For teenagers and new drivers, purchasing their first automobile can be an exciting experience, and selecting a vehicle that is a good fit is essential to maintaining that enthusiasm. Check over the many characteristics that vehicles have to offer, as well as the wide variety of excellent pre-owned automobiles that are on the market today when you are just starting out as a driver. Your loved ones and friends may be able to provide you with some advice on the car brands that they like.
We have produced a list of the top automobiles for novice drivers and teenagers so that it might be of assistance to you as you look for your first vehicle. We compiled this information based on the best-choices list provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) of suggested used automobiles for teenagers with prices beginning around $20,000. Your newly minted young driver now has a valid driver’s license. So what do we do now? If you are beginning a search for the most suitable automobiles for adolescents, we are here to provide a hand. Even if you don’t have the funds to purchase one of our recommendations, we will still provide some guidance that will be useful to you in your search.
If you take away nothing else from this, make it the fact that safety should be your first priority. Our is the most important factor to consider while making each of our selections for good first cars for 17 year olds, as well as the focus of this list.
The fatal accident rate per mile traveled for drivers aged 16 to 19 years old in the United States is roughly three times higher than the rate for drivers aged 20 and older. The most dangerous years are between the ages of 16 and 17. In 2018, drivers were responsible for 63 percent of the fatalities that occurred among passenger car passengers between the ages of 16 and 19.
It’s all about being safe, after all!
Good First Cars For 17-Year Olds Boy & Girl
Also Check: Top Winter Challenges Faced by New Drivers
#1. 2017 Toyota RAV4

- Price: $ 25,405
- Engine: 2.5 L Regular Unleaded I-4
- Horsepower: 176@6000
- Torque: 172@4100
- Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic Transmission
The 2017 Toyota RAV4, which has been awarded the title of Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, comes equipped with a variety of cutting-edge safety technologies. Consider purchasing at least the SE trim level since this will get you access to the greatest number of standard safety features. Along with that, you will have automatic high beams, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise, and LED headlights. Additionally, you will get dual-zone automatic temperature control, fog lights, and LED headlights.
Pros
- A plethora of built-in options
- With plenty of room for passengers and baggage, this vehicle is ideal for long trips
- It was a pleasant journey
Cons
- There are a few cheap plastics on the inside
- Slow and steady progress
#2. 2018 Mazda CX-5

- Price: $ 25,145
- Engine: 2.5 L Regular Unleaded I-4
- Horsepower: 187@6000
- Torque: 186@4000
- Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic Transmission
If you purchase the Mazda CX-5 in the Touring trim level for 2018, it comes standard with a wide variety of cutting-edge driver assistance and safety technologies. In addition, it has lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and LED headlights, as well as auto-leveling headlamps, automated temperature control for both zones, automatic climate control, and automatic high beams. It was quite successful in all of the crash tests and is good cheap first cars for 17 year olds. In addition to that, its dependability is exceptional.
Pros
- Handling that’s a blast
- Cabin that’s fit for a king
- Seating with plenty of legroom
- Excellent safety ratings
Cons
- Weird controls for the in-car entertainment system
Also Check: Top 10 Best Cars For New Drivers
#3. 2017 Honda CR-V

- Price: $ 25,020
- Engine: 1.5 L Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
- Horsepower: 190@5600
- Torque: 179@2000
- Transmission: Continuous Variable Transmission
The Honda CR-V model year 2017 is designed as good cheap first cars for 17 year olds. This is the first year when the redesigned Honda CR-V benefits from Honda’s comprehensive overhaul of the vehicle. The EX trim level comes included with the sophisticated driver assistance and safety features that we suggest. In addition to that, it offers automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, fog lights, automated temperature control with dual zones, adaptive cruise control, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Pros
- Legroom in the back of the vehicle is really good
- Large space for storing cargo
- Excellent savings on gasoline
- Superbly safe
Cons
- Engine power that isn’t great
#4. 2018 Mazda-3

- Price: $ 18,990
- Engine: 2.5 L Regular Unleaded I-4
- Horsepower: 184@5700
- Torque: 185@3250
- Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic Transmission
Because of its small size, the 2018 Mazda3 is quite simple to navigate through traffic and find a parking place in a variety of settings, including supermarkets and congested urban cores with a scarcity of parking spaces. Teenagers and new drivers have the chance to acquire an important skill while also having some fun, thanks to the offered six-speed manual gearbox. There is a six-speed automatic transmission available for the Mazda3 for drivers who would rather let the car select gears for them. If you are used to riding public transit or utilizing a ridesharing service, this automobile may give you a sense of confidence & control once you get behind the wheel. This is the case regardless of whatever mode of transportation you are most used to using.
