Cheap Wheels For New Grads

THE CARS, SUVS, AND TRUCKS WE LOVE FOR LESS THAN $25,000

- Zach Gale

Congratulations, graduate (or parents thereof )! Now for the hard part: adulting. That means finding a full time job—we know, you’re trying—and eventually replacing the hand-me-down clunker that helped you move out of more dorms and apartments than you’d care to remember with something that hints at “gainfully employed.”

Wading into the new car market can be overwhelming. But with Motor Trend on your side, it doesn’t have to be. When a new car with a full warranty is part of your plans, know that there are lots of decent new rides that are fun to drive, with MSRPs of about $25,000 or less.

Your career may take twists and turns in the years ahead, so your new car should be something that’s dependably satisfying on life’s back roads. A shortsighted choice could lock you into a car you’ll dread driving years before you’ve made the final payment. Our top choices are cars we wouldn’t deem disposable. Although perhaps not for forever, these vehicles will at least serve you until you get the fat promotion and access to your own parking space at the office.

You won’t find any “one at this price” door buster base models among the MT-recommended cars here—although models at the end of their cycle often have hefty incentives that allow you to haggle for more features. Whether you’re seeking driving exhilaration or want to do the environment a solid by driving a hybrid, here are our picks.

Hot Hatch Fun: Hyundai Veloster R-Spec