The start of the school year may have high school students asking their parents about ways to not have to ride the bus each day. For families looking for an affordable and safe car, used Mazda6s in New Jersey could be one choice.

Editors at AutoWeek magazine compiled a list of cars that are attractive to younger buyers and can allay some parents’ fears. While several new cars made the list, the current economic climate and recent cessation of the Cash for Clunkers program may make buying a vehicle from dealer showrooms a difficult proposition.

With that in mind, the staff also chose the 2003-2008 model year Mazda 6, the 2007-2009 Honda Accord and the Mercedes 300 series from the late 1970s as alternatives that may be more affordable.

Used Mazda6s in New Jersey offer more space than their earlier counterparts for a variety of storage options, and the sedan also offers sportier styling than many others in its class, according to a Cars.com review.

For younger drivers, it “is able to corner crisply, and it takes curves confidently with modest body lean and satisfying grip,” the website’s editors noted.