For most young people and their parents, buying a first car is a major step.
One great option is to look at used cars, which can often be had for a fraction of the cost of brand-new versions.
We came up with 10 used cars we think are the best for the young car buyer on a budget.
To make our list, we focused on cars that are available on the market right now for under $10,000. We looked for ones that are reliable, fun to drive, comfortable, attractive, economical, practical, and most of all, safe.
For safety, we checked out the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) rankings and ratings (where applicable) for the cars we selected. Prices are based on current prices on Autotrader.com and reflect the lowest price we thing a decent example may cost.
1976 - 1996 Mercedes-Benz Diesel
Starting price: $1,500 and up
IIHS crash test rating: N/A
Why buy it: Back in the 1980s and early 1990s, Mercedes built some of the most durable and tank-like cars on the road. Its diesel models were the biggest tanks of them all.
These cars were virtually unbreakable and can run for hundreds of thousands of miles without complaint. Other parts of the car may start to break, but in our research we have seen that even a series of the most extensive repairs should not cost more than $1,000.
Though the big diesels may not be the fastest sedans on the road, what kid wouldn't want to cruise around in a Benz?
1997- Present Honda CR-V
Starting price: $2,500 and up
IIHS crash test rating: Marginal (1997-2001), Good (2002-Present)
Why buy it: Since its launch in 1997, the Honda CR-V has been one of the hottest selling mini-SUV's in the world. The CR-V offers an incredible blend of economy, utility and Honda's unbeatable track record for reliability.
Though some may find the CR-V's smallish four-cylinder engine to be a tad underpowered, it is more than acceptable for most daily commutes. Honda has also included a host of fun features like a collapsible center console and an in-car picnic table.
1998-2004 Toyota Tacoma
Starting price: $2,900 and up
IIHS crash test rating: Acceptable
Why buy it: Toyota's Tacoma pickup makes our list as the only representative of the pickup segment. The Tacoma offers rugged off-road capability in addition to Toyota's strong build quality.
The truck's available four -and six-cylinder powerplants offer good performance, but some may find them to be a bid thirsty when it comes to fuel.
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