Look for a three- to four-year-old vehicle with as few miles as possible. Our 10 smart moves for buying a great used car can help you find an affordable, reliable car that hasn't been abused.

We won't list prices here, because they vary so much. But when you've found one you like, use Edmunds.com or Kelley Blue Book to see how much it's worth.

Honda Civic

The Civic is the used market's gold standard for compact cars. It carries high resale value, which works against you as the buyer, but in return, you get one of the most proven and reliable cars in the class.

Most recent models have the same engine regardless of price, but watch for antilock brakes, which are not standard on less-expensive versions. We'd advise against leather and other unnecessary add-ons.

Civic is top of the class for another reason: outstanding handling and great outward visibility. We think these are key attributes for new drivers.

The Civic should have at least some cachet with your kid, because it's so popular with tuners -- 21st-Century hot rodders with a passion for customizing small cars. (Check out any of the "Fast and Furious" movies or video games to see what we mean.)

It's OK to consider the Civic Coupe, which has the sharper profile teens prefer. It's a big seller that won't boost your insurance costs as much as most 2-door models.

Pontiac Vibe

Here's a highly useful hatchback that, under the skin, really is a Toyota. The Vibe is the mechanical twin of the Toyota Matrix, and both are built in a California plant shared by General Motors and Toyota.

Apart from its wonderful utility, we like the Vibe for its bulletproof, 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine. It's famously underpowered, once again fulfilling our first rule of equipping a teenage driver: Puny engines are your friend.

The safety equipment is fairly comprehensive, and it's not hard to find Vibes with antilock brakes. Recent models even have optional stability control and side-curtain airbags.

Why do we choose the Vibe instead of the Toyota Matrix? There are a lot more Vibes, and they tend to be cheaper than a comparable Matrix.

Subaru Impreza

Subaru is all about affordable all-wheel-drive cars, and the Impreza is its least-expensive model.

With each wheel delivering traction, handling is more predictable, even in dry weather, and we all know the advantages when it's snowy, rainy and slick. The system extracts a little penalty in fuel economy, but it's worth it if you live in a region that sees its share of foul weather.

The Impreza has the same tough-as-nails feel as just about every Subaru. Although resale prices seem to be on the high side, you'll never be disappointed in the value the Impreza gives for the money.

With standard routine maintenance, Imprezas have a reputation for incredible durability and low operating costs, so we wouldn't necessarily be scared off by a model a few years older than you might typically prefer.

Subaru's four-cylinder engine provides only modest power and recent models usually have antilock brakes.

Although you might find some amenities, such as power windows and locks, don't be surprised by the no-frills interior.

Subarus are all about function, not frills.

By Bill Visnic

Interest.com Contributing Editor