Best used cars for new high school and college graduates

2 Minute Read
Best used cars for new grads

Whether you’re hitting the road for college or driving into your new career, you will likely need a car to help you get there. Buying a reliable used car provides peace of mind that you can safely get from point A to B without having to pay a fortune or earmark a small nest egg for vehicle maintenance. If you or your grad is in the market for a quality used vehicle, here are five of the top cars to consider.

Kia Soul

This five-passenger crossover with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat is both functional and fun. The Plus models up offer a more powerful four-cylinder engine as well as an infotainment system that accommodates both Apple and Android devices. Gas mileage is good too, at 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

Honda Civic

A top-ranked compact car, it’s no surprise to see the Honda Civic on this list of best used cars for new grads. On top of being one of the safest cars on the road, it’s comfortable, functional and affordable. Choose from both sedan and coupe styles and look for used models with leather seats, dual zone climate control and Apple CarPlay capability for added fun.

Chevy Cruze

The Chevy Cruze is one of the safest, best-looking compact cars on the market. With high scores on both reliability and safety, there’s a lot to like about this vehicle, including: a robust infotainment system, amazing fuel economy, a roomy interior, large trunk, hatchback option, and last but not least, affordability.

Toyota Corolla

Another stalwart of affordable, compact cars, the Toyota Corolla is known for its reliability. While it might not be flashy, it scores high on safety and functionality with a rear-view camera, safety sense technology, and a spacious, sleek interior. With seating for five and gas mileage in the 30 to 40 mpg range, there’s a lot for new grads to love about this model.

Honda Fit

A used Honda Fit should run well under $20,000, and in many cases under $15,000, making it a great choice right off the bat for any new grad. With a spacious interior and a fuel-efficient engine, this car is easy to gas up, take out, and park. Standard infotainment and safety technology include a five-inch display, Bluetooth, and rear-view camera.

Buying a used car can be a stressful experience that isn’t made easier when done for a new grad. Carvana takes some of that stress out with a large selection of models, including all of the above in a variety of trim levels. Find the features your grad wants at the price you need now, without any of the hassle of a used car lot.

Have your heart set on a different vehicle? Search our inventory of thousands!