You’ve decided that you’re ready to enter the world of auto ownership, and you figured out quickly that buying your first car can be a tough decision. There are so many factors to consider. What does it look like? How does it drive? What am I using it for? Is it reliable? How much does it cost? Do I buy new or used? The good news is that we’ve picked the best salvage cars for first time owners.
Salvage cars are a great way to save money, especially for first time car owners who don’t want to buy a brand new car. The cars on this list are also known for their reliability and relatively low repair costs. Parts are readily available, and you can have them serviced at almost any shop if you aren’t working on them yourself.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord has been in production since 1976, and has been one of the best-selling cars in the US since 1989. Known for their longevity, simplicity, and reliability, the 2019 Accord is no exception. The base model puts out 192 horsepower and is very fuel efficient: 30 mpg city and 38 mpg highway. Its engine, interior comfort, reliability, and technological features make it a perfect choice for a first vehicle purchase. It’ll last you hundreds of thousands of miles. Check out our inventory of Accords here.
Toyota Corolla
Introduced in 1966, a nationwide best-seller by 1974, the Corolla is one of the best-selling cars in the world overall. With 44 million Corollas sold (in 2016) you can’t really argue with the automotive market worldwide. The 2019 Corolla competes with the other cars on this list for fuel efficiency, getting 28 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. The base model comes with a 1.8 Liter engine that puts out 132 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque. Not bad for a little car, excellent for a first time car owner. Take a look at Corollas here.
Kia Rio
Ranked #1 in initial quality By J.D. Power in 2016 (along with other awards), Kia has been making noticeable headway in the international auto market over the last few years despite being a non-premium brand. With 27 mpg city and 37 mpg highway, the 2019 Kia is an excellent first choice. The Forte FE – the base model – puts out 147 horsepower through its 2 liter engine and comes stock with a manual transmission. Other trims are available with automatic transmission and get even better gas mileage. All of our available Kia Rios are here.
Chevrolet Cruze
The Chevrolet Cruze is a perfect compact sedan – available in both gasoline and diesel – for a new driver. Competing with Honda Civics and Toyota Corollas, its MSRP is less than $20,000 USD brand new. A quiet drive with some get-up-and-go, the engine isn’t quite powerful enough to make a new driver uncomfortable, but it is a pretty luxurious, comfortable, and stable vehicle. The 2019 model is offered in 4 different trims with a variety of options. The base engine is a 153 hp turbocharged 4 cylinder that is paired to a six-speed manual transmission, although there is a six-speed automatic option available. Chevy Cruzes are here.
Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza is a great choice for a first time buyer, and the only sedan or hatchback on this list that comes with AWD. So, if you’re looking for your first car to take you through snow or on trips to the mountain, this is your ride. The 2019 Impreza comes with a flat-four engine that puts out 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, and offers excellent handling and a great ride. See our available Imprezas here.
Hyundai Elantra
The 2019 Elantra has come a long way from its inception. Originally released in 1990, the 2019 model is a very different car from what it once was. Fuel efficient, with updated technology, and an inline four-cylinder engine that comes in both automatic and manual transmissions, the Elantra has a spirited engine compared to other vehicles in its range. It boasts a comfortable interior as well, and has received great safety ratings from major US testing agencies all across the board. It’s an excellent choice for a first time buyer. We have lots of Elantras available here.
Toyota Tacoma
If you’re looking for something more rugged than a sedan or hatchback, the Tacoma may be the truck for you. Introduced in 1995, the Toyota Tacoma has been a staple of the truck world and has regularly made it to best-seller lists year after year. An off-road ready midsize truck, the 2019 Tacoma comes loaded with driver-assistance technology and the TRD off-road model has a V6 that’s available in both automatic and manual transmission. While it’s a different class of vehicle from the other’s on this list, it’s still a Toyota so you know it’s reliable. If you’re looking for a truck for your first purchase, the Tacoma is the way to go. Find your Tacoma here.
Which car is the right one for you?
There are so many different factors to explore among so many available options. AutoBidMaster has an extensive selection of clean and salvage vehicles for you to choose from. Use our vehicle finder to narrow down your search and find the perfect first car for you.
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