Buying a car for the first time is an exciting rite of passage into adulthood that demands much thought. The best cars for teenagers are reliable, affordable, and simple to drive for teens just getting their feet wet on the road.
Teens are among the most dangerous drivers because of a mix of immaturity, inexperience, and social pressures. Choosing the appropriate cars for teens can help them stay safe. However, balancing all of the aspects that make a vehicle suitable for young drivers can be difficult.
What are the Best Cars for Teenagers?
Any gadget with an internet connection can help you learn more about any vehicle you're considering for your teen driver. Smaller, compact city cars and superminis are typically the best cars for teenagers. Due to their smaller sizes, they are usually far less expensive than other automobiles on the market, such as SUVs.
Compact city cars and superminis have easier maneuverability, parking, and driving. They're less expensive to run and insure because they're more fuel-efficient. It is excellent for increasing driving confidence.
Choosing a smaller automobile doesn't mean sacrificing quality. Many little automobiles can be quite roomy and comfy. Basic entry versions also come with good amounts of equipment. You should choose a vehicle that National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) safety tests show it's quite safe. One that you enjoy driving.
Choose a vehicle that contains the most up-to-date safety features and driver aids, such as automated emergency braking. One that provides the most up-to-date technology, from simple features like USB connections to more complex features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Choose a vehicle with controls that are simple to use. That has a quick-responding engine and agile handling. There are some fantastic and reasonable discounts available, whether you're buying new or used cars. Continue reading to learn more about the best cars for teenagers.
Best Cars for Teenagers
1. Toyota Prius Model Year 2010 and Newer
The Prius' virtues were kept in the 2010 redesign, improving the driving position, adding stability control, and a larger engine. However, the acceleration and overall fuel economy remained unchanged at 44 mpg. In addition, the car provides improved crash protection and more available comforts.
Typically, the automobile propels itself on electric power until it reaches around 25 mph, at which point the engine kicks in to give incentive and refuel the battery. The brake pedal is a little spongy at first, but it's easy to get used to. However, the ride is stiff, and the handling is a little shaky.
The Prius' hatchback design, upright profile, and spacious rear seat make it one of the most practical vehicles available. When you combine bulletproof dependability with low operating expenses, you have the perfect transportation solution.
Just keep in mind that the car is boring to drive, loud on bad pavement, buzzy while accelerating quickly, and the inside looks and feels cheap. So please don't bother with the plug-in variant; it's more expensive and offers little advantage over the conventional Prius due to a very low battery-only range.
The most significant improvement on the 2016 model was a whopping 52 mpg overall, thanks to a new, larger, and more efficient engine. Unfortunately, the Prius' styling grew much more divisive, with the practical result that it now sits lower than previously, compromising access, vision, and back seat capacity. Even so, this compact hatchback has the same amount of cargo room as most small cars.
The interior noise has been minimized, and the handling has improved. Although certain weird elements, such as some unorthodox controls, remain, the inside does not feel as cheap as before. Forward collision warning and automated emergency braking become standard in 2017. In addition, all-wheel drive is now available on 2019 vehicles.
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2. Mazda3 Model Year 2014 or Newer
The Mazda3 is a thrill to drive, with super-sharp handling, peppy yet efficient engines, and smooth transmissions. It's available as a four-door sedan or a five-door hatchback. Unfortunately, Mazda's entry-level car also includes a sophisticated entertainment system controlled by a console-mounted knob and can be a little irritating.
Forward collision warning and the automated emergency braking are two active safety technologies available as options. In addition, on Touring and Grand Touring models, blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic warning are standard, which is a lovely touch.
The interior noise levels are slightly high, and ride comfort takes a back seat to dynamic handling. The 2017 update added some new features as well as some improvements. The hatchback has a larger trunk than the four-door hatchback, but both have a tiny rear seat for the class.
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3. Toyota Corolla Model year 2014 or Newer
The 2014 Corolla grew in size, but its total fuel economy remained at 32 mpg. The interior space is a spacious back seat. The ride comfort is excellent, and the handling is agile. When climbing hills or merging, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) intensifies the engine drone. However, it is unnoticeable when just driving around.
The controls are straightforward, and you receive a touchscreen infotainment system with the most up-to-date connectivity. Automatic climate control is included on LE and above trim levels. It is a unique feature in this class. At this pricing, 2017 offers standard front collision warning and automated emergency braking. Recent vintage Corollas are one of the best-used cars.
