Ever wonder what young drivers are buying? Well, a new TrueCar study asked America’s youth just that question. According to the study, 18-34 year olds are primarily purchasing new Mitsubishis (18.3%), Mazdas (18%), Volkswagens (17.6%), Nissans (15.6%), and Minis (15%). The kiddies are least likely to purchase a Buick (3.6%), Lincoln (4%), or Cadillac (5.1%).

TrueCar also compiled a list of the top ten models that 18-34 year olds are buying. Below, in descending order, are those models and a description as to why the kids like them.

Check out the cars below the bump:

10. Acura TSX

The Acura TSX is known in car enthusiast circles as the European Honda Accord in new clothing. Equipped with a base 201-horepower four-cylinder and five-speed automatic, the TSX wooed over 13.4% of America’s youth. The polled adolescents ignored the buff mags reviews, stating that the four-cylinder isn’t the best powertrain for a car of such weight. Despite its so-so performance, whippersnappers admire the car’s good value and standard equipment levels for the price.

9. Subaru Impreza

No we’re not talking about the WRX with the 265-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Instead, we’re talking about the base 2.5 liter, 170 hp four-cylinder engine with manual transmission. 13.5% of kids went for this car. We are still trying to figure this choice out as the engine isn’t great and the Sahara Desert has more features than the Impreza’s interior.

8. Honda Fit

Ever see those Honda Fit commercials with the slogan “The Fit is Go�? Well, it appears young buyers seem to take the commercial’s line to heart since 13.9% snatched up the base Fit with a manual. Survey respondents most likely bought the Fit because of the ad where the car balloons like a giant blowfish to protect its occupants. Too bad no one has told them that the blowfish feature is fiction.

7. Jeep Commander

The black sheep of the Jeep family has always been the Commander. Based on the Grand Cherokee, the design department took the top of two dishwasher boxes and four full size side by side fridge boxes and poof, Commander was born. Using Lego pieces to build the interior, the Commander wasn’t Jeep’s best attempt at an off-roader. Somehow though, 14% of young buyers purchased the base sport model with 2WD. Most people point to the Chrysler’s “come to our dealer and receive a new Commander for free event sale.�

6. Audi A3

14.9% of young buyers snatched up the five door hatch and manual transmission. My only question is why did you buy this when you could have bought a GTI? Also, young buyers in accordance with this survey make up about 69% of all Audi buyers. I just made that figure up because it is dumbfounding anybody would buy this wagon.

5. Mini Cooper

Look! It’s small! it’s nimble! It’s not mighty mouse… it’s the Mini Cooper! With its go-kart handling, cheeky attitude, and pop culture references, the Mini Cooper has a loyal following consisting of about 15% of young buyers.

4. Nissan Titan

The other automotive derelict on our list is Nissan’s futile attempt to produce a full size pickup. Aimed directly at the big three’s death grip the Titan is like a rocket that crash lands right after take-off as its sales have been abysmal. The Nissan Titan’s failure to launch hasn’t been helped much by its competition either as the big three and Toyota all have introduced new versions of their full size pickups. These new models make the Titan the oldest truck in the group. Somehow, 15.6% of young buyers surveyed picked up a Titan King Cab 2WD model, albeit, I’m sure it was part of a promotion Nissan was doing. Test drive any new Nissan and get a free Titan!

3. Volkswagen GTI

Kleiner GTI.. The first words of a song used for the 1984 Volkswagen GTI Mk.1 commercial. Now in its Mk.6 guise, the GTI still has the spirit of its older brother, but with the engine now producing 200 hp with the help of a turbocharged 4-cylinde it is leaps and bounds ahead of the original in the area of power. The GTI has a choice of a two door or four door hatchback. 17.6% of young buyers take a two door with a manual transmission. It has been said when a GTI leaves a dealer lot, Kleiner GTI is played.

2. Mazda3

With Mazda’s famous tag line of “Zoom Zoom�, one would expect the Mazda 3 with its sedan and five door hatchback choices to be zooming off the lots; and it is. 18.0% of young buyers surveyed choose the sedan with the manual transmission. Plus, the smile on the front end reflects how owners feel about the 3, smiles all the way.

1. Mitsubishi Lancer

With the number 1 slot, the Mitsubishi Lancer is an astounding suprise. Based on rental car fleet royalty also known as the Chrysler Sebring, the Mitsubishi Lancer somehow turned an awful car known as Sebring into a car a young buyer would be interested in. Offered in a sedan or five-door hatchback, 18.2% of buyers chose the sedan. The big problem is finding a Mitsubishi dealer around you.

So out of this list which car would I choose? Well for me, it would be a four way race between the Acura TSX, Mazda 3, Mini Cooper, and Volkswagen GTI. But after narrowing down the contenders, my buying preference would be in the following order: Volkswagen GTI, Mazda 3, Acura TSX, and Mini Cooper. After all, my opinion matters, as I fall into the age group polled.

Source: TrueCar

Filed under: Industry News