Pros
- A joy to drive!
- Acceleration is really quick
- Superb ratings for security
- Beautiful, high-end interior design
Cons
- Using the touch screen is only possible when the car is at a complete standstill
Also Check: Top 8 Best Cars That Get 40 MPG or More
#5. 2019 Hyundai Elantra

- Price: $ 18,130
- Engine: 2.0 L Regular Unleaded I-4
- Horsepower: 147@6200
- Torque: 132@4500
- Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic Transmission
It is possible that the 2017-2019 Hyundai Elantra will have a model suitable for drivers of varying ages and levels of driving expertise and is good first cars for a 17 year old boy. The Elantra is offered in a number of different body designs and trims levels, ranging from the fuel-efficient Eco model that was produced in 2017-2018 to the sporty GT N Line variant that will be produced in 2019. A completely redesigned Elantra sedan was introduced for the model year 2017, while a variant with updated exterior styling was released in 2019. The fuel efficiency of the Eco car, which has a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, is something that inexperienced motorists may find appealing. According to the EPA, the Eco sedan achieves a combined mileage rating of 35 miles per gallon. 2 Even the performance-oriented 2019 GT N Line, which comes equipped with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, is expected to get 32 miles per gallon on the highway by the EPA, while still providing drivers with the thrill of 201 horsepower.
Pros
- Infotainment systems that are easy to use
- Numerous options at your disposal
- More than enough space in the trunk
Cons
- Relatively stale engines
#6. 2020 Toyota Corolla

- Price: $ 20,595
- Engine: 1.8 L Regular Unleaded I-4
- Horsepower: 139@6100
- Torque: 126@3900
- Transmission: Continuous Variable Transmission
The Toyota Corolla should absolutely be at the top of any list that compiles excellent vehicles suitable for new drivers. A revamped version of Toyota’s popular Corolla automobile was introduced for the 2020 model year. There is a 1.8L four-cylinder engine available on the L, LE, and XLE trim levels of the Corolla sedan. This engine produces 139 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque, which is sufficient for even the most inexperienced drivers to get up to speed quickly. Additionally, the EPA estimates that this engine achieves 38 miles per gallon when driven on the highway (L and LE trims). 2 A 2.0-liter inline-four engine that generates 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque is standard equipment for the SE and XSE sedans, which are more athletically oriented. In addition, Toyota released the Corolla Hybrid car for the 2020 model year, which is predicted to achieve an outstanding 52 miles per gallon combined.
Pros
- Fuel efficiency is exceptional
- There are a plethora of proactive safety measures
Cons
- The basic engine is sluggish
- Transmission performance that varies widely
- Hatchback’s cramped back seat
Also Check: The 8 Best New Cars With 0 Financing Right Now!
#7. 2017 Honda Accord

- Price: $ 23,345
- Engine: 3.5 L Regular Unleaded V-6
- Horsepower: 278@6200
- Torque: 252@4900
- Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic Transmission
The classic Honda Accord, the model year 2017, takes the top spot in our ranking of the best vehicles for novice drivers. The sporty Accord has long become a favorite of novice drivers because of its attractive exterior, many standard equipment, and considerable cargo space (15.8 cu ft), and the model year 2017 is not an exception to this trend. In 2016, Honda refreshed the look of its best-selling Accord and brought the car’s technology up to date. This revision brings improvements to the 2017 model, which also retains the 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 185 horsepower. The back seat of this sedan folds down in one piece, making it convenient for transporting large things like sporting equipment.
