If you’ve recently started driving, congratulations! You’re one of the lucky few to have the privilege of owning an automobile. But there are some things that you need to know before you go out and buy your first car. And we’re here to help with that! We’ve compiled this list of budget-friendly cars for young drivers, so take a look and see which ones suit your needs best!
1) Lexus IS250
This mid-sized vehicle starts at $35,000. It gets up to 32 MPG on the highway with its standard transmission, and it can go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. This is a good car for those who are looking to splurge on their first luxury vehicle while still getting something nice without breaking the bank (for example, you could use your saved money to make payments on this model). Make sure that when looking for car dealers around Seattle that you pop into a Lexus dealer. The interior features include Bluetooth capability, satellite radio available with a subscription, USB ports, auxiliary input jack, and MP3/WMA CD player capabilities.
2) Mazda Mazda3
This mid-sized sedan starts around $17,000 with an automatic transmission and has the option for a manual, which is slightly more expensive. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in 7.0 seconds and gets up to 40 MPG on the highway.
The Mazda3 comes with features like Bluetooth connectivity, CD player, USB port with iPod integration, satellite radio capability available with a subscription, auxiliary input jack, and MP3/WMA capability on CD players. The interior feels more spacious than it really is because of its exterior design. But there are some cons about this car – namely about the back seat roominess due to the slanted roofline that limits headroom for taller passengers.
3) Kia Forte
This American-made sedan starts at $13,500. It gets up to 34 MPG on the highway with its standard automatic transmission and has a manual option as well; it can go from 0 to 60 mph in around 9 seconds. The car is small but not that small – it feels like you’re sitting more upright than usual, which makes your field of view better for spotting pedestrians or any potential traffic accidents ahead of time. With the price tag low, this model is perfect for those who are just starting out without going into debt right off the bat.
The interior features include USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, auxiliary jack inputs, and a CD player with MP3/WMA capability. Some cons about this vehicle include a lack of exterior storage for longer items and the backseat being a bit small.
4) Ford Focus
This model comes with a price tag starting at $16,000+. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds and gets up to 37 MPG on the highway. The car feels sporty, but its exterior is still classy-looking. A few features this car comes with are an auxiliary input jack, Bluetooth capability, satellite radio option available with a subscription, and MP3/WMA CD player capabilities. This vehicle gives you a great driving experience because it corners well, and it’s fuel-efficient as well!
5) Kia Soul
Starting at only $14,500 for an automatic transmission, the Kia Soul is a perfect choice for someone looking for their first car. This hatchback can go from 0 to 60 mph in 9.5 seconds and gets up to 31 MPG on the highway with its standard automatic transmission. Since it’s a hatchback, there is plenty of cargo space – so you don’t have to worry about your groceries rolling around!
The interior features include Bluetooth capability, MP3/WMA CD player capabilities, USB ports, steering wheel controls, and keyless entry option. The seats are comfortable for everyday commuting but could be more supportive; however, one thing that makes up for this is that you get lots of legroom!
6) Toyota Prius
With the price starting at $25,000+, this hybrid is perfect for those who want something stylish and eco-friendly. The gas mileage on average is 53 MPG in the city and 50 MPG on highways; it also gets up to 59 miles per gallon combined rating. It’s a great car for those living in the city, as it’ll save you money on gas every day.
The car is a little bit sportier than a normal hybrid and does better on open highways, going upwards of 80 mph. The seats are quite comfortable but could be softer. Other features include a touch screen display, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, backup camera, steering wheel controls, standard keyless entry, and ignition.
If you’re a young driver who is looking to purchase your first car, it’s important that the vehicle meets all of your needs and doesn’t break the bank. In this article, we’ve showcased six models with different price ranges from $13500-$17000+. All of these cars provide decent fuel efficiency while still giving you a good-looking ride!
