What's the most dependable used vehicle for a high school student?

Hey everyone, quick question - I'm a junior who is finally getting my driver's license. Score! However, I'm on a budget but I still want a reliable car. Can someone recommend me the most dependable used vehicles for a high school student?

Congrats on getting your license! It's a big milestone. Now, when it comes to reliable used vehicles for high school students, there's a few aspects you want to consider for your decision:

1. Safety: It always comes first. Look for cars with decent safety ratings. There's this Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) that usually hands out ratings for many vehicles like "Top Safety Pick" and "Top Safety Pick+".

2. Cost: The car's initial price is important, but keep in mind the cost of maintenance, fuel efficiency, and insurance payments.

3. Size: Compacts and small cars are easier to park and maneuver, especially if you're still getting the hang of driving. However, midsized cars are often safer in an accident due to their weight.

So, keeping all those elements in mind, here are a few used cars generally considered to be reliable, safe, and affordable:

1. Honda Accord: This midsize car frequently shows up on reliability lists, with good fuel efficiency and safety ratings.

2. Toyota Corolla: It's a compact car, known for its excellent fuel economy and reliability.

3. Honda Civic: Like the Corolla, the Civic is small, but it's also reliable and tends to have good fuel efficiency.

4. Subaru Outback: If you live in a place with harsh weather, the Outback could be a good choice. It has all-wheel drive and usually scores well on safety tests.

5. Hyundai Elantra: These cars are often cheaper than similar models but still reliable.

Remember, no matter which type of car you're leaning towards, I would highly recommend to have a trusted mechanic inspect it before you make a purchase! Good luck with your first car hunting.