Pros
- It was a pleasant journey
- Excellent savings on gasoline
- Optional CVT that responds quickly
Cons
- The trunk has an odd form
- Predicted dependability is below average
#8. 2019 Subaru Crosstrek

- Price: $ 22,870
- Engine: 2.0 L Regular Unleaded H-4
- Horsepower: 152@6000
- Torque: 145@4000
- Transmission: 7-Speed Continuous Variable Transmission
The Crosstrek is Subaru’s subcompact SUV offering a blend of comfort, reliability, and off-road prowess and is good first cars for 17 year olds girl. Shop for the Premium trim level of the Subaru Crosstrek if you want the additional safety features that we suggest getting. Even though it comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD), the Crosstrek still achieves an EPA-estimated 33 miles per gallon when driven on the interstate. Additional amenities that should be considered for a young driver are automatic temperature control, fog lights, a windscreen wiper de-icer, cruise control, carriageway warning, and includes facilitating.
Pros
- Ample room for storing goods
- Cabin with a luxurious feel
- Easy-to-use technology for entertainment
- It was a breeze
Cons
- Slowly increasing speed
- Unable to keep up with opponents’ quickness
- They may need a little more padding
Also Check: 10 New Cars With Seats That Fold Into A Bed
#9. 2019 Toyota Prius

- Price: $ 24,725
- Engine: 1.8 L Gas/Electric I-4
- Horsepower: 121@5200
- Torque: 105@3600
- Transmission: 1-Speed Continuous Variable Transmission
The Toyota Prius is a hybrid vehicle developed specifically for a particular purpose and is well-known for its dependability and safety. Beginning in 2019, it will even be available with an all-wheel drive as an option. We suggest going up to an LE or higher trim level if you want to gain driver assistance features and enhanced safety technology. Bi-LED headlights, automated high beams, adaptive cruise control, automated temperature control, lane-keeping assist, plus parking sensors are a few of the additional features that set this vehicle apart from the competition. An outstanding 58 miles per gallon in the city, 53 miles per gallon on the highway, and 56 miles per gallon combined are what the government estimates the fuel economy to be.
Pros
- Exceptionally low carbon footprint
- There is a lot of room for cargo
- There are several built-in security measures
Cons
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not supported
- A lack of excitement in the driving experience
- An uninspiring drivetrain is the result
#10. 2018 Kia Sportage

- Price: $ 24,590
- Engine: 2.0 L Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
- Horsepower: 237@6000
- Torque: 260@1450
- Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic Transmission
The 2018 Kia Sportage is a small SUV that has excellent durability and received favorable ratings in crash testing and good cheap first cars for 17 year olds. It has the safety features that we suggest, particularly when equipped with the Technology Package and the EX trim level. In addition to that, it has fog lights, automatic high beams, and windshield wipers that de-ice automatically. Your teen’s life is not likely to be spared by the navigation system, but it may be of assistance to them in reaching their destination.
Pros
- a high-end interior
- Seating for two people in each of the two rows is generous
- Effortless control and a pleasant ride
- Reliability anticipated to be high
Cons
- Engines that fail to impress
- Fuel efficiency is below average
- Rivals have a smaller cargo hold
FAQs About Good First Cars For 17-Year Olds
What is the best starter car for 17 year old?
Previous Models of Honda Civic, Toyota Camry, Toyota RAV4, and Mazda CX-5 are a few best starter cars for 17 years old.
What is the cheapest car to insure at 17?
Honda Odyssey LX, Subaru Outback, Mazda CX-3, and Honda CR-V of 2019 are among the cheapest car to insure at 17.
Can you put a 17 year old on your car insurance?
When it comes to insurance, this implies that a person who is 17 years old cannot possess their own auto insurance coverage unless they have an adult co-sign the policy with them. In point of fact, if a youngster wishes to finance and purchase a vehicle, a parent or guardian of that child is required to co-sign the loan. Even if they paid with cash, their parent would still be the official owner of the item.
Can you pay car insurance monthly at 17?
Yes! To make the expense of their auto insurance more manageable, a significant number of 17-year-olds choose to make monthly payments rather than a lump-sum payments. If you opt to make payments on your auto insurance on a monthly basis, the total cost of your policy will wind up being higher.
How much would insurance be for a 16 year old with a Mustang?
Insurance for younger drivers, particularly those who are less than 18 years old, is much more costly for those who drive a Mustang. The average yearly premium for insuring a Ford Mustang for a driver who is 16 years old is $5,948 for a policy that covers a period of six months.
