Top Picks: Best Used Cars for New Drivers
Top Picks: Best Used Cars for New Drivers
Posted on December 16, 2024
With so many options to choose from for used vehicles, buying your first car can seem like a daunting task. However, with the right planning and research, you can find a car that's perfect for you. In this article, we'll help narrow down some options that our sales advisors and technicians believe offer the ideal balance of safety, reliability, and affordability. Read on to discover the best used cars for new drivers.
Tips for First-Time Car Buyers
Buying your first car? Congratulations! It's an exciting experience, but it’s important to be well-prepared. Two things that you should keep in mind is securing car insurance before finalizing your purchase and performing a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) check.
Proof of insurance is legally required before purchasing a vehicle, and the VIN on your vehicle provides important details including its make, model, and manufacturing specs. The VIN can also reveal any past accidents or major repairs, helping you make an informed decision on the pros and cons of any potential purchases.
Top Used Cars for New Drivers
The Mazda3 is a great option for new drivers, and can often be found at prices under $10,000.
Our sales team often recommends that new drivers - and teen drivers in particular - buy a used car as their first vehicle, due to lower starting costs. However, this doesn't mean that you have to skimp on quality or reliability, as there are a number of makes and models that have distinguished themselves as high-quality both new and used.
When browsing for used vehicles, it’s important to consider factors like fuel economy, typical mileage, and crash prevention test ratings. A car in good condition with a history of reliability can make a significant difference over time.
Here are some specific models that stand out as excellent choices for new drivers.
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic, one of the most common midsize cars you'll see on the roads and a trusted model for many drivers.
The Honda Civic is a top choice among midsize cars today, offering a blend of safety, fuel efficiency, and reliability that makes it a favorite for new drivers. With an impressive highway mileage of about 39 miles per gallon, the Civic helps keep fuel costs down.
Additionally, the Honda Civic offers flexibility with options for either a manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT), catering to different driver preferences.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is a fantastic option for teen drivers due to its reliability and longevity.
The Toyota Corolla is a fantastic option for teen drivers. Models from 2012 onwards stand out for their impressive safety ratings, scoring 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests and earning the title of Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. These high safety scores provide peace of mind for both young drivers and their parents.
Beyond safety, the Corolla shines with low insurance premiums and excellent fuel efficiency, offering up to 29 miles per gallon combined. Our techs have praised the Corolla for its long-lasting reliability, with many customers proudly reporting that their Corollas surpassed 300,000 miles with proper care.
Mazda 3
If you're seeking a more engaging driving experience, the Mazda 3 is an excellent choice. Renowned for its sporty character, the Mazda 3 offers a fun and dynamic ride.
According to our sales advisors, a used Mazda 3 typically ranges between $8,000 and $15,000, making it an affordable option for new drivers. With typical mileage between 80,000 and 160,000 kilometers, this vehicle strikes a great balance of performance, safety, and affordability.
Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback offers higher suspension, making it a great car for rugged terrains as well as city streets.
The Subaru Outback is a fantastic pick for anyone looking for a car with all-wheel drive and top-notch safety ratings. It's known for its dependability and advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring and automatic braking, which boost driver confidence, making it a great fit for new drivers.
Starting at around $17,000, the Outback offers excellent value. With its higher suspension and extra ground clearance, it's also perfect if you enjoy off-road adventures.
Hyundai Elantra
The Elantra has amazing fuel economy, as well as a wealth of advanced safety features.
The Hyundai Elantra is a great option if you're after enhanced safety features and fuel efficiency. The Elantra has previously received IIHS Top Safety Pick status and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.
The Elantra is economical, with the Hybrid version achieving an impressive 54 miles per gallon combined. Standard safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward automatic emergency braking, making it a safe choice for teen drivers.
Best Small SUVs for New Drivers
The Mazda CX-5 is a popular choice across all our dealerships, primarily for its versatility as a first car for new and experienced drivers alike.
Versatility and safety are key factors to consider when you're looking at buying your first car, which is why small SUVs are a popular choice for new drivers. These vehicles offer a higher driving position, better visibility, and often come with all-wheel drive.
Here are some of our favourite small SUVs for new drivers, combining reliability, safety, and affordability.
Honda CR-V
The CR-V is a fuel-efficient option with plenty of cargo space for your belongings.
The Honda CR-V really shines among small SUVs, thanks to its updated engine that boosts fuel efficiency to around 29 mpg when paired with front-wheel drive. Plus, it's got plenty of room for your stuff, offering 35.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the back seats up, and a roomy 70.9 cubic feet when you fold them down.
When it comes to safety features, the CR-V is equipped with cool tech like a rearview camera and LaneWatch to keep an eye on those pesky blind spots. Some models have even snagged a four-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, making it a solid and safe pick for new drivers out there.
Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 is known for its fun driving experience and solid reliability among our sales team. We especially love post-2014 models, which our sales advisors recommend due to their heightened safety features.
