Buying your first car can feel exciting and a little overwhelming at the same time. You want something reliable, easy to handle, and affordable to maintain, without draining your wallet on day one. That is where the right used car comes in. Many models have proven themselves over the years as beginner-friendly options that are simple to drive, safe, and cheap to keep on the road. They might not have the flash of a brand-new ride, but they make up for it with practicality and dependability. For new drivers, that peace of mind matters more than horsepower or luxury features. Here’s a look at used cars that check all the boxes for beginners.
Contents
- 1 Toyota Corolla (2017-2023)
- 2 Honda Civic (2016-2022)
- 3 Mazda3 (2014-2021)
- 4 Hyundai Elantra (2017-2022)
- 5 Toyota Camry (2018-2023)
- 6 Honda Accord (2018-2022)
- 7 Mazda6 (2014-2021)
- 8 Subaru Impreza (2017-2023)
- 9 Kia Forte (2019-2022)
- 10 Chevrolet Malibu (2016-2022)
- 11 Nissan Altima (2018-2022)
- 12 Ford Focus (2015-2018)
- 13 More From RetailShout
- 14 8 Costco Prepared Foods Worth Buying and 7 That Do Not Make the Cut
- 15 The 13 Best Motorcycles from Around the World
Toyota Corolla (2017-2023)
The Toyota Corolla is a compact sedan that is well-regarded for its reliability and fuel efficiency, making it an excellent option for new drivers. Its smooth ride and comfortable interior provide a pleasant driving experience, while its small size makes it easy to maneuver and park. The Corolla is equipped with modern safety features like lane-departure warning and adaptive cruise control, providing extra peace of mind on the road. Models from 2017 to 2023 also come with a user-friendly infotainment system, including smartphone integration for added convenience. Known for its low maintenance costs, the Corolla is an affordable car to own and operate, helping to keep costs low for beginners. The car’s strong resale value ensures that it remains a worthwhile investment in the long run. The price for a used 2017–2023 Toyota Corolla typically ranges from $10,000 to $18,000, depending on the model year and condition.
Honda Civic (2016-2022)
The Honda Civic is a compact car that offers a combination of sporty handling, excellent fuel economy, and a reputation for reliability, making it perfect for first-time drivers. Its well-designed interior provides plenty of space for both passengers and cargo, while the car’s nimble handling makes it easy to navigate tight city streets. From 2016 to 2022, the Civic comes with advanced safety features like Honda Sensing, which includes collision mitigation braking and lane-keeping assist. The Civic also offers impressive fuel efficiency, helping to reduce running costs over time. The car is known for being affordable to maintain, which is an important factor for new car owners. Its sleek design and tech features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto add to its appeal. The price range for a used Honda Civic from 2016 to 2022 is typically between $12,000 and $22,000.
Mazda3 (2014-2021)
The Mazda3 is a compact car that excels in delivering a sporty driving experience with its precise steering and agile handling. It is available in both sedan and hatchback styles, offering versatility for different needs. The Mazda3 is also known for its high safety ratings, with features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert to help ensure a safer driving experience. From 2014 to 2021, it comes equipped with an easy-to-use infotainment system and modern tech features, such as Apple CarPlay. Fuel efficiency is another strong point of the Mazda3, making it a cost-effective vehicle for daily commuting. Its compact size and fun-to-drive nature make it an enjoyable and practical choice for beginner drivers. The price for a used Mazda3 typically ranges from $8,000 to $18,000, depending on the model year and condition.
Hyundai Elantra (2017-2022)
The Hyundai Elantra offers great value with its affordable price, stylish design, and modern features, making it an ideal choice for new drivers. Models from 2017 to 2022 come equipped with advanced safety features like forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking, providing extra safety on the road. The Elantra delivers impressive fuel economy, helping to keep running costs low, which is especially important for first-time car owners. Its interior is spacious and well-equipped, with a user-friendly infotainment system that includes smartphone integration. The Elantra’s smooth ride and responsive handling make it an easy car to drive, even for those just starting out. Hyundai’s strong warranty coverage adds to its appeal, offering peace of mind to new car owners. A used Hyundai Elantra from 2017 to 2022 typically ranges from $7,000 to $15,000.
Toyota Camry (2018-2023)
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan that combines comfort, reliability, and a smooth driving experience, making it a top choice for new drivers. Known for its high safety ratings, the Camry is equipped with Toyota’s Safety Sense suite of features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. From 2018 to 2023, the Camry offers excellent fuel efficiency, helping to keep running costs low for first-time car buyers. The cabin is spacious and well-appointed, with easy-to-use technology and comfortable seating. Toyota’s reputation for reliability ensures that the Camry will last for many years with proper care, making it a solid investment. Its strong resale value means it holds its worth better than many competitors. A used Toyota Camry from 2018 to 2023 typically ranges from $15,000 to $25,000, depending on the model year and condition.