FAQs
How much should a 17 year old spend on their first car? ›
Just because it's their first car doesn't mean it needs to be their most expensive one, which is why many parents opt for used cars. Based on that approach, anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 is generally recommended. For instance, Kelley Blue Book compiled a list of best cars for teens under $20,000.
How much should a 17 year old spend on a car? ›It's generally suggested that parents cap their spending limit at around $10,000 for their teen's first vehicle, and most stick to used ones. If you stick to this guideline, then the most you need to save is around $2,000.
How can I save money at 17 for a car? ›- Set a savings Goal.
- Find a renewable source of income.
- Avoid needless spending.
- Find additional sources of income when possible.
- Buy your car.
For your first car, you can spend an average of $5000 to $10000. Most first-time car buyers can't afford a car worth more than $10000, and it's risky to purchase a vehicle costing less than $5000 as it cannot be relied upon.
Can I pay off a car at 17? ›Legally, only someone over 18 can get a loan and, even if you are 18 or older, the lender will probably ask for your parent or another adult to co-sign. However, you'll need to make the payments every month, or it will have a negative impact on your credit—and on your co-signer's credit, too.
What is a good age for a first car? ›In the survey, 14 percent of millennials see 18 as the optimal age compared with 7 percent for consumers aged 38 and up. By region of the country, the Northeast is the least likely to consider 21 as the optimum age to first buy a car, at 41 percent. That compares with 54 percent for the rest of the country.
How much should you save as a 17 year old? ›“A good rule to live by is to save 10 percent of what you earn, and have at least three months' worth of living expenses saved up in case of an emergency.” Once your teen has a steady job, help them set up a savings program so that at least 10 percent of earnings goes directly into their savings account.
Should your first car be new or used? ›The best way to save money is to buy used. A new car loses almost half its value in the first five years, so go for one that's a few years old yet still has contemporary safety features and many useful years ahead of it.
Is it good to buy a car at 16? ›A car can absolutely be a need, not a want,” says Ron Lieber, New York Times columnist and author of “The Opposite of Spoiled: Raising Kids Who Are Grounded, Generous, and Smart About Money.” However, experts agree that a parent should not get a teenager a “dream car,” for both safety and financial reasons.
Do most parents buy their kid a car? ›What percent of parents buy their kids cars? AutoTrader.com surveyed parents with children of driving age and found that while 14 percent said their parents had purchased their first car, 41 percent said they bought their child's first car for them.
What age are most car accidents? ›
Who is Most at Risk? The risk of motor vehicle crashes is higher among teens ages 16–19 than among any other age group. Teen drivers in this age group have a fatal crash rate almost three times as high as drivers ages 20 and older per mile driven.
What size engine car can a 17 year old drive? ›Most cars with an engine bigger than 1.4 Litres should be struck off your list of cars due to incredibly high insurance costs for a first driver, especially if you are 17 or 18 and getting your first car.
What is the number 1 safest car? ›- Acura Integra.
- Honda Civic.
- Mazda 3.
- Toyota Corolla.
- Hyundai Sonata.
- Subaru Legacy.
- Toyota Camry.
- Genesis G90.
How Much Do I Need for a Car Down Payment? In general, a good rule of thumb is to aim for 10% down for used cars and 20% for new vehicles. For example, if the new car you've settled on costs $25,000 and you want to make a 20% down payment, you'll need to save $5,000.
How much should I save before buying first car? ›Save for a down payment
Aim to cover at least 20% of the purchase price, which might take some time. Being patient and saving up for a large down payment is likely worthwhile if you can delay getting a car until you have the funds. It will save you money overall and lower your monthly costs.
Calculate your take-home income. This is how much you earn after taxes. In general, experts recommend spending 10%–15% of your income on transportation, including car payment, insurance, and fuel. For example, if your take-home pay is $4,000 per month, then you should spend $400 to $600 on transportation.
Why should my first car be cheap? ›Cars loose a lot of value over their first year and continue to depreciate drastically over the next two. So you could buy a three year old car, which will feel almost as good as new, at a much reduced price.
How can I afford a car at 16? ›As most teens lack credit histories, they can have trouble arranging financing. Your bank, credit union or even insurer may be able to provide a loan, but you'll probably need someone, such as a parent, with an employment and credit history to cosign your loan. Even with financing, the biggest cost will be upfront.
How should I buy a car for the first-time? ›- Know Your Budget. ...
