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Choosing the right car as a first-time buyer can feel like a daunting task, but with knowledge and empowerment, it doesn’t have to be. What should first-time buyers and new drivers look for in a vehicle? Reliability, affordability, and fuel economy are key factors to consider. In 2024, several models stand out for their exceptional value for new drivers. Here are the top five cars for first-time buyers, with insights to help guide your decision.
1. Honda Civic
Why First-Time Buyers Love It: The Honda Civic has evolved over the years, offering more space while maintaining its compact and reliable nature. Renowned for its excellent fuel economy and attainable price point, the Civic is a popular choice among first-time buyers.
Starting Price: $25,045 (increasing to $25,345 for 2025)
Fuel Economy: 33 – 36 miles per gallon combined city/highway
Current Market Conditions: The average selling price of a new Honda Civic is $27,568 in 2024. There’s a 34-day supply of new Civics, which is below normal. Work with a car-buying Concierge to avoid dealer markups!
Why First-Time Buyers Love It: The Toyota Corolla is synonymous with affordability and reliability. Known for its proven track record, the Corolla offers peace of mind to first-time buyers looking for a durable and economical car. It’s safe, fuel efficient, and low-maintenance. What more could you want? Perhaps more room? Toyota has brought the Corolla Cross to market for that very reason.
Starting Price: $23,145
Fuel Economy: 35 miles per gallon combined city/highway (50 MPG for the Corolla Hybrid)
Current Market Conditions: The average selling price of a new Toyota Corolla is $25,484 in 2024. There’s a 35-day supply of new Corollas, which is below normal. Work with a car-buying Concierge to avoid dealer markups!
Why First-Time Buyers Love It: If you need something slightly larger than a sedan with a higher stance on the road, the Toyota RAV4 is an excellent option. This crossover combines size with ease of driving, making it perfect for first-timers. With a 5-star safety rating and a large market presence, getting a fair price in 2024 is quite doable. The Honda CR-V is also a great option for all the same reasons.
Starting Price: $30,025
Fuel Economy: 30 miles per gallon combined city/highway (39 MPG for the RAV4 Hybrid)
Current Market Conditions: The average selling price of a new Toyota RAV4 is $37,721 in 2024. There’s a 29-day supply of new RAV4s, which is below normal. Work with a car-buying Concierge to avoid dealer markups!
Why First-Time Buyers Love It: Subaru is known for being more pro-consumer than many of its competitors, making it easier to find a fair price. The Crosstrek stands out with its all-wheel drive capabilities, ideal for those needing extra traction. It’s a versatile and reliable choice for new drivers.
Starting Price: $26,540
Fuel Economy: 29 miles per gallon combined city/highway
Current Market Conditions: The average selling price of a new Subaru Crosstrek is $32,047 in 2024. There’s a 77-day supply of new Crosstreks, which is near the market average.
Why First-Time Buyers Love It: For those considering a truck, the Toyota Tacoma is a great option. If you don’t need a full-sized truck, the mid-sized Tacoma offers durability and practicality. In 2024, it’s more likely to find a new Tacoma closer to the $40,000 price point compared to larger truck competitors, making it an accessible choice for first-time truck buyers.
Starting Price: $32,995
Fuel Economy: 23 miles per gallon combined city/highway
Current Market Conditions: The average selling price of a new Toyota Tacoma is $46,407 in 2024. There’s a 65-day supply of new Tacomas, which is close to the market average today.
Finding the perfect car as a first-time buyer involves balancing cost, reliability, and overall value. The Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Toyota RAV4, Subaru Crosstrek, and Toyota Tacoma excel in these areas, making them the best choices for new drivers today. It’s a buyer’s market in 2024, and no buyer should pay for markups on these value-packed models.
Tired of car shopping hassles? Let us do it for you with our CarEdge Concierge service. Our experts can find the perfect vehicle for your needs, negotiate the best price, and handle all the details, saving you time and money. Learn more about CarEdge Concierge, the #1 car buying service in America.
In 2025, the average used car sells for nearly $26,000. Needless to say, that’s a lot of money for an older model. Is it still possible to buy a used car for under $15,000? Believe it or not, reliable models from Honda, Subaru, and even Toyota are available for under $15K in 2025. From sedans to crossovers, and even an affordable EV, here are the top five budget-friendly used cars that deliver value without breaking the bank.
Why Drivers Love It: The Toyota Camry has long been a staple in the mid-size sedan market, known for its reliability and comfort. The 2015 features what drivers have come to expect from the Camry: a spacious interior, smooth ride, and excellent fuel economy. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking a dependable car under $15,000.