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4. Honda Civic Model Year 2016 or Newer
Honda created a whole new design from the ground up. As a result, the Civic has been improved and now seems more premium and robust than prior models. The 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine is still used in base versions, while all higher trims get a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.
Both engines are refined and efficient, and the CVT automatic transmission performs admirably. The handling is agile and responsive, and the suspension isolates most road bumps. Road noise is reduced, addressing a long-standing Civic flaw. The interior boasts finer materials and a roomier back seat.
Basic models come with a simple radio, but higher trims come with an unintuitive touchscreen infotainment system that lacks classic knobs and buttons. The Honda Sensing safety suite includes frontal collision warning and automated emergency braking, available on almost every model level. A hatchback model was included in the inventory in 2017.
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5. Honda Accord Model Year 2013 or Newer
The Accord reduced in size with the 2013 facelift. However, it remained quite roomy and family-friendly. The four-cylinder vehicles have a CVT (continuously variable gearbox) that helps them achieve an excellent 30 mpg. In addition, the V6 models are equipped with a standard automatic transmission.
When using the right-hand turn signal, the EX and higher trims come with a more complex radio and LaneWatch, which displays an image of what's on your right side. However, it is insufficient in comparison to a blind-spot detection system that covers both sides.
The Sport grade sharpens the handling slightly, but it comes at the expense of ride comfort. Forward collision warning is standard on high-end models. In addition, the Honda Sensing safety suite includes front collision warning and automatic emergency braking. It is available on practically every trim level, thanks to 2016 revisions.
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What to Look for in the Best Cars for Teenagers
1. Safety
Consider models from the IIHS's Top Safety Pick list, or look for a vehicle's safety rating from the NHTSA. In addition, look for equipment such as side curtain airbags and electronic stability control. It assists the driver in maintaining control of the vehicle on slick roads.
Blind-spot monitoring informs teen drivers when a car enters their blind area. Newer cars feature the most up-to-date safety technology. However, new automobiles are costly. If your teen gets an older, hand-me-down car, you may still install new vehicle safety features without breaking the budget.
Many firms offer very simply, over-the-counter technology that is very easy to wire. Such features are frequently available for less than $250. For example, consider installing a backup camera or parking sensors that sound an alarm if you get too close to an object.
2. Size
The IIHS advises larger, heavier vehicles for teen drivers because they provide the most protection in a crash. Large cars, such as full-size SUVs and pickup trucks, are costly and difficult to maneuver. Smaller automobiles are less expensive and easier to drive and park, but they do poorly in accident tests.
Compact or midsized SUVs are a good compromise between size and pricing. They're big and hefty. However, they take less damage in crashes and are still small enough to drive and have good visibility. Such models are priced similarly to midsized sedans and deliver similar fuel economies.
Several vehicles score badly on headlamp effectiveness. If you're thinking about buying one, take it for a test drive at night to see if it has this feature. Look for a trim level with updated led headlights. If you choose a huge car, make sure your teen feels at ease behind the wheel. Consider small cars with higher crash-test ratings and front-crash avoidance features like automatic braking if you choose a smaller vehicle.
3. Reliability
All cars require periodic maintenance. If your teen's car requires frequent repairs, it could be a safety issue. Consumer Reports show automotive reliability ratings. Based on trends and data from auto owner surveys, the publication forecasts dependability ratings for new cars.
When buying used cars from private sellers, make sure the shape is decent. To begin, obtain a vehicle history report. Then, before buying, request the owner's maintenance records and inspect them by a mechanic you trust. Next, obtain as much information as possible from the existing owner. Inquire about why they're selling the automobile, how they loved it, and what type of problems they faced.
Certified pre-owned cars bought from a dealership are usually more expensive. The price is more difficult to haggle, but they don't require an inspection. The standard factory warranty covers repair costs for three years and 36,000 miles, or longer if you purchase an extended warranty.
4. Affordability
When buying a car, you must first figure out how much you can afford to spend. Do you have the financial means to purchase a new car, or would a used car be a better fit for your needs? Will you be getting a car loan to pay for it? Is your kid able to pay for a portion of or the entire car? Will your teen contribute to the cost of petrol, insurance, and monthly car payments? Is there an automobile in the family that your teen may share or take over?
Consider the ongoing expenditures of car ownership, particularly how much your kid will have to spend to fill the tank. Get a car that gets around 25 miles per gallon. Keep in mind that adolescent budgets are tight. If you buy them a big pickup vehicle that gets 10 to 15 miles per gallon, they'll be begging you to open your wallet every other day.