5 First Cars for Teens Recommend by Mechanics
For many teenagers, the prospect of getting their first car brings a mix of excitement and trepidation. After all, it’s natural to want to get the best car possible that looks cool and won’t break the bank. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 5 first cars for teens that mechanics recommend.
We’ve done extensive research to ensure that these cars are reliable and will last for years. We’ve included cars from various price ranges and features so that you can find the perfect vehicle for your teen’s needs. So whether your teen is looking for a reliable car to get them to and from school or something they can take on a road trip, we’ve got you covered.
Car Safety
Safety is paramount when it comes to first-time drivers. It is important to make sure that the car has passed all necessary safety tests, such as regular checkups with a qualified mechanic and brake checks at least twice a year. Additional safety measures may be required depending on where you live – such as fitting the car with an approved dash camera system.
Reliability
The last thing you want is for your teen’s car to break down halfway between home and school. Having reliable transportation gives peace of mind and ensures your teen always makes it where they need to go. To maximize reliability, avoiding heavily used or old cars is best.
Price
Often, teens’ first cars are handed down from family members or found for discounted prices on the used car market. While these are usually good options, it is prudent to do your research to ensure you are not overpaying. It comes down to finding a good balance between affordability and reliability so that you are not stuck with an unreliable vehicle or one that requires frequent repairs.
Other Considerations
Beyond safety, reliability and cost considerations, there are other elements to consider when selecting a teen’s first vehicle. It is important to consider the car’s size as well as its features and amenities – especially if you live in an area with challenging weather conditions for driving.
Recommendations
Using all of these factors into consideration, here are five recommended first cars for teens from our mechanics:
1) Toyota Prius
Consumer Reports has ranked The Toyota Prius the most dependable car for four consecutive years due to its great fuel economy and spacious interior. It also comes equipped with advanced safety features like lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking to help reduce the chances of an accident.
2) Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai Sonata has consistently been rated a safe vehicle due to its 5-star NHTSA crash test ratings and a ton of active safety features like blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. It is also relatively roomy for its class and provides plenty of features at an affordable price point due to its age– perfect for teens who don’t want to spend too much money on their first car.
3) Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester is an excellent option if you live in an area with challenging driving conditions due to its excellent all-wheel-drive system and winter-ready tires; features like blind spot monitoring are also available on higher trim models if desired. The Forester also offers plenty of interior space and cargo storage capacity – ideal for long road trips or family vacations with multiple passengers!
4) Honda Civic
The Honda Civic has been a long-time favorite among young drivers due to its combination of reliable components and affordable price point; it also remains one of the safest vehicles on the road thanks to its wide array of standard safety equipment (including dash camera systems). The Honda Civic also provides plenty of onboard entertainment options and excellent fuel economy ratings on select models for those looking for greater efficiency out of their vehicle.
5) Volkswagen Jetta
The Volkswagen Jetta offers excellent performance combined with an excellent interior design; it also comes equipped with many advanced driver assistance systems (like automatic emergency braking), which can help reduce the risk of accidents occurring while on the road. The Volkswagen Jetta also offers a generous array of interior amenities, making it perfect for long drives or late-night errands around town!
It’s no easy task to find the perfect first car for a teen, but by doing your research and taking the time to understand the different considerations, you can make sure that your teen’s first car is the right one for them. The vehicles we mentioned are great for teens and provide plenty of reliable performance, safety features, and long-term reliability. With the right car, teens can hit the road with their newfound independence and confidently explore the world.