When it's time for your teen to be out-and-about driving on their own, you want to know the car they're trying is reliable and trustworthy. Consider these cars as your next vehicle for your teen driver. more Factors to Consider for Teen Drivers There are many things to consider when purchasing a new car for your teen. These include safety, size, reliability, fuel, insurance, and repair cost. Keep in mind, the vehicle perfect for one teen may not be perfect for another. Weighing all the factors can ensure you're selecting the right car safety wise and price wise. Car Size The size generally is a compromise between large vehicles and smaller compact cars, meaning a mid-size sedan is a competent choice for three reasons: they're not as large as an SUV, they have more than adequate weight, and they have enough power but not so much as to put your teen in danger of pushing the limits. Small subcompacts are designed with crumple zones to reduce risk in case of a wreck, however, because the car is smaller so are these crumple zones. If there is an accident, the chances of an injury increase. SUVs have a tendency to roll over and may not have the strongest roof, which increases the risk of injury. Traditionally, sports cars are powerful, which means they're fast. Safety Features When it comes to safety, the more features the car is equipped with, the better the support system is for your teen. Systems such as blind spot detection, rear-view cameras, forward-collision warning, and electronic stability control add to the safety level of the car. Some vehicles also have available Teen Driver Technology, which promotes safe driving habits for young drivers. Be sure to check the safety ratings of the cars you're considering with the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) to make sure they make the grade. Budget Beyond the price tag of the vehicle itself, you'll want to consider other factors such as fuel economy and the cost of the insurance premium to cover your teen. Another area to check is the reliability of the car and whether or not it's prone to frequent and potentially costly repairs. Mid-Size Sedans to Consider The 2019 Mazda CX-5 received a superior rating from the IIHS for front crash prevention and six "good" rating for crashworthiness. The Honda Insight received high marks from the NHTSA and the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) with equipment such as automated emergency braking, LED headlamps and tail lamps, and lane keeping assist and did well on crash tests. The Subaru Impreza Limited comes standard with EyeSight driver-assistance features that include lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automated emergency braking. The Toyota Camry runs the gamut of standard equipment that includes automatic high-beam headlights, automated emergency braking, 10 air bags, lane-keeping alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping alerts. The 2019 Malibu has solid suspension and a braking system that promotes easy handling. The mid-size sedan features a wealth of standard safety features, which includes teen driver technology, StabiliTrak, electronic stability control (ESC) with traction control, rear vision camera, rear park assist, daytime running lamps, and multiple airbags. Image via Flickr by RN GNZLZ CC by-SA 2.0
