​​Best Used Cars For First Time Buyers​

There are so many used cars out there that it almost becomes a job to learn which ones are the best to buy and which aren’t. For first-time buyers, you want to find a vehicle that will suit your needs right now as well as your potential needs down the road. Let’s look at some cars under $20,000 that will fit your current and future needs.  

Used Car Parameters 

To understand which model years are better for car buyers, we used Kelley Blue Book as the primary source to provide the best information for your purchase. All cars mentioned can be purchased for less than $20,000 with clean titles and no accidents.  

Toyota Camry 

The 2018-2019 Toyota Camry is welcome on any list of great, affordable used cars. As a fully redesigned model in 2018, the Camry is one of the most reliable vehicles in the history of the car market. Whether you want a 4-cylinder, V6, or a hybrid, the Camry has it all. Opting for the SE and XSE models gives you a sportier appearance and suspension. For $20,000 or less, you can get a nice example with heated leather seats, adaptive cruise control, and more with well under 100,000 miles.  

Ford Mustang 

If you’re hoping to get into something sporty and fun for your first car, look no further than the 2015-2016 Ford Mustang. You can get a Mustang GT with its powerful 5.0-liter Coyote V8 that pumps out 435 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque through a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. However, we recommend saving a few bucks and getting the more than impressive EcoBoost Mustang with its turbocharged 4-cylinder that delivers 310 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. Again, either a 6-speed manual or automatic is available.  

While the GT will hit 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, the EcoBoost does the same deed in just 5 seconds. Either way, the Mustang has a 13.5 cubic foot trunk and decent rear seat space and will return an EPA estimated 21 mpg city and 32 mpg highway when equipped with the turbo-4. Both the GT and EcoBoost are available for under $20,000 with less than 80,000 miles.  

Toyota Prius 

Let’s say you’d really like to pinch some pennies, not just in terms of purchase price but also at the gas pump. A Toyota Prius could be the perfect car for you, then. With around 60,000 miles, you can pick up a redesigned 2016 or slightly newer model for around $16,000-$18,000 that will gift you 54 mpg in the city and 50 mpg on the highway. This was an increase of 2 and 4 mpg, respectively, over the previous generation in 2015. And because the Prius is a hatchback, you won’t have a problem getting larger items in and out.  

Chevrolet Colorado 

Trucks are all the rage these days as they offer significant usability upsides over cars while also still being safe and car-like to drive in the modern era. For those who want a truck for their first vehicle, the 2016-2017 Chevrolet Colorado is the perfect truck. With a towing capacity up to 7,000 lbs, the ability to have a four-door model and a 6-foot bed, the Colorado ticks all the right boxes. 2016 saw the addition of a new 6-speed automatic, and buyers got a choice between a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that made 200 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque, a 3.5-liter V6 with 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, and last but not least the popular 2.8-liter Duramax turbodiesel that offered 181 horses and 369 lb-ft of torque. The EPA estimated that the Duramax diesel would achieve 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. $20,000 or less sees a clean title mid-size Chevy truck with under 80,000 miles.  

Subaru Forester 

Maybe what you feel you really need is an SUV, though. This is where the 2018 Subaru Forester comes into play, with standard Subaru Symmetrical all-wheel drive. In fact, Subarus are the only vehicles with standard all-wheel drive from their base trim all the way to their top trim. The 2018 Forester benefits from being an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick that will keep all of the vehicle’s occupants safe in the event of an accident. Depending on the mileage, which is still under 80,000, you can pick up a well-equipped Forester for under $20 grand. Not only would you have a safe and reliable vehicle, but also a true SUV that can do pretty much anything.  

Alderman Automotive is Here to Help 

Alderman Automotive specializes in selling vehicles in the $15,000-$25,000 price range that can help you rebuild your credit, become a first-time car buyer, and more. If you have any questions about the vehicles listed or any others in this price range, stop by or call to talk to one of your salespeople.  

Why Choose Alderman Automotive 

At Alderman Automotive, we work tirelessly to give you the best possible price and service on every used car we sell, and our finance department will work within your monthly payment needs. Whether you are looking for a high-end luxury car or SUV, or if your budget is something under $15,000, we have a whole host of vehicles best suited for your wants and needs. Our state-of-the-art service department and helpful staff will ensure your vehicle is always in the best condition possible.   

We look forward to serving you soon.