When your teen starts learning to drive, it’s a very exciting time for them. Getting your own car, and the extra independence that comes with it, is a major step in growing up. But as a parent, you may have concerns about what the best vehicle is for your teen, and what driver assistance features they’ll need to keep them safe. Or perhaps your teen is buying their first car, and you want to help guide them.
On top of our first time car buying tips, we’ve put together a list of some of the best vehicles for teen drivers. You’ll be happy to hear that purchasing a safe vehicle doesn’t need to break the bank, since there are many used car options for you to choose from.
Mazda3
Any Mazda3 from the 2014 model year and on is a great choice for a teen driver. And with a used price tag under $10,000 – around $7,000 to be precise – you can get one on a tight budget.
The Mazda3 has been selected by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as a Top Safety Pick. The IIHS gave it the best marks in all six of its crash tests, while the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded it top marks in its frontal crash, side crash, and rollover tests.
With a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in most models, the Mazda3 also possesses sufficient power to offer a solid ride. Your teen driver will benefit from good fuel economy numbers, with the Mazda achieving 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
Subaru Impreza
From the 2014 model year and on, the IIHS recommends the Impreza as a top choice for teen drivers or college students. It provides an estimated retail price for a used Impreza of $8,700.
The 2021 Impreza received five out of five stars from the NHTSA in its safety tests. The IIHS also gave this vehicle top marks in its crash tests.
The Impreza comes with standard all-wheel drive, which makes its strong gas mileage all the more impressive. To get the most out of its 2.0-liter V-4 engine, you’ll need to look for a used Impreza with a continuous variable transmission (CVT). This power train setup is good for 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla hatchback is another solid pick for a first time driver. The IIHS recommends the 2019 model year or newer, and attaches an estimated retail price of $15,800 for a used Corolla.
The Corolla has an excellent predicted reliability rating of 4.5 out of five, which is a measurement of how likely it is to be involved in crashes or present problems. In its latest round of safety tests, the NHTSA gave the car five out of five stars in its front crash test and four out of five stars for its rollover test.
One standout feature in the Corolla is its wide range of standard safety systems. These include automatic emergency braking, front collision warning, and lane keep assist, which will come in handy for your teen when they’re on the highway.
Honda Accord
If you want your teen to learn to drive in a slightly larger car, the Honda Accord might be the right choice. Available in a sedan or coupe, the IIHS recommends it from its 2013 model year and on for teen drivers. A used Accord has an estimated retail price of $9,200.
The 2021 Accord obtained five out of five stars from the NHTSA in its three safety tests.
You’ll find Accords equipped with either a 1.5-liter turbocharged V-4 or a 2.0-liter turbocharged V-4. Both engines will supply plenty of power to provide your teen with an interesting drive.
Volkswagen Passat
The IIHS recommends the Passat’s 2016 to 2018 models for teen drivers. Used Passats have an estimated retail price of $11,000.
The IIHS gives the Passat excellent crash test scores across the board, and this mid-sized car features a good selection of standard safety features to support your teen driver. These include front collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection.
Buick Encore
While SUVs can be more challenging to handle for a young driver, they have the advantage of offering your teen more protection if they get into an accident. The Buick Encore, from its 2016 model onwards, is one of the best small SUV choices for young drivers. The IIHS lists its estimated retail price at $10,600.
The 2021 Encore got a good predicted reliability rating of 4.5 out of five stars, and received five out of five stars from the NHTSA in its safety tests. Its 1.4-liter V-4 engine offers a solid ride while delivering good fuel economy for a small SUV.
Honda CR-V
Another strong SUV option is the Honda CR-V. The IIHS recommends the 2015-16 model years, or any CR-V from 2019 onwards. It estimates the cost of a used CR-V at $12,200.
Both the IIHS and NHTSA gave the CR-V top overall marks in their tests. This Honda SUV has strong standard safety features, and with a minimum weight of 3,300 pounds, it will provide your teen with plenty of protection in the event of an accident.
Toyota RAV4
RAV4s from the 2015 model year onwards are well suited to teen drivers. The estimated retail price for a used RAV4 is $13,800.
The RAV4 gives you excellent fuel economy numbers for an SUV at 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, which should help your teen save some money on gas. On top of that, newer Rav4 models are good for off-roading if that’s important for your family.
Nissan Rogue
Try to find a Rogue from the 2017 model year or newer for your teen. The IIHS provides an estimated retail price for a used Rogue of $13,400.
The Rogue has a strong selection of standard features, and a good predicted reliability rating of four out of five stars. Its 1.8-liter V-4 engine provides decent power for your teen’s daily driving needs.
Buy Used Cars in Grand Forks, ND
We hope this list of safe and reliable used cars for teen drivers has helped you in your search. Here at Rydell Outlet, we have used cars like these at reasonable prices. If you’d like to arrange a test drive or look at our inventory, contact us today to get started!
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