Choosing the Best First Car for a New Driver

Photo: MOTOsafety

Getting your driver’s license is an important milestone for teenagers. It’s the first taste of real independence, but a bittersweet moment for parents, who’ve spent countless hours playing chauffeur to various appointments, games, practices, and other commitments.  Teen drivers will quickly learn just how big a responsibility is to get behind the wheel.  Safety (of the driver, passengers, and other drivers) is the main priority, not a cool car or impressing your friends.

If you’re shopping for a reliable new or used car for your teen driver, look at the following:

Safety features. They can vary widely, but most models come with the following basic safety gear:

·         Seat belts

·         Airbags (front-side airbags have been standard on all new cars since 1998)

·         Anti-lock brakes

·         Traction control

Of course, the newer the car, the more safety features it will have.  “More” isn’t always better, but when it comes to your vehicle, you really can never be too safe. Talk to your new driver about the importance of everyone in the car wearing a seat belt (this simple act alone can protect them from serious injuries or worse) and using the other features as needed.

Price. A generation or two ago, parents passed their car down to their new driver and bought upgraded wheels for themselves. That’s not always the case today, as many new drivers often get a brand-new car from Mom and Dad.  Whichever you choose, parents want a vehicle that’s not only safe, but cost-efficient (unfortunately, most new drivers won’t get the brand-new sports car right away).  Models like the Honda Civic and Toyota Celica are common first cars for new drivers, as they are reliable, with good safety records, and usually don’t put too much of a strain on the average household budget.

Gas mileage.  Longtime drivers know to keep a close eye on gas prices; new drivers will quickly learn why their parents stress about it so much. It will depend on the type of vehicle you drive, but usually 25MPG (miles per gallon) is considered good gas mileage; electric or hybrid vehicles usually average 40 to 50 MPG. This is a good question to ask the car dealer or person who’s selling the car.

You always remember your first car. Help your teen driver create happy memories by choosing one that’s safe and reliable.

What other tips would you add for new drivers buying their first car? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!