First cars tend to be cars we remember, but it’s always better when those memories include things like how safe and reliable it was. If you’re looking for a car for a new driver, safety, reliability, and low cost are likely high on your list of priorities. Fortunately, plenty of options among used cars fit this profile. Let’s take a look at five.
Best All-Around: Subaru Outback
Late-model Subaru Outbacks are among the most affordable vehicles to insure for new drivers. The Outback balances an admirable combination of safety, practicality, and affordability, but it also has a slight cool factor that comes from the AWD’s ability to go anywhere. Outbacks from the 2010 to 2012 model years are IIHS Top Safety Picks, and all models from 2013 on have gotten the Top Safety Pick Plus award. In terms of price, you can usually find the Outback on the used car market for between $4,000 and $13,000, depending on the model year and options.
Compact Car Royalty: Honda Civic
The Honda Civic has been around for a long time. A big part of the Civic’s immense popularity over the years is due to how affordable and reliable it is. Today, it’s also one of the cheapest cars to insure for new drivers. However, you’ll want to avoid the temptation of cheaper models from 2000 and before due to their dubious status as some of the most stolen vehicles. Later models have a factory immobilizer system. The Honda Civic has its own cool factor as a car featured in many racing games and movies.
Pinnacle of Practicality: Toyota RAV4
If practicality is your main priority when looking at used cars for your new driver, it doesn’t get much more practical than the Toyota RAV4. With its compact SUV size, plenty of space, and reputation for reliability, the RAV4 checks all the boxes. It also gets high marks for safety, having garnered several IIHS Top Safety Pick awards throughout its life. Perhaps the only downside to the RAV4 is the price. This compact SUV tends to hold its value better than others on this list, so the price range you’ll be looking at for later models is between $12,000 and $24,000.
Fun Factor: Mazda 3
Compared to the other cars on this list, the Mazda 3 has a definite fun factor with handsome looks and sharp handling. However, it’s also plenty practical with a roomy cabin and a generous list of safety features. The Mazda 3 was a Top Safety Pick Plus between 2014 and 2017, and it also offered a lot of modern tech that rivals struggled to match. The Mazda 3 is relatively cheap to insure and can be found on the used market with a price tag between $4,000 and $8,000.
Impressive Reliability: Toyota Corolla
Similar to the Honda Civic, the Toyota Corolla goes back a long way and has enjoyed a strong reputation for success and reliability since its debut. The Corolla’s popularity is firmly in the reliability category and that distinction makes it a great first car. If you’re on a budget and don’t need a ton of cabin space, the Corolla fits the bill nicely. You can expect to find Corolla used cars between $5,000 and $13,000.
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