike other cars on this list, though, it has a sportier look and feel that appeals to older drivers who want some style in their ride. Its small size and fuel efficiency make it one of the best used cars for young teens or single adults who won’t need extra space when traveling.
Toyota Prius V
The 2012 Toyota Pruis V gives you all the safety and fuel economy of the Pruis with even more space! It has slower acceleration times for concerned new drivers hitting the highways and received an overall Good Frontal Offset Crash Test rating from the IIHS. You can also upgrade to higher trims for more safety and technology features while spending under $15,000 on used cars.
Ford Fusion
Ford provides a teen-specific driving package for the 2015 Ford Fusion, making it an attractive first choice for young drivers. MyKey technology allows limits for speed and volume to help parents set standards for up-and-coming drivers. Like the other vehicles on this list, it also has a Top Safety Pick and five-star NHSTA rating. Ford’s are also known for their reliability and durability without breaking the bank.
Subaru Legacy
The 2015 Subaru Legacy received the Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA due to its vast array of safety features. It has all-wheel drive and unique adaptive fog lamps that move with the steering wheel to provide extra illumination at night. Some used models are as cheap as $8,000 with low mileage, saving new drivers a nice bundle.
If You’re a New Driver, Give These Used Cars a Test Drive
Whether you’re an older new driver looking for your dream car or a parent looking for the perfect safe vehicle for your teen that won’t cost you an arm and a leg, these five used cars are among the best for new drivers. Now it’s just a question of narrowing down which suits your needs the best and checking your local dealership to see if one’s in stock!
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