- Do Your Research. ...
- Explore Your Financing and Purchasing Options. ...
- Improve Your Credit Score. ...
- Save for a Down Payment. ...
- Consider Buying Used. ...
- Get the Car Inspected. ...
- Negotiate the Price.
It's a good idea to make a down payment of 10 to 20 percent. However, generally speaking, the more you can put down, the less interest you'll pay in the long run. The trick is to balance what you would like to pay with what you can reasonably afford.
Can a 17 year old buy a car without a cosigner? ›
Why You Have to Be 18 to Get a Car Loan. Seventeen-year-olds can't take out a car loan, or even become a cosigner or co-borrower on one.
Can I take a loan out at 17? ›The Start Personal Loan Requires a Parent or other co-signer if under 18 years old.
Should a kid buy their first car? ›A first car is a great way to show your child that regardless of how much or how little the parents have in the bank, his or her dream car will come later in life, perhaps much later, but no matter what… if they earn it, they'll be much more proud of it and feel a true sense of accomplishment.
How old should a car last? ›What's the Average Life of a Car? In the past, the average lifespan of a car was significantly lower than it is today. Now, you can expect a standard car to last around 12 years or about 200,000 miles. More advanced vehicles like electric cars can go even longer, up to 300,000 miles.
What is the youngest age to drive a car? ›In the U.S., you can typically apply for your full driver's license between the ages of 16 and 18. What states can you drive at 14? You cannot get a full, legal driver's license at the age of 14 in any state. You can get a learner's permit at 14 in Alaska, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
What is the average pocket money for a 17 year old? ›Some 65% of the children surveyed said that they received pocket money, with children aged between 15-17 years receiving an average of Rs 350 per week and those between 12-15 years getting about Rs 200 per week.
What is the 50 30 20 rule? ›One of the most common percentage-based budgets is the 50/30/20 rule. The idea is to divide your income into three categories, spending 50% on needs, 30% on wants, and 20% on savings.
Is it cheaper to buy a new or used car? ›Budget. Multiple costs are often cheaper when you buy a used vehicle rather than a new one. Everything from the price of car insurance to dealer fees will be less expensive when you buy a used vehicle. Depending on the vehicle you choose, the purchase price will also typically be less for a used car.
Which month is the best month to buy a car? ›In terms of the best time of the year, October, November and December are safe bets. Car dealerships have sales quotas, which typically break down into yearly, quarterly and monthly sales goals. All three goals begin to come together late in the year.
When can I afford a new car? ›One simple rule you could apply to your car purchase is spend no more than 30% of your annual income on the vehicle of your choosing. This allows your budget to be flexible enough to cover the additional costs of maintenance, insurance and other expenses.
What car can you legally drive at 16? ›
A light quadricycle is the only four-wheeled vehicle that you can drive legally on the road when under the age of 17.
Why should I get my kid a car? ›Buying a Car Allows Kids To Save
Another pro of buying your child a car is “that it gives them the opportunity to save up for other expenses, including car care, insurance and gas. In addition, it's an excellent lesson in responsibility,” said Brad Cummins, financial expert and owner of Insurance Geek.
When the spark plug expands the mixture and pushes down on the piston, the piston pushes back up again and sends the mixture out of the cylinder and into the engine. This process creates energy, which the engine uses to power the car.
Does the age of a car matter? ›Age is also an important factor to consider when buying a used car. Just like people, cars get old and start to show signs of wear and tear. Older cars are prone to having more repairs and may not meet the standards of new cars. Also, the value of a car decreases as it gets older.
What gender gets in most car accidents? ›Who Gets Into More Car Accidents? Statistics show that males get into more accidents than women every year. Men cause about 6.1 million accidents per year and women cause 4.4 million accidents per year, according to the National Highway Safety Administration.
What is the biggest cause of teen crashes? ›Research from the CDC points to a few key reasons teen drivers are likely to be involved in car accidents: Lack of experience. Teen drivers have triple the fatal crash risk of older drivers, in part because they do not have the skills to recognize and avoid road hazards.
Are older cars safer in crashes? ›Modern cars are safer than older ones, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The federal agency found that seat belts, airbags, and crash avoidance technology significantly improve your chances of surviving a crash.
