High school is a time when teenagers reach some of their biggest milestones. Getting a driver’s license is one of the biggest milestones for a teen wanting some freedom. Along with a license, if you’re lucky, also comes a car.
Something teens dream about is what kind of car they get to drive once they get their license. However, while there are many different aesthetics and uses, the real factors that should be addressed when finding a car for a teen is what will have the best functionality and safety for their specific driving experiences, as well as making sure the vehicle is within a reasonable price range.
Typically, when buying a first car, a used car is most likely the best bet to get use out of it within a reasonable price range. Especially as a new driver, a used car can feel like the better choice in case of any kind of accident. Inexpensive used cars including the Toyota Camry, the Volvo S60 and the Mazda 6 are all great options for a low price (iihs.org). Used cars provide a great balance for new drivers because instead of crashing or causing problems to a brand-new car, there would be damage to an older car that may already have some wear and tear.
While a used car does not always imply that it will be a technically old car, some students like junior Izabella Covarrubias find older cars more reliable. As a driver herself, Izabella feels that “[…] a lot of older cars are a lot stronger and they don’t have the features of moving the steering [wheel] without a person doing it, which is scary,”. However, some newer safety features like cars that beep when they get too close to another object or vehicle, can help the driver stay safe, as Izabella also mentions.
As teen drivers are learning the ropes of driving, it is imperative that they have the protection that they need in case of an emergency or accident. Small cars like Toyota Corollas, although they are very reliable, may not be the best choice since the size of the car does not offer as much room and protection as a larger car could. Midsize cars and small SUVs are some of the best options for young drivers since they are easier to maneuver than large vehicles but still provide enough protection from an accident (cbs17.com). Cars like the Toyota Camry, Kia Sportage, Honda CR-V, and Subaru Legacy are some of the best-used cars that provide enough protection for a new driver (iihs.org).
Junior Malaiah Mayo is a new driver who feels that different models of the Honda Civic Sport are great options for teens as they provide the safety that new drivers need. Along with the specific model of a car, the safety features are also very important: “[…] having a more sensitive brake and a sturdy steering wheel is better for teens because it makes it easier to stop quickly if something were to happen,” Mayo shares.
While any car would be a great blessing for teen drivers, some options are better and safer than others. Make sure to take into consideration many different factors before purchasing a car to drive around so that the vehicle is the right fit for you. Enjoy driving, Huskies!
