As much as you would like to keep your teenage son or daughter locked away at home, safe from all of the horrible things that can happen to them on the road, you are eventually going to have to break down and let them start driving. It is a logical step in your teen’s development into adulthood. Plus, if you don’t let them learn to drive, they will NEVER leave the house, and you will be stuck driving them to the mall every weekend
However, you can mitigate some of the potential risks of teen driving by choosing a car that is safe, dependable, and affordable.
Here are several 2013 model year cars that are ideal for the teenage driver
1. Kia Forte – It is a dependable car with solid fuel economy at a price well under $20,000. The 5-door vehicle has more cargo space behind the second seat than a Honda Accord sedan’s trunk. It also has nice exterior lines along with a solid-but-not-too-strong two-liter four-cylinder engine. What’s not to like?
2. Scion tC – This may just be the best teen-appropriate car that you have never heard of. It received safety accolades from both the Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It is reasonably priced and fuel efficient, and it boasts several comforts that your teen will appreciate.
3. Hyundai Elantra – This sedan was the top choice in teenager car safety as chosen by Kelley Blue Book. Why? Because it earned both a five-star rating from the NHTSA and an IIHS Top Pick award for safety. Plus, with an impressive 10-year, 100,000-mile power train warranty, your teen could conceivably drive this car into his or her late 20s.
4. Ford Focus – The only “American made” car on this list, the Ford Focus boasts a 38 mpg fuel economy rating on the highway and starts at under $20,000. There are also loads of technological features in the cabin. Your teen will like voice-activated cell phone capability, and you will really like the ability to monitor his or her speed through the MyKey system.
5. Honda Civic – There’s a reason it has been a popular “first car” for decades. The Civic is a well-built, reliable car that can last a long time without having gas and maintenance costs that drain your wallet. And both the IIHS and NHTSA gave it A-plus safety ratings, which is two more A+’s than many teens have ever received.
6. Honda Fit – Yes, another Honda, and it does not hurt that it starts at under $15,400. Its 1.5-liter, 117 horsepower engine may not win it any drag-racing trophies (which, for teens, may be a good thing), but its six airbags and spacious driver visibility is attractive to parents. As for the teens, they will like the impressive sound system and roomy cargo space.
Car Insurance for Your Teen Will Likely Cost You More Than Your Own Coverage
When it comes to insuring your teenager’s car, be prepared to pay higher rates than you do for your own coverage since teens fall into a higher risk category. With that being said, you can still save some money by shopping around and taking advantage of a “Good Student†discount if available. Auto Insurance Specialists deals with dozens of insurers across California, and they can find the lowest prices available on the market, even for teen drivers. So before you hand the keys to your teen for good, give Auto Insurance Specialists a call.
The information in this article was obtained from various sources. While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. The information is not intended to replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. Nor is it intended to effect coverage under any policy. Auto Insurance Specialists, LLC makes no guarantees of results from use of this information. We assume no liability in connection with the information nor the suggestions made.
