About This Driver
Your first car decision will shape the next decade of how you feel about driving. Pick one that earns trust the first month.
Top 9 Used Cars for First-time new car buyer
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#1 | Toyota Corolla
Every independent shop in NC stocks Corolla parts. The simple drivetrain is forgiving of the irregular service schedules first-time owners often have.
Shop used Toyota Corolla below -
#2 | Honda Civic
Sharper handling than the Corolla and more back-seat room. The LX trim with the naturally aspirated 2.0L is the trouble-free pick.
Shop used Honda Civic below -
#3 | Mazda Mazda3
IIHS Top Safety Pick from 2019 forward. Standard automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring on every 2019+ trim.
Shop used Mazda Mazda3 below -
#4 | Hyundai Elantra
The 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty transfers through 5 years/60,000 miles to the second owner. Useful safety net when buying used.
Shop used Hyundai Elantra below -
#5 | Honda HR-V
Higher seating position helps new drivers see traffic earlier. Shares Honda parts and reliability story with the Civic.
Shop used Honda HR-V below -
#6 | Hyundai Kona
Adaptive cruise and lane keep available on SEL trim and above. Easy to park in tight spaces, useful for the parallel-parking learning curve.
Shop used Hyundai Kona below -
#7 | Toyota Corolla Cross
Corolla mechanicals in a smaller SUV body. Fits first-time buyers who want SUV height without the RAV4 footprint.
Shop used Toyota Corolla Cross below -
#8 | Volkswagen Jetta
More refined cabin than the Corolla or Civic at a similar used price. The 1.5T engine is the durable pick of the lineup.
Shop used Volkswagen Jetta below -
#9 | Mazda CX-30
Same IIHS Top Safety Pick credentials as the Mazda3 sedan, in a slightly higher-seated crossover body. Standard AWD on most trims.
Shop used Mazda CX-30 below