Why Drivers Love It: The 2016 Subaru Forester stands out for its all-wheel-drive capability and spacious interior. It’s perfect for families and individuals who need a versatile vehicle for all-weather driving. The Forester’s high safety ratings and robust design make it a great investment for those seeking a durable and affordable SUV.
Why Drivers Love It: The Honda Civic is a compact car that checks all the boxes for a commuter car. The Civic’s reputation for longevity stretches back decades. The 2015 model may be nearly ten years old, but is still known for its comfortable ride, no-fuss tech, and decent fuel economy. It’s an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers looking for a car under $15k.
Why Drivers Love It: Theres a reason why CR-Vs seem to be everywhere you look. Like other model years, the 2014 Honda CR-V is known for reliability and practicality. It offers a spacious albeit compact interior, ample cargo space, and a smooth ride. Simply put, you know what you’re getting with the CR-V, even one that’s a decade old.
Fuel Economy: 238 miles of driving range per full charge
Why Drivers Love It: For those who primarily drive around town and want to avoid fuel costs, the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV is an excellent option. Charging at home is A LOT cheaper than paying for gas. This all-electric vehicle offers impressive range and zippy acceleration. Charging speeds are slow even at a DC fast charger, taking a full hour to add 200 miles of range. But for commuting to work or sticking around town, the gas savings could really make a used Bolt pay for itself over time.
A few years back, a serious recall required that all Bolt EVs get a new battery, free of charge. Therefore, it’s essential to verify that the battery replacement recall has been addressed before you buy. The good news is that Bolt drivers have reported nothing but satisfaction ever since the recall debacle was settled.
Finding a budget-friendly used car is possible in 2025; all it takes is familiarity with today’s car market and negotiation know-how. From the Camry to the all-wheel drive Forester and more, car buyers have a surprising number of options when shopping for a used car under $15k in 2025. Each of these models offers robust features, solid safety ratings, and a pleasant driving experience.
Tired of car shopping hassles? Let us do it for you with our CarEdge Concierge service. Our experts can find the perfect vehicle for your needs, negotiate the best price, and handle all the details, saving you time and money. Learn more about CarEdge Concierge, the #1 car buying service in America.
You’ve got kids, yet you’re not ready to give up a great ride. Fortunately, there are plenty of superb cars for families in 2024. These SUVs stand out for their unmatched value as people-movers. Here are the top five family-friendly cars for 2024, and the current market conditions for each.
1. Ford Expedition (Best Full-Size SUV)
Starting Price: $57,625
CarEdge Pick: XLT, starting at $61,690
Today’s Average Selling Price: $76,202 (158 days of supply, 21,635 for sale)
Why Families Love It: Families with more than a few car seats love the Expedition for one obvious reason: it’s massive. Jokingly called a ‘big rig’ by some, the Ford Expedition has seating for eight across three spacious rows. Our good friend The Car Mom decided on the Expedition for her growing family, and has many good things to say about the model. The Expedition’s passenger volume is an astounding 172 cubic feet. Cargo space behind the front seats is huge at 105 cubic feet.
Why Families Love It: Known for value, flexibility, and more luxury than you’d expect at this price point, the Hyundai Palisade has been gaining popularity for all the right reasons. For about $40k, families get the flexibility of three rows of seating, totaling up to 155 cubic feet of passenger space and 86 cubic feet of max cargo capacity.
Why Families Love It: Craving a hint of luxury in a three-row SUV for under $45,000? The Kia Telluride is the perfect fit. Reviewers all agree that the Telluride is the best of both worlds for those looking to transport the family without the minivan lifestyle. The Telluride has 178 cubic feet of passenger room, and 87 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the first row.
Why Families Love It: Families who aren’t ready to take the minivan dive love the VW Atlas for its three rows of seats surrounded by surprisingly fun looks. The Atlas comfortably seats seven, and features up to 97 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row. Passenger volume is decent at 154 cubic feet with the third row. What if you don’t need a third row? The Atlas Cross Sport trades the extra seats for a sportier drive and sharper looks.
Fuel Economy: 304 miles of driving range (charge 10-80% in 24 minutes)
Why Families Love It: The Kia EV9 is the most affordable three-row EV on the market in 2024. Featuring very fast charging and between 270 and 204 miles of range, the EV9 is not just for hauling the kids around town, but for road trips too. The 2024 Kia EV9 has passenger volume of 158.8 to 160.3 cubic feet, and max cargo volume of 81.7 feet.
Selecting the perfect family car involves balancing safety, space, and practicality. The Ford Expedition, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Volkswagen Atlas, and Kia EV9 excel in these areas, making them the best choices for families in 2024. Plus, these SUVs are available at a reasonable price, and are even negotiable in today’s market.
