1 great solution is to look at cars that are used, which can often be had for a fraction of the cost of new versions. We came up with 15 used cars we believe are the best for the youthful car buyer on a budget.
To make our list, we focused on automobiles that are available on the industry today for under $15,000. We looked for ones that are dependable, fun to drive, comfortable, attractive, economical, functional, and first and foremost, secure.
For safety, we checked the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) moderate front Door crash test ratings for the automobiles we selected.
Prices are based on present prices on Autotrader.com and reflect the lowest price we think a decent example may price.
2012-Present Ford Focus
Starting price: $9,000 and up IIHS crash test evaluation: Great Why buy it: Since its inception in 1998, the Focus was a star performer for Ford. But for year, Ford's US and European branch sold distinct automobiles beneath the "Focus" name -- with the European version better received. For 2012, the next generation Ford merged the version and finally gave the US Focus clients the European automobile they'd been waiting for. Power for Focus comes out of a 2.0 liter 160 horsepower inline four cylinder engine. Individuals looking for greater performance can select the critically acclaimed 252 hp Focus ST -- although even used examples of the model might be pricey.
1998-2005 Lexus IS300
Starting price: $6,500 and up IIHS crash test evaluation: Good Why buy it: When launched in 1998, the IS300 was supposed to function as Lexus' answer to the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes' C-Class. While it has not been able to overtake its German competitors, the IS300 nevertheless manages to provide Lexus new cache, and construct quality at an affordable yet stylish package. For drivers that need to haul more stuff, the IS300 even provides a Sportcross wagon large enough to match most mountain bikes or other sports equipments. Though the BMW 3-Series was and still is the best compact sports sedan on the market, the baby Lexus made the record over its Bavarian counterpart mainly because of concerns about possibly expensive repair costs and suspicious electric gremlins that were known to plague elderly BMWs.
2005-2012 Acura RL
Starting price: $14,500 and upward IIHS crash test rating: Great Why buy it: The Acura RL has been Honda's flagship model and is the most expensive car on the list. When new, 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 titanium drive-shaft, handmade maple wood accents, plus a slew of modern security features. The Rl's innovative "super handling" all-wheel-drive system and strong 300 horsepower V-6 gives the car a truly premium driving experience.
2010-Present Chevrolet Equinox
Starting price: $14,000 and up IIHS crash test rating: Good Why buy it: The second generation Chevy Equinox not just lasted the version 's sales success, it gave General Motors a topnotch compact crossover SUV to compete against the segment leaders. The Equinox offers a drivers a comfortable and capable crossover in stylish and attractive package. The base powerplant for the Equinox is a 2.4 liter 182 hp lookup motor, while more expensive models come equipped a choice of powerful V6 engine choices.
2004.5-2012 Volvo S40
Starting price: $7,900 and upward IIHS crash test evaluation: Good Why buy itIntroduced in mid 2004 as a "2004.5" version, the second generation S40 sedan is Volvo's take on a small, stylish, and sporty sedan. As expected with any Volvo, the S40 is equipped with a slew of security features. Power for the S40 comes in Volvo's venerable inline five-cylinder. The base version pumps out a decent 168 horsepower, while sportier turbocharged variations 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 one of the most popular selling mini-SUV's in the world. The CR-V offers an amazing blend of economy, utility and Honda's unbeatable history for reliability. Though some might find the CR-V's little lookup engine to be somewhat underpowered, it's more than okay for most daily commutes. Honda has also contained a range of fun features like a collapsible center console and an in-car picnic table. The CR-V has retained its worth remarkably well, therefore finding a well-preserved example might require a cost premium.
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 world for the automaker. The Fit offers fun, versatility, and reliability in a compact bundle and looks great after basic car detailing package. Even though the Fit was introduced in other areas of the planet in 2001, the version didn't make it to the US until 2006. The earliest used examples of the car represent the tail end of this first generation version, which was replaced with a second production in 2009. Both generations of the match are powered by Honda's nimble 1.5-liter inline lookup engine producing 109 horsepower in the gen 1 version and 117 in the gen 2 cars.
1998-2004 Toyota Tacoma
Starting price: $5,900 and up IIHS crash test rating: Acceptable Why buy it: Toyota's Tacoma pickup makes our record as the sole representative of this pickup segment. The Tacoma offers rugged off-road capacity along with 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 bidding thirsty when it comes to petrol.
2005-Present Nissan Xterra
Starting price: $8,900 and upward IIHS crash test evaluation: Good Why buy it: Nissan's second generation Xterra SUV hit the marketplace in 2005 and continued that the very first generation version 's theme of ruggedness, and simplicity with a focus on an active outdoor lifestyle. The Xterra has seen few significant changes in the decade it has been in manufacturing and all automobiles are powered by a 4.0 liter version of Nissan's award-winning VQ-series V6 engine which produces 265 horsepower.
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