Best First Cars for Teenagers

You want to buy the safest car you can afford for your new teen driver while also trying not to break the bank. Although buying a vehicle with a high safety rating and safety features can help protect your loved one, the first line of defense is teaching your teen driver how to properly drive, the dangers of distracted driving and what to look out for while on the road. With those lessons in mind, here are ten affordable cars to consider before you head to your local dealership.

Choosing a Good Car for First-Time Drivers

Picking a starter car for your teen driver is a big step. Not only will they remember the name of their first car, but they’ll also remember how well it drove. When looking at affordable cars, you can typically find ones with safety features and relatively low maintenance costs.

Car Safety Features for Teens

With over 10% of teen driving deaths involving distracted driving, it’s essential to teach your teen driver the importance of being aware of their surroundings when driving. One way to help teen drivers is by purchasing a car with safety features like a rear-view camera, blind spot detector and lane departure warning sensors.

Teen Driver Insurance Implications

The costs of insuring young drivers are high due to their limited experience behind the wheel. One way to cut insurance costs is by purchasing a car with a low auto insurance rate. 

Cost of Maintenance and Repairs

The cost of buying a car goes beyond the sticker price. Routine expenses like gas, maintenance and repairs are also important to keep in mind. The average cost of routine maintenance and repairs on average is $0.09 per mile according to a study by AAA.

Remind your teen driver to keep an eye on the oil change sticker to see when they last brought it in. Oil changes should be done every 5,000-7,000 miles or every 12 months depending on if you haven’t reached the minimum mileage driven. Related, make sure you have the tires rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles as well. Depending on your vehicle, you’ll need to keep a lookout on how your windshield wipers, car battery and brake pads are performing.

Top 10 Best Used Cars for Teenagers

The following list of safest cars for teens was gathered by reviewing the IIHS ratings across different vehicle types and prices.

Coverage You Can Rely On

No matter the vehicle you choose, we’re here to provide you with the coverage you need. Contact your local Farm Bureau agent to receive a quote on your new vehicle.