Tired of car shopping hassles? Let us do it for you with our CarEdge Concierge service. Our experts can find the perfect vehicle for your family, negotiate the best price, and handle all the details, saving you time and money. Learn more about CarEdge Concierge, the #1 car buying service in America.
When shopping for a new car in 2024, affordability and value are at the top of most buyers’ lists. However, this is sadly becoming harder to find. When searching for the all-around best affordable cars of 2024, there are several standout options to consider. Let’s dive into what makes each of these vehicles special and why they might be the perfect fit for your next ride.
Toyota RAV4
Starting Price: $30,025
CarEdge Pick: XLE, starting at $31,535
Today’s Average Selling Price: $37,721 (29 days of supply, 37,565 for sale)
Why We Love It: Toyota sold 435,000 copies of the RAV4 last year, making it the best-selling crossover in America. Reliability, affordable prices, crossover cargo space make this a top choice among families and commuters alike.
Starting Price: $30,850 (increasing to $31,450 for 2025)
CarEdge Pick: LX, starting at $30,850. The CR-V LX includes a decent suite of features as the base model, notably 7 Honda safety features, including lane-keep assist
Today’s Average Selling Price: $37,286 (42 days of supply, 49,955 for sale)
Why We Love It: Not a fan of the popular RAV4 or Nissan Rogue? You’ve got yet another option – the Honda CR-V. Proven reliability, pleasant driving dynamics, and a modern infotainment system make the CR-V an excellent all-arounder.
CarEdge Pick: SV, starting at $31,930. The Rogue SV adds an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a 360-degree exterior camera system, and Nissan’s ProPilot Assist driver assistance.
Today’s Average Selling Price: $33,057 (134 days of supply, 51,601 for sale)
Why We Love It: The 2024 Nissan Rogue is loved for its comfortable ride and luxurious interior, featuring some of the comfiest seats and modern tech at this price point. Additionally, extensive driver assistance features make it an appealing choice for those seeking a safer driving experience. To top it off, the Nissan Rogue is the most negotiable popular crossover today with four months of market supply.
Starting Price: $27,515 (increasing to $29,494 for 2025)
CarEdge Pick: LE, starting at $27,515. The base Camry is well-equipped to get the job done in comfort, plus gets the best fuel economy due to the smaller wheel size.
Today’s Average Selling Price: $32,249 (25 days of supply, 22,009 for sale)
Fuel Economy: For 2025, the Camry is only available as a hybrid. With this change, fuel economy increases by about 30%. The following are the 2025 Camry MPG numbers: 53 MPG city, 50 MPG highway (51 MPG combined)
Why We Love It: Buyers have choices right now: negotiate a good deal on the outgoing 2024 Camry, or upgrade to a 2025 Camry Hybrid for just a few thousand dollars more, in exchange for tremendous gas savings. For about $30,000, the Camry is a sweet deal for those looking for the best affordable cars in 2024 and even into the new model year.
Starting Price: $25,045 (increasing to $25,345 for 2025)
CarEdge Pick: EX Sedan, starting at $28,045. The EX Sedan adds dual-zone automatic climate control, a sunroof, heated seats and mirrors, and blind-spot monitoring.To top it off, the EX comes with a noticeably more powerful engine packed with 180 hp.
Today’s Average Selling Price: $27,568 (35 days of supply, 15,432 for sale)
Why We Love It: What does the Civic have that the aforementioned Camry doesn’t? In this comparison, one thing is clear: the Civic is a lot more fun to drive. Plus, it’s about as fuel efficient as you can get without a hybrid powertrain.
Finding the right car that balances affordability, reliability, and modern features can feel like a daunting task, but the best affordable cars in 2024 are worth the test drive. Whether you’re focused on the best affordable cars in the $30,000 range, or stretching your budget to explore others, these five options from Toyota, Honda, and Nissan stand out.
To make your car buying experience even easier, consider using CarEdge Concierge. Our expert team can help you find the perfect vehicle, negotiate the best price, and handle all the details, so you can drive away with confidence. Start CarEdge Concierge today and let us take the hassle out of your next car purchase.
Independence Day EV deals are here, but are they any good? These 5 electric car deals offer serious savings.
If you’re in the market for an affordable electric car this July, we’ve got good news: Independence Day EV deals are here in a big way. With high inventory, stagnant sales, and 2025 models incoming, EV shoppers have negotiation leverage like never before. Or, you can let us do the haggling for you.