Honda Accord (2018-2022)
The Honda Accord is a midsize sedan that provides an excellent balance of comfort, performance, and safety, making it ideal for beginner drivers. It offers a smooth and quiet ride, with responsive handling that ensures an enjoyable driving experience. Models from 2018 to 2022 come with Honda Sensing, a suite of safety features that includes collision mitigation braking and adaptive cruise control. The Accord’s spacious interior and high-quality materials provide a comfortable environment for both the driver and passengers. Fuel efficiency is another strong point, making the Accord a great choice for long commutes or road trips. With a solid reputation for reliability, the Accord is built to last, making it a great investment for new car owners. The price for a used Honda Accord typically ranges from $16,000 to $26,000.
Mazda6 (2014-2021)
The Mazda6 is a midsize sedan that stands out for its sporty handling and high-quality interior, making it an attractive option for new drivers who want both style and practicality. From 2014 to 2021, the Mazda6 comes equipped with advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, making it a safer choice for beginners. The car’s agile handling makes it a joy to drive, while its comfortable ride ensures a pleasant experience for both short trips and long drives. Inside, the Mazda6 offers a well-appointed cabin with easy-to-use tech, including a touchscreen infotainment system. Fuel economy is another benefit, as the Mazda6 is efficient, helping to reduce costs for new car owners. Its stylish design and reliable performance ensure it holds up well over time. A used Mazda6 typically ranges from $9,000 to $18,000.
Subaru Impreza (2017-2023)
The Subaru Impreza is unique in its class by offering all-wheel drive as standard, making it an excellent choice for new drivers in regions with challenging weather conditions. From 2017 to 2023, the Impreza comes with a range of safety features, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, making it a great choice for beginner drivers. Its all-wheel-drive system provides extra stability and traction, which is especially beneficial for drivers who are still gaining confidence on the road. The Impreza’s spacious interior and user-friendly tech features ensure that both passengers and the driver remain comfortable. With Subaru’s reputation for durability, the Impreza is built to last and is known for its low maintenance costs. The Impreza’s excellent visibility and compact size make it easy to navigate tight spaces. A used Subaru Impreza typically ranges from $9,000 to $18,000.
Kia Forte (2019-2022)
The Kia Forte is a compact sedan that offers a combination of affordability, practicality, and modern features, making it an excellent choice for new drivers. Models from 2019 to 2022 come with a variety of safety features, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking, ensuring the driver’s safety. The Forte is also known for its impressive fuel efficiency, helping to reduce running costs over time. Its spacious interior provides ample room for passengers and cargo, making it suitable for everyday use. The Kia Forte’s sleek design and modern tech features, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, make it a fun car to drive. With Kia’s excellent warranty coverage, first-time car buyers can enjoy added peace of mind. A used Kia Forte typically ranges from $8,000 to $15,000.
Chevrolet Malibu (2016-2022)
The Chevrolet Malibu is a midsize sedan that offers a comfortable ride and spacious interior, making it a great choice for new drivers. From 2016 to 2022, the Malibu comes with a variety of standard tech features, including a rearview camera, smartphone integration, and an easy-to-use infotainment system. It also offers impressive fuel economy, making it an economical option for daily commuting. The Malibu’s smooth ride and stable handling make it easy to drive, even for those who are still learning the ropes. Safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warning ensure that drivers can navigate the road with confidence. Its reliable performance and low maintenance costs make it a great investment for first-time car owners. A used Chevrolet Malibu typically ranges from $9,000 to $17,000.
Nissan Altima (2018-2022)
The Nissan Altima is a midsize sedan that offers a combination of comfort, efficiency, and advanced safety features, making it perfect for new drivers. From 2018 to 2022, the Altima comes with a range of modern tech, including a touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone integration, and user-friendly controls. The Altima delivers excellent fuel efficiency, which helps reduce long-term costs for new drivers. Its spacious interior provides ample room for both passengers and cargo, making it a practical choice for everyday use. The Altima is also equipped with safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warning, ensuring a safe driving experience. Known for its reliability, the Altima is built to last, making it a smart investment for first-time car buyers. A used Nissan Altima typically ranges from $12,000 to $22,000.
Ford Focus (2015-2018)
The Ford Focus is a compact car that offers agile handling and modern features, making it a great option for new drivers. From 2015 to 2018, the Focus is equipped with a variety of tech options, including a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. The Focus is also known for its fuel efficiency, helping to reduce running costs. Its small size and responsive handling make it easy to navigate tight city streets and parking spaces. The Ford Focus is also comfortable, with a well-designed interior that offers a smooth ride for both the driver and passengers. Its strong safety ratings and low maintenance costs make it a dependable choice for first-time car owners. A used Ford Focus typically ranges from $7,000 to $14,000.
This article originally appeared on RetailShout.
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