The Top 5 Used Cars for Young Drivers: Safe, Affordable, and Practical
At Heavy Metal Motors we have a lot of opinions. Among the less controversial of them is, when it comes to buying a car for a young driver, there’s no better option than a quality used vehicle. New cars come with a high price tag, and the moment you drive off the lot, their value starts to depreciate. Buying used allows you to get a reliable, safe, and stylish car without breaking the bank. Here, we’ve rounded up the top 5 used cars for young drivers, all based on their affordability, safety features, and overall appeal.
Why Choose a Used Car for Your Teen Driver?
Before we dive into the top picks, let’s talk about why buying a used car makes sense for young drivers:
Cost of Ownership
New cars lose value the second they’re driven off the lot, but with used cars, you can avoid that immediate depreciation. Plus, you can often get a higher-quality car for the same price as a new entry-level model.Safety
Modern used cars come equipped with excellent safety features, including stability control, airbags, and advanced driver assistance systems. There is an argument to be made that relying on technology for safety is a double-edged sword, but that’s a topic for another time. When buying used, look for cars that have good crash-test ratings and a proven safety record.Insurability
Insurance premiums for used cars tend to be lower than for new vehicles. Younger drivers often face high insurance rates, so opting for a used car can help bring down those costs.Reliability and Maintenance
Today’s used cars, especially those from reliable brands, can easily last over 100,000 miles with proper care. When you shop for used, look for vehicles that are well-maintained and come with a solid service history.
The Top 5 Used Cars for Young Drivers
1. Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is one of the best-selling compact cars for a reason: it’s reliable, fuel-efficient, and affordable to maintain. With a reputation for longevity, a used Corolla makes a perfect first car for any young driver. Models from 2015 and newer come with essential safety features like Toyota Safety Sense, which includes pre-collision systems and lane departure warnings.
Price: Starting around $10,000 for models from 2015 onward, much less for mid 2000’s
Safety: 5-star NHTSA rating, Toyota Safety Sense
Fuel Economy: 28/36 mpg (city/highway)
Insurability: Low insurance premiums
2. Honda Civic
The Honda Civic has long been a favorite among younger drivers, and it’s not hard to see why. Known for its sporty feel, solid build quality, and excellent fuel economy, the Civic is a smart choice for a used car. The 2016 and later models come equipped with Honda Sensing, which includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and forward-collision warning, ensuring that your teen stays safe on the road.
Price: Starting around $12,000 for 2016 models
Safety: 5-star NHTSA rating, Honda Sensing
Fuel Economy: 31/40 mpg (city/highway)
Insurability: Moderate insurance costs (depends on model)
3. Mazda3
For young drivers who want a car that’s fun to drive and stylish, the Mazda3 is a top contender. It offers sharp handling, a sleek design, and a great balance of performance and efficiency. The 2015-2019 models come with standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, making it a safe option for new drivers.
Price: Starting around $9,000 for 2015 models
Safety: 5-star NHTSA rating, i-Activsense safety features
Fuel Economy: 28/36 mpg (city/highway)
Insurability: Lower premiums compared to sportier vehicles
4. Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra is an affordable, reliable compact sedan that provides plenty of value for the price. With models from 2017 and newer, you get access to Hyundai’s SmartSense safety suite, which includes lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. It’s an excellent option for young drivers who want something modern and safe without breaking the bank.
Price: Starting around $10,500 for 2017 models
Safety: 5-star NHTSA rating, Hyundai SmartSense
Fuel Economy: 32/40 mpg (city/highway)
Insurability: Very low insurance premiums
5. Ford Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta is a small, fun, and affordable car that’s perfect for young drivers who want something compact and nimble. With excellent handling and a stylish design, the Fiesta is also one of the cheapest cars to insure. Though it lacks some of the advanced safety features found in other models, it still offers a solid driving experience with modern tech like SYNC infotainment and hands-free calling.
Price: Starting around $7,500 for 2016 models
Safety: 4-star NHTSA rating, basic safety features
Fuel Economy: 27/35 mpg (city/highway)
Insurability: One of the cheapest cars to insure
Conclusion: Why a Used Car Is the Smart Choice for Your Teen Driver
Choosing a used car for your young driver is not only a financially smart move, it’s also a safer and more practical option. Whether you opt for the reliable Toyota Corolla, the fun-to-drive Mazda3, or the tech-packed Hyundai Elantra, any of these cars will serve your teen well for years to come.
When shopping for a used vehicle, always make sure to check the car’s history, look for well-maintained models, and have a trusted mechanic inspect it before purchasing. A well-chosen used car can offer just as much safety, reliability, and style as a new one, at a fraction of the cost!
Planning on purchasing a car for your teen driver? Bring it to Heavy Metal Motors for a complete bumper to bumper inspection for just $79! We go over all of our findings with you at the time, and you will have a printout with everything you need to know about the vehicles current condition, as well as future maintenance needs and the expected costs associated with them!
Call or text us anytime at 503-477-2976. We’re happy to chat with you about your car!
