If you have a teen (or soon-to-be driver) at home, it's time to start thinking about a good first vehicle. From safety features and price to reliability and insurance, there's a lot to consider. But don't worry! We're here to help start your search with top safety picks and recommendations from the pros.
Safety Really Is #1!
No matter how long you've been on the road, driving comes with risks. For new drivers (and especially teens), safety really is the first priority. Here are some numbers to think about from the CDC & the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS):
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Only older people drive more than teens, but the risk of a crash is higher among teens 16-19 than any other age group.
- Teens 16-19 have a fatal crash rate almost three times as high as drivers over the age of 20 per mile driven.
- Crash risk is particularly high during the first months of licensure.
- In 2020, car crashes were one of the leading causes of death in teens 13-19.
While there's no one best car for everyone, safety, reliability, and affordability should be at the forefront of any search.
What To Avoid
While your new driver will likely have their own ideas about what makes an ideal vehicle, make sure to steer clear of super-tiny cars that will get flattened by full-size vehicles, as well as huge trucks and SUVs that are harder to handle and use more gas.
Sports cars and high-horsepower vehicles are also on the "skip" list, because they are easy for inexperienced drivers to crash and much more expensive to insure.
Look For 2013 & Newer Models
The general rule is that newer cars have better safety features. Starting in 2013, vehicles must have the "Big Three" safety features: anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control. If your budget allows, look for 2018 or later vehicles. This is when vehicles were mandated to have rearview cameras (although you can find them in some cars before then).
Check The Trim & Safety Specs
It's important to remember that not all safety features available come standard with every model or trim level.
​When you're researching makes and models, review the different trim levels to ensure the vehicle you're eyeing comes with the exact safety features you want.
Car Buying In Today's Market
If you have even thought about shopping for cars right now, you already know how challenging it can be to get exactly what you want. Supply issues and rising costs make it hard to find exactly what you're looking for in your budget. Things like color may need to be an afterthought in order to get the features you want. And when you do find a reliable, affordable vehicle, move fast... it may not be on the lot for very long.
And Now... Car Recommendations!
The good news is that there are a lot of makes and models of used cars that come highly recommended. Kelly Blue Book and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety have lists that break out different budgets, model years, features, and body styles.
Here are our selections that take top prizes for reliability, safety, and affordability. (And be sure to check KBB & IIHS out for more picks!)
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is one of the most widely recommended & safest used car options for beginners. Featuring a sleek look, the Honda Accord marries parental concerns and a teen’s desire for an attractive ride. The Accord is a frequent winner of KBB’s Best Buy Award in the Midsize Sedan category, plus it’s been an IIHS top safety pick every year since 2013.
Mazda 3
With an estimated 35 mpg on the highway and excellent scores in every crash test from IIHS and NHTSA, it's tough to beat the Mazda 3. This vehicle boasts a wide range of safety features, plus sleek and sporty styling in both sedan and hatchback body types.
Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is a domestic bestseller that you’ll see on just about every road. Why? Because it’s one of the safest cars out there. It gets great gas mileage, has a roomy interior, and includes responsive handling, especially around corners. The RAV4 consistently earns the top safety marks from the IIHS.
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V has a reputation for being a reliable starter vehicle with easy handling. A favorite among compact SUVs, the CR-V is economical with gas and comes with a host of advanced safety features. The CR-V has earned IIHS safety awards since 2015. With seating for 5 and tons of cargo space, this is a great pick for teens!
Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 has built up a winning reputation for responsive handling, steadiness on the road, overall reliability, and decent fuel economy. The Touring trim comes loaded with advanced safety and driver-assist features. In 2014, the Mazda CX-5 was one of the IIHS’s top safety picks, so those earlier models are still some of the safest used cars out there.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is a mainstay in the compact car segment. This sedan is known for great durability and reliability and is a Top Safety Pick. It's comfortable and easy to drive, and Toyota has packed the Corolla with loads of standard equipment including even more features on higher trim packages.
More Faves From KBB & IIHS:
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Chevrolet Equinox
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Chevrolet Volt
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Ford C-Max Hybrid
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Ford Fusion
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Ford Taurus
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Honda Civic
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Honda Element
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Honda Insight
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Honda Pilot
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Hyundai Genesis
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Hyundai Kona
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Kia Soul
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Kia Sportage
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Lincoln MKZ
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Mazda 6
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Mazda CX-3
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Nissan Altima
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Nissan Rogue
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Subaru Crosstek
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Subaru Impreza
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Subaru Legacy
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Subaru Outback
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Toyota Avalon
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Toyota Camry
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Toyota Highlander
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Toyota Prius
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Volkswagen Jetta
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Volkswagen Passat
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Volvo S60
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Volvo XC60
We are wishing you and your family a safe and happy New Year! If you have a new driver to add in near future, we encourage you to reach out as soon as possible so we can help you plan and find the best rates.
LW Short Agents can help advise you on the best policies to consider, discounts and bundles, and also provide some car-shopping tips to lower the rates for your new driver. Call our office at 843-357-7493
or visit us online at homeautoinsurancesc.com
!