Typically, the Mazda CX-5 is affordable and falls within a price range suitable for new drivers. Engaging driving dynamics and practical features make it a great option for those seeking a small SUV.
Hyundai Tucson
Perfect for families or those who need lots of storage space, the Hyundai Tucson is an affordable SUV that also comes in hybrid trims.
The Hyundai Tucson is a fantastic pick for new drivers. The Tucson Hybrid has snagged the IIHS 2024 Top Safety Pick and boasts a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. It comes equipped with standard driver-assistance features like forward automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, plus a rear cross-traffic alert.
The Tucson’s roomy interior and top-notch safety features ensure a smooth and secure ride for new drivers and families alike. The 2024 model even adds forward collision warning and reverse automatic braking, further boosting safety on the road.
Best Midsize Cars for New Drivers
The Ford Fusion is a great choice for a used midsize car.
For many new drivers, our sales team recommends purchasing a midsize car, which strikes the perfect balance between safety, reliability, and comfort. Affordability is also a key benefit, particularly for younger drivers and their parents, and these vehicles generally fit that bill.
Here are some of the best midsize cars for new drivers.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry has ranked consistently among the safest vehicles on the road.
The Toyota Camry is well-known for its reliability and safety. Take the 2024 Toyota Camry Hybrid, for example, which has snagged a IIHS Top Safety Pick award, highlighting its top-notch safety performance.
For new drivers, the Camry is a fantastic pick, celebrated for its long-lasting dependability. It perfectly combines safety, comfort, and reliability, making it a standout choice for those in search of a trustworthy midsize car.
Subaru Legacy
The Subaru Legacy is a solid pick for new drivers. It's got a perfect five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and is also an IIHS 2024 Top Safety Pick. These impressive safety scores make it a trustworthy choice for anyone hitting the road for the first time.
With its all-wheel drive, reliable performance, and advanced safety features, the Legacy is a fantastic option for newcomers. Plus, its spacious interior and strong performance make it both a practical and safe ride.
Ford Fusion
The Ford Fusion is a solid choice for new drivers looking for a reliable midsize sedan. With top safety ratings and plenty of room inside, it ticks all the right boxes. You'll appreciate features like standard antilock brakes, stability control, and multiple airbags, which make every drive a safe one.
Known for its dependable performance, the Fusion offers a smooth ride and peace of mind. Its spacious interior and generous trunk space make it perfect for both long road trips and everyday commutes.
For those new to driving who want a blend of safety, comfort, and reliability, the Ford Fusion is definitely worth considering.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a mainstay on roads, and for good reason, given its safety features and ample interior space.
The Honda Accord is a standout choice for new drivers. As a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, the Accord ensures a safe driving experience. It also offers a variety of transmission options, including a six-speed automatic, six-speed manual, or CVT, catering to different driving preferences.
With its roomy interior and advanced safety features, the Accord guarantees a comfortable and secure ride for new drivers.
Best Affordable Used Cars Under $10,000
The Honda Fit is a sporty little car that's perfect for new drivers looking for sleek city rides.
For new drivers keeping an eye on their budget, there are plenty of affordable new and used cars available for under $10,000. While a price tag that low might make some customers suspicious, rest assured that these vehicles offer a solid mix of reliability, fuel efficiency, and safety, making them perfect for first-time car buyers.
Check out some top budget-friendly picks from our sales team.
Ford Taurus
Enhanced safety at a budget-friendly price.
The Ford Taurus is a great pick for new drivers on a budget. Known for its extended side-curtain airbags, it offers enhanced safety for everyone inside. With its affordable price and solid safety features, the Taurus is a smart choice for those seeking an economical first car.
It also offers a roomy interior and dependable performance, making it a practical option with decent gas mileage.
Honda Fit
The Honda Fit stands out for its impressive fuel economy and versatility. Its compact design makes it a breeze to maneuver, especially handy for new drivers dealing with tight spots.
The Fit also boasts flexible cargo space thanks to its Magic Seat feature, allowing for various setups to fit different needs. With high safety ratings and low maintenance costs, it's a great pick for first-time car owners.
Toyota Prius
An eco-friendly hybrid that's affordable and reliable.
The Toyota Prius is a favorite among Uber drivers for its outstanding fuel efficiency and eco-friendly design. With an impressive 48 mpg combined, it's a smart choice for budget-conscious drivers.
Every Prius model has received top safety ratings from the IIHS, offering peace of mind for new drivers. Its cost-effectiveness and advanced safety features make it a perfect pick for anyone looking for a budget-friendly, reliable vehicle with excellent safety credentials.
Summary
Finding the ideal used car for new drivers is all about striking the right balance between safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Whether you're considering a Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Subaru Legacy, or Hyundai Tucson, there are numerous excellent options available. Focus on aspects like fuel economy, safety ratings, and the car's condition to ensure a wise decision that guarantees a safe and enjoyable driving experience.