Best Cars For First Time Drives: From A Worried Dad
I find myself wondering about the best safest vehicles for my kids...and my oldest is still three years away from getting behind the wheel. Now I have a better understanding of why I drove my parents nuts as they prepped me for driving; picturing my son behind the wheel makes me wince.
Obviously, being cool and looking good are the prerequisites for the vehicles being chosen by most teens. As parents, we're obviously thinking more along the lines of Sherman Tank safety and speeds reserved for the common scooter.
Here's a nice list that tries to meet both expectations and need somewhere in the middle. These 10 vehicles make the cut based solely on safety ratings, (4 or 5 stars) curtain air bags and electronic stability controls either as an option or standard. some of these also meet the "cool" requirement but also register a tad higher on the cost scale. Wise consumers doing their research will have no problem finding a quality used car with low miles and a clean vehicle history report.
Chevy Impala
Retail: $21,995 | Engine: 211hp V6 | MPG: 18/29
Nice conservative ride; safe, good mileage and has good potential for customization to increase cool factor.
Chrysler 300
Retail: $24,595 | Engine: 178hp V6 | PG: 18/26
Another full size vehicle; nice ride for a 1st time drive. Buy it for your wife, and have piece of mind that every will be safe. And look great too!
Ford Taurus
Retail: $25,845 | Engine: 263hp V6 | MPG: 18/28
A trusted name, strong track record and an updated design. May be a little "stuffy" but its engine and overall performance still packs a punch.
Honda Accord
Retail: $20,995 | Engine: 177hp 4-cyl MPG: 21/31
One of the safest mid-sized sedans on the road; newer modern updates appeal to younger drivers even more.
Honda Civic
Retail: $15,445 | Engine: 140hp 4-cyl | MPG: 25/36
The Civic has also been updated with modern styling; also widely accepted by young drivers and also holds its value very well.
Mazda3
Starting: $13,895 | Engine: 148hp 4-cyl. | MPG: 24/32
Fun, safe & roomy; sedan or hatchback. Tops on my list for its size, sportiness and overall practicality.
Nissan Altima
Starting: $18,855 | Engine: 175hp 4-cyl | MPG: 23/31
All around consumer leader in styling, fun factor, safety and gas mileage.
Subaru Impreza 2.5i
Starting: $17,640 | Engine: 170hp 4cyl | MPG: 20/27
Another safe and sporty model that ranks at the top of most young drivers; also ranks very high in safety levels. High production quality is a plus.
Toyota Prius
Starting: $21,60 | Engine: 186hp 4-cyl | MPG: 48/45solid, reliable with
Besides the obvious economical benefits, safety ratings rank well; Do the extra research as the market is creating a wide band of prices.
Toyota RAV4
Starting: $21,610 | Engine: 186hp 4-cyl | MPG: 48/45
The only SUV to make the list; all due to its safety, best in class size, overall performance and the ability to hold its value.
Keep in mind...who will be driving this vehicle? How often, how far and with who? All important factors when considering the best car to buy for your young or first time driver. Get a CARFAX report, check the safety ratings and compare your overall cost of ownership for the vehicle.
Best of luck. Don't wince too hard.
Eric Miltsch
Stumble It!
Obviously, being cool and looking good are the prerequisites for the vehicles being chosen by most teens. As parents, we're obviously thinking more along the lines of Sherman Tank safety and speeds reserved for the common scooter.
Here's a nice list that tries to meet both expectations and need somewhere in the middle. These 10 vehicles make the cut based solely on safety ratings, (4 or 5 stars) curtain air bags and electronic stability controls either as an option or standard. some of these also meet the "cool" requirement but also register a tad higher on the cost scale. Wise consumers doing their research will have no problem finding a quality used car with low miles and a clean vehicle history report.
Chevy Impala
Retail: $21,995 | Engine: 211hp V6 | MPG: 18/29
Nice conservative ride; safe, good mileage and has good potential for customization to increase cool factor.
Chrysler 300
Retail: $24,595 | Engine: 178hp V6 | PG: 18/26
Another full size vehicle; nice ride for a 1st time drive. Buy it for your wife, and have piece of mind that every will be safe. And look great too!
Ford Taurus
Retail: $25,845 | Engine: 263hp V6 | MPG: 18/28
A trusted name, strong track record and an updated design. May be a little "stuffy" but its engine and overall performance still packs a punch.
Honda Accord
Retail: $20,995 | Engine: 177hp 4-cyl MPG: 21/31
One of the safest mid-sized sedans on the road; newer modern updates appeal to younger drivers even more.
Honda Civic
Retail: $15,445 | Engine: 140hp 4-cyl | MPG: 25/36
The Civic has also been updated with modern styling; also widely accepted by young drivers and also holds its value very well.
Mazda3
Starting: $13,895 | Engine: 148hp 4-cyl. | MPG: 24/32
Fun, safe & roomy; sedan or hatchback. Tops on my list for its size, sportiness and overall practicality.
Nissan Altima
Starting: $18,855 | Engine: 175hp 4-cyl | MPG: 23/31
All around consumer leader in styling, fun factor, safety and gas mileage.
Subaru Impreza 2.5i
Starting: $17,640 | Engine: 170hp 4cyl | MPG: 20/27
Another safe and sporty model that ranks at the top of most young drivers; also ranks very high in safety levels. High production quality is a plus.
Toyota Prius
Starting: $21,60 | Engine: 186hp 4-cyl | MPG: 48/45solid, reliable with
Besides the obvious economical benefits, safety ratings rank well; Do the extra research as the market is creating a wide band of prices.
Toyota RAV4
Starting: $21,610 | Engine: 186hp 4-cyl | MPG: 48/45
The only SUV to make the list; all due to its safety, best in class size, overall performance and the ability to hold its value.
Keep in mind...who will be driving this vehicle? How often, how far and with who? All important factors when considering the best car to buy for your young or first time driver. Get a CARFAX report, check the safety ratings and compare your overall cost of ownership for the vehicle.
Best of luck. Don't wince too hard.
Eric Miltsch
Labels: Buying Cars, First Time Driver, MotaMama, teen driving
Stumble It!
posted by Miss Mota Mouth@ 2:22 PM 2 Comments
2 Comments:
Thanks for mentioning Carfax. These are great suggestions for first time drivers. It’s also a good idea to have your mechanic inspect any used car you are considering before you buy.
Thanks for stopping by, Heather!
One of the great things that Mota.net offers is an inspection for the sellers so that they can present their car for sale honestly and the buyer doesn't have to pay for an inspection on a car that they may not buy.
Best,
MMM
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