Best Used Cars for Recent Grads
Graduation. A significant life milestone that signifies a new chapter. For high school or college grads, it can be the first step into the “real world” and adulthood. As such, a reliable vehicle is essential for making your way to an interview, new job, or relocating. A used car can be the best transportation option as they help recent grads save on costs.
Regardless of your budget or credit situation, you deserve a safe and reliable vehicle. At Car City, we understand this need and have over 600 quality used vehicles in our inventory. Car City specializes in supplying our customers with newer used vehicles. Our promise at Car City is that no one else provides better quality used vehicles to people of all credit types.
Just in time for graduation season, we have listed some great used vehicles in our inventory based on sought-after features for recent grads: safety, fuel economy, handling, and style.
2016 Ford Escape
If you plan to move, travel, or pursue an active lifestyle, a compact SUV is a great choice for you! The 2016 Ford Escape ranks near the top of its class because of its spacious interior, easy handling, and engine power. The Escape gets 21-21 mpg in the city and 28-32 on the highway with a 168-240 horsepower engine.
The 2016 Ford Escape scored #2 on the “2016 Affordable Compact SUVs” list by U.S. News with an 8.3 overall rating. The vehicle scored highest in the performance and “total cost of ownership” categories, making this SUV an affordable, high-performing vehicle for those who need the space.


2019 Nissan Rogue
The 2019 Nissan Rogue offers an “upscale and spacious” cabin, according to U.S. News. The 2019 model standardized several safety technologies while featuring a large cargo area and great gas mileage. It gets 25-26 mpg in the city and 32-33 on the highway with a 170 horsepower engine.
The 2019 Rogue placed #11 on the “2019 Affordable Compact SUVs” list by U.S. News, with an overall rating of 7.4. The Rogue scored highest in the interior and safety categories. This is a great vehicle for those looking for a stylish, fuel-efficient compact SUV.

2016 Chevy Sonic
You need something safe, reliable, and affordable. The 2016 Chevy Sonic is here for you. Don’t let the size fool you! The 2016 Chevy Sonic offers passengers plenty of legroom while the driver can expect zippy handling and sharp steering. The Sonic gets 24-29 mpg in the city and 33-40 on the highway.
The 2016 Chevy Sonic ranks #2 in the “2016 Hatchbacks” and #4 in “2016 Affordable Small Cars” lists by U.S. News. The Sonic had an overall score of 8.6, with high marks in the performance, interior, cost of ownership, and safety categories. This is a perfect option for recent grads who need an affordable, safe vehicle for commuting in the city.

Used Cars for Recent Grads at Car City
With so many used cars on the market, it can be challenging to choose. We specifically looked at cost, fuel economy, safety, and style when choosing these vehicles on our list. While these vehicles mentioned above are our favorites for recent grads, we have a wide array of quality used vehicles to choose from.
At Car City, our wide inventory makes it easier for customers to choose a newer ride. If your credit is not perfect, or if you are simply looking for a quality used vehicle, look no further! At Car City, all vehicles come with a six month/6,000-mile warranty, GAP coverage, and a three-day money-back guarantee. Additionally, Car City offers a minimum of $1,000 for your vehicle trade. Simply bring your trade-in vehicle to any Car City location and apply the trade-in value towards your newer ride! Start your application today to drive away in a quality, used vehicle this year!
Please Note: We turn our inventory daily, please check with the dealer to confirm vehicle availability, verify price, options, and other vehicle details.