Best Used Cars For Teens
Obtaining a driver's license is typically a major milestone for teenagers. Other rites of passage for teenagers cannot compare to the pride, the thrill of freedom, or the exhilaration of owning a car. However, having a young driver may not be all that exciting for parents. Along with the anxiety that comes with having a juvenile driver, parents now have to shoulder the additional cost of purchasing and insuring a vehicle for their teen driver.
Full coverage automobile insurance costs, on average, $1,674, but for teen drivers, the price may be double or triple that. For instance, the average cost to add a 16-year-old to a parent's insurance plan is $2,531, which represents a hike of more than 150%. Given the danger, a minor driver poses to insurers, the cost is not shocking. Teen drivers are most at risk for traffic fatalities, and 2,375 drivers under the age of 19 lost their lives in crashes in 2019 alone, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
1. Honda Civic (2012-2016)
With a winning combination of affordability, features, safety, dependability, and resale value, the used Honda Civic has been one of the best-selling small vehicles in the United States for years. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that it is one of the tops used vehicles for teenagers.
Since the start of the model's ninth generation in 2012, practically every variation of the car has received a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration. The sedan was an IIHS Top Safety Pick every year from 2009 to 2017. (NHTSA).
The Civic has excellent gas mileage, with EPA estimates of 31 MPG on average. While it is not impossible to find one for around $10,000, used 2012 model Civics typically have between 50,000 and 100,000 miles on them, which means they are usually past their three-year, 36,000-mile original warranty. Civics with more recent models and lower mileage generally cost over $10,000.
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2. Toyota Camry (2012-2014)
One of the most excellent cars for adolescents and one of the best-selling vehicles in the country overall, the used Toyota Camry frequently comes in at or near the top of lists. A Camry under $10,000 with low mileage is unfortunately hard to find because Camry owners continually keep them for a long time.
The EPA estimates that the 2011 model achieves 22 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. The 2012–2014 Camry models received five-star overall safety ratings from the NHTSA, and IIHS put them on its list of Top Safety Picks. The 2011 Camry comes with a three-year, 36,000-mile guarantee with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The Toyota Camry is a fantastic first automobile if you can find a used one for sale. It has received high ratings in crash safety testing, and it has remarkable longevity, reliability, and fuel economy.
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3. Hyundai Sonata (2011 or newer)
The 2011 used Hyundai Sonata scores an estimated 34 MPG on the highway and has a five-year, 60,000-mile guarantee. Additionally, a hybrid version of the Sonata is available for even better fuel efficiency. Since 2011, all gas-powered Sonatas have received a five-star NHTSA safety rating and, with the exception of 2014, have received the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation, making them excellent first vehicles for teen drivers.
Compared to 2016 models, used 2011 Sonatas in this price range typically have just under the warranty mileage cap. Stability control and front and side curtain airbags are included as standard safety equipment on entry-level versions.
4. Nissan Altima (2014 and newer)
Since 2014, every used Nissan Altima model has received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA. Bluetooth connectivity and Intelligent Key remote engine start are included even in the entry-level vehicles, and cars made in 2016 and later also come with a rearview camera.
The 2016 model's four-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission have a top highway fuel efficiency of 39 MPG, according to the EPA estimates. Expect to find 2014 vehicles in this price range with 60,000–80,000 kilometers, which is plenty of mileage to get this great automobile for teenagers through their college years.
5. Volkswagen Jetta (2016-2017)
The used Volkswagen Jetta is the brand's smallest sedan, making it a fantastic choice for teenagers who might feel intimidated by bigger cars. Vehicle-to-vehicle front accident prevention is available as an optional safety technology on both the 2016 and 2017 models, which were chosen as IIHS Top Safety Picks. Finding a used Jetta with front crash prevention could allay parents' concerns about youthful drivers who are still learning the ropes.
The 2016 and 2017 Volkswagen Jettas, depending on the individual trim package, achieve between 27 and 33 combined city/highway MPG, so parents won't have to give their teenagers much in the way of petrol money either. With its hybrid drivetrain, the 2016 Jetta achieves a remarkable 44 combined city/highway MPG.
6. Ford Focus (2015-2017)
The 2015 Ford Focus received the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation and achieved an EPA combined estimated 31 MPG. Every Ford Focus model, including sedans and hatchbacks, received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA from 2012 to 2018 (Ford terminated the model in 2019). Several Focus versions are available for under $10,000.
The 2015 Focus was the first vehicle to come standard with a backup camera that also included lane departure and blind-spot warnings. Ford also provides the MyKey program, which lets parents program a key to control the vehicle's speed, radio volume, and seatbelt notifications. The Ford Focus is one of the best-used vehicles for teen drivers in many parents' eyes, even though young drivers might not be as enthused about the safety features.
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7. Ford Escape (2018-2019)
The used Ford Escape is a terrific choice if you would feel more at ease with your teen operating a larger car. Even though this car costs more than our $10,000 limit, it has amenities that might offset the modest price increase.
The 2018 and 2019 Escape models received high marks for roof strength and side crashworthiness, while not being an IIHS Top Safety Pick. The NHTSA has also given both years a 5-star safety rating. Lane departure warning and forward collision warning are also available on both models. It might be easier for parents to feel at ease with their young drivers if they can find a used Ford Escape with one or both of these features.
Expert Advice
Your vehicle insurance price may increase significantly if you add a teen driver to the policy. As long as they are under 25, teenage drivers will normally pay higher prices since insurance firms view them as higher-risk drivers. You shouldn't let the cost stop you from providing your young driver with proper protection, though.
You should also think about adding optional collision and comprehensive coverage for the new driver in addition to the minimum necessary liability and property damage coverage because they lack driving expertise and the risk of a costly claim is significantly higher. Regardless of the vehicle or coverage, you select, comparing prices from other insurers may help you get the best deal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q What is the best first car for a 16-year-old?
Since 2011, all gas-powered Sonatas have received a five-star NHTSA safety rating and, with the exception of 2014, have received the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation, making them excellent first vehicles for teen drivers.
Q What is the safest car for a teenager to drive?
Ans: The top safest cars for teens to drive are as follows-
- 2017 Toyota RAV4.
- 2018 Mazda CX-5.
- 2017 Honda CR-V.
- 2020 Toyota Corolla.
Q What is the most reliable used car to buy?
Ans: The topmost reliable used cars to buy are as follows-
- Toyota Camry.
- Mazda MX-5 Miata.
- 2012 Honda Civic.
- 2013 Honda Accord.
- 2018 Mazda3.
Q What is the most common car for high schoolers?
Ans: The topmost common car for high schoolers are as follows-
- Honda Accord.
- Nissan Sentra.
- Ford Fusion.
- Hyundai Elantra.
- Ford Mustang.