Is car insurance cheaper at 18 than 17? ›Younger drivers - and teenagers in particular - pay more for car insurance simply because they're statistically more likely to be involved in a road accident. To an insurer, less experience on the road means you're a higher-risk driver – so you'll be more expensive for insurers to cover.
What country has the youngest driving age? ›Countries with the lowest driving ages (17 and below) are Australia, The Bahamas, Canada, Malaysia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom (mainland), United States, and Zimbabwe. In some jurisdictions in the United States and Canada, drivers can be as young as 14 (with parental supervision).
Is insurance more expensive for new cars? ›Auto insurance rates drop by 3.4% for every year your vehicle ages. An eight-year-old vehicle is approximately 25% cheaper to insure than is a brand new vehicle. For example, a brand new Honda Accord could cost $74 more per month to insure than an eight-year-old Honda Accord.
What are the top 5 safest cars? ›
- Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. Average safety rating: 88% (5-stars) ...
- Mazda CX-30. Average safety rating: 86% (5-stars) ...
- Mazda3. Average safety rating: 86% (5-stars) ...
- Subaru Forester. Average safety rating: 85% (5-stars) ...
- Toyota Yaris. Average safety rating: 84% (5-stars) ...
- Nissan Juke. ...
- Ford Puma. ...
- Isuzu D-MAX.
Rank | Car | Total |
---|---|---|
1 | Chevrolet Silverado | 8,777 |
2 | Ford F-150 | 7,502 |
3 | Honda Accord | 5,368 |
4 | Toyota Camry | 5,023 |
...
What 2022 vehicles were rated the safest by the NHTSA and IIHS?
- Honda Accord.
- Honda Civic.
- Honda Insight.
- Acura TLX.
- Lexus ES.
- Lexus IS.
- Toyota Camry.
- Toyota Corolla.
All in all, the best age to buy a used car is around the 5-year mark, as this minimizes depreciation and maximises reliability for the price you'll pay, meaning you're less likely to have any problems or need to pay any more money for later on which is a common problem with really cheap or much older vehicles.
Can I buy a car at 17? ›Car finance for 17 year olds
If you're 17 and you've passed your driving test, your next step is probably working out how to buy your first car. Unfortunately, car finance isn't an option for 17 year olds; you're not allowed to sign a credit agreement until the age of 18.
In retaining “like new” quality and inheriting a slower depreciation rate, the best used car age for buying is 2-3 years. In fact, Americans are saving up to $14,000 on a 3-year-old vehicle. For example, a car that may have cost you $30,000 when new would cost around $16,000 after just 3 years.
Does age matter when buying a car? ›Reliability fades with age
Five-year-old cars record what is considered a major problem every three years, while 10-year-old cars are more likely to face a problem every 18 to 20 months. Once a car is 20 years old, replacement parts will become harder to find and likely much more expensive.
Borrow for whatever you need
If you're under 18 years old: We welcome you to apply for a Start Personal Loan, as long as you have a parent or other co-signer on your loan. Parents will have access to monitor and help manage their child's loan and make a payment through online and mobile banking.
Financing your first car is an attractive option because of the availability of low monthly payments for better models that would otherwise be out of your price range. With finance, you pay monthly for a car and will sometimes have the option to own once your contract is finished.
How long can you finance a 7 year old car? ›Remember, there's no set limit on the number of years for a used car loan, and in recent years terms have risen as high as 84 months.
How do I choose a car for the first-time? ›
- Establish a realistic budget. ...
- Know what you can spend monthly. ...
- Establish your transportation needs. ...
- Identify and prioritize your wants. ...
- Do your research (it's never been easier) ...
- Locate a convenient dealer. ...
- Take a test drive. ...
- Determine the proper purchase price.
Why Buy a One-Year-Old Car? When you buy a car that's only a year old, you let the car's first owner take the biggest depreciation hit. You get a close-to-new car at a fraction of the cost. This means you'll lose less money on the car overall when you go to sell it years down the road.
What mileage is good for a used car? ›The average car gets in 10,000 to 12,000 miles per year, so used cars with an annual average lower than that can be considered as having good mileage. Simply divide the odometer number by the car's age in years to determine it's annual average.
How should I buy a car at 18? ›However, once you turn 18, you can buy a car from a dealership – even if you don't have a credit history. You can either buy it using cash or get an auto loan with a parent as your co-signer.