Remember your first car? Most people do. You probably have fond memories, even if it wasn’t the safest or coolest-looking vehicle on the street. It was yours, and that’s all that mattered.
Today, parents and teens are a little savvier when it comes to car buying. In fact, many moms and dads are interested in helping their kids purchase the best teenage cars for reduced insurance prices. Additionally, they want to ensure their kids’ safety.
If you’re interested in knowing more about good first cars for teenagers that will give you — and them — peace of mind, read on.
Safe Car Choices for Teenagers
According to reports, several cars come in on top in terms of safety for first-time drivers. The Chevy Sonic makes the grade as a subcompact with a few nice extras: lane departure warnings, forward collision warning and even an optional camera included in the rearview area. Although Hondas are notoriously expensive, the Honda Fit is still under $19,000. Best of all, its crash test scores are exceptional, making it a better bet for insurance carriers.
Of course, these are only two examples of potential cars for your teen. Plenty more are on the market, many of which have a reasonable price tag. And there are used vehicles aplenty, of course.
No matter if you’re buying new or used, keep some extra pointers in mind:
-
Opt for lower horsepower.
Fast cars and teenagers do not mix. Period. Avoid getting your teen a car that will tempt him or her to put the pedal to the medal.
-
Choose used cars carefully.
The best used cars for new drivers aren’t necessarily the ones you find in the want ads or online on Craigslist. Conduct due diligence on any used vehicle, and get all the information you can. It’s best to take it to your family mechanic for a once-over before signing any paperwork.
-
Look for heavier cars.
The heavier a car is, the easier it is to drive, especially for teens and young adults just learning how to maneuver as drivers.
-
Think about the weather.
Do you live in an area of the country where you can expect your teen to drive in the snow or sleet a few months out of the year? Buy a car that fits the bill. A sleek sports car may seem like a great idea to an 18-year-old fresh out of high school, but it’s impractical when the fluffy stuff comes down and makes the roads treacherous.
-
Opt for electronic stability control.
This is a mechanism that helps the car self-correct when it hits a slippery patch, such as a puddle. It’s really a must-have for teens who don’t have tons of experience with hydroplaning or navigating icy patches.
Your goal and your teen’s goals might be different when it comes to the first car, but if you’re buying, you have the ultimate say. Be sure to pick something reliable, secure and affordable.