This Fourth of July, an abundance of low APR specials and lease offers bring the cost of getting into an EV down by thousands of dollars. As we approach Independence Day 2024, these are the 5 best EV deals on the market.
Top 5 Fourth of July EV Deals
2024 Tesla Model Y
With new paint options to choose from (Quicksilver and Ultra Red), refreshed aero wheels, and eligibility for the federal EV tax credit, there’s a lot to love about the Tesla Model Y this summer. If you can get used to the minimalist interior, the Tesla Supercharger network simplifies EV ownership in a huge way.
The Best Deal
Model Y prices have fallen to their lowest ever, now starting at $44,990 before destination for the Rear-Wheel Drive version. With destination fees, you’re looking at $46,630 before taxes.
Although Tesla is no longer offering an APR special, the Model Y has many features that the competitors on this list lack. Considering there was a time when the Model Y’s price started north of $65,000, the price cuts alone are worthy of recognition this July 4th.
Lease Offer: Lease the Tesla Model Y for $449/month for 36 months with $2,999 due
Negotiability Score: Tesla prices are non-negotiable
Starting Price: $46,630 (Rear-Wheel Drive), $49,630 (Long Range All-Wheel Drive)
The Kia EV9 is winning awards, but this 3-row EV remains a slow-seller. Fans of the EV9 can use today’s oversupply to negotiate a great deal. Note that although Kia recently announced the start of US production for the EV9, it’s likely that these VINs haven’t made it to dealerships yet. Once American-made EV9s are on the lot, it’s likely that the generous cash offer below will dry up, since the EV9 is expected to qualify for the federal EV tax credit.
There are still 650 new 2023 Ariya EVs on the market heading into July of 2024. Generally, most reviewers and owners are fans of Nissan’s follow-up to the LEAF, with the main complaints being about the high price for ‘what you get’. It’s not the fastest charging EV on the market, but for those who stick around town most of the time, this could be the Fourth of July EV deal for you.
The Best Deal
0% APR for 72 months + $3,000 cash savings
Lease Offer: Lease the 2023 Nissan Ariya for as low as $99/month for 18 months with $4,089 due. See offer details.
Current Inventory (Market-Day Supply): 80 days – Falling
Negotiability Score: Very High for remaining 2023 models
By percentage of total sales, BMW is the leader in electric sales among legacy automakers. At times, nearly 30% of BMW’s US sales have been EVs like the popular i4 electric sedan. This lease deal is out of this world for a luxury car like this.
The Best Deal
Lease the 2024 BMW i4 eDRIVE35 for just $449/month for 36 months with $4,869 due. See offer details.
Current Inventory (Market-Day Supply): 115 days – Trending higher
The IONIQ 5 is widely seen as the top competitor to the best-selling electric crossover, the Tesla Model Y. With fast charging times, long range, and unique looks, it’s currently the best-selling EV outside of Tesla. This month, Hyundai is offering an unbeatable lease deal.
The Best Deal
Lease the 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 SEL for $179/month for 36 months with $4,679 due.See offer details.
Current Inventory (Market-Day Supply): 119 days – Holding steady
Subaru’s first EV was born in a partnership with Toyota. The brand recognition has not been enough to kickstart sales. With sluggish sales and even slower charging speeds, Subaru is offering zero percent financing for up to 72 months. With EV depreciation insanely high, this lease offer is a decent option.
The Best Deal
0% APR for up to 72 months
Lease offers: Lease the 2023 or 2024 Solterra for $329/month with just $329 due at signing. See offer details.
Current Inventory (Market-Day Supply): 95 days – Holding steady
If you’re in the market for a new electric vehicle, Fourth of July weekend is an excellent opportunity to lock in big discounts and amazing financing terms.
However, while these deals provide a strong incentive to purchase, patient EV shoppers can look towards the overall BEST time of the year to buy a car: year-end sales. While Fourth of July deals are attractive, similar EV offers will likely return come November and December.
States eligibile for below invoice pricing and 100% free delivery:
Alabama, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Delaware, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
What if I don’t live in these states?
If you're outside these areas, don't worry! We're committed to making sure everyone can enjoy our deals. Although the delivery fee will not be waived, you can still purchase from CarEdge and either pay for shipping or coordinate pickup at a participating dealer.
Our concierge service costs $999 plus an optional shipping fee (based on distance or pick-up).
To get started, pay the one-time payment of $999 and a CarEdge concierge will start by negotiating the vehicles in your favorites.
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Get the best deal
Our team of concierges and industry experts with 75+ years of combined experience with access to tools and data to leverage the best deal possible.
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Gone are the days of looking for a car and stepping into the dealership spending hours and hours of head banging only to get smooth talked into a higher price.
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