The Best Used Cars to Buy for First Time Car Owners

Owning your very first car is an exciting time in a person’s life. Likely you want to put a lot of thought and research into the process to ensure you get something that meets your needs, is fun to drive, and let’s face it, a car that is awesome to look at. We’ve gathered a list of the top five best used cars for first time owners to purchase.

Must-haves

Here are a few things you may want to keep in mind during the shopping experience:

  • The car is easy to handle on the road
  • The car is easy to park
  • It’s great on fuel economy
  • It offers a nice amount of cargo space
  • It’s peppy and fun to drive

Top five vehicles

Keeping these must-haves in mind, here’s a collection of cars that manages to stand out:

  • Honda Civic: One of the things that make this car such a great first vehicle is that it’s known to keep last. It's actually not unheard of to see this car hit more than 250,000 miles and still run well. Another advantage is that it is easy to find parts if there are any issues, which also makes repairs reasonably priced.

  • Ford Mustang: If it’s a sports car you’re after for your first car then here’s a classic that is bound to catch your eye. The Ford Mustang has decades worth of technology and design behind it. Despite the fact it's very sporty, filled with features, and has luxurious lines, the price tag remains reasonable. It should be mentioned that fuel economy is average.

  • Volkswagen Jetta TDI: Here’s another make and model that has been around for quite some time and has built quite the solid reputation. Although it's not quite as sporty as the Mustang, it's still got a cool vibe going for it. If you're interested in fuel economy, this is a great way to go. Keep in mind that repairs on this vehicle can be expensive due to the parts.

  • Honda Fit: Honda does it again and this time they are able to deliver a compact car that performs well, has pep to it, looks fun, and is a breeze to park. Even if it’s tight spaces you’re trying to get into, you’ll have no problems.

  • Kia Sportage: Compact SUV's are always popular thanks to the fact you get the look of the SUV but they handle much more like a car. The Kia Sportage is easy enough to park, will feel comfortable to drive, and you have the added luxury of extra cargo space.


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Jermaine

25 years of experience
382 reviews
Jermaine
25 years of experience
Dodge Durango V6-3.6L - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Silver Spring, Maryland
Awesome mechanic! Very reliable !! Awesome personality! Explained everything and now I feel less stressed.
Hyundai Ioniq - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Chevy Chase, Maryland
Jermaine was very friendly, efficient and professional. He kindly explained to me those things that did not score well in the service report, so that it didn't come as a surprise, and I would know what to do about it.

Caz

18 years of experience
146 reviews
Caz
18 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz GLA250 L4-2.0L Turbo - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Woodstock, Georgia
Caz was extremely knowledgeable, personable and provided excellent service. He was on time for the appointment and answered and explained everything I asked concerning my vehicle. I will definitely use the company again and I would love to have Caz as my mechanic! Excellent!
Mercedes-Benz S550 - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Mableton, Georgia
Caz Arrived on time much earlier than scheduled. He was very professional in inspecting the car and made excellent recommendations.

Brian

19 years of experience
138 reviews
Brian
19 years of experience
Lexus RX350 V6-3.5L - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - McDonough, Georgia
Brian was very informational and knowledgeable about the Inspection. He throughly inform me what issues on vehicle. Great Mechanic !!!
Ford Transit-350 HD - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - McDonough, Georgia
Great service. Honest , respectful and truly cares about making sure you get the best options possible at an affordable price. Finding a mechanic you can trust is rare. I highly recommend Brain.

Jay

24 years of experience
262 reviews
Jay
24 years of experience
Honda CR-V L4-2.4L - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Glendale Heights, Illinois
Jay did a great job! Excellent at taking time to explain things about your car. And provided sound recommendation on repair. Courteous and responsive. I would definitely recommend Jay!
BMW 535i xDrive - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Des Plaines, Illinois
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