If you’re a parent of a teen driver, you know how important it is to find a safe and reliable car for them to drive. But with so many choices on the market, it makes it difficult to determine what are good first cars these days. So GoodCar is here to help you take a look at some of the best new and used cars for teen drivers. We'll discuss safety features, fuel efficiency, and other important factors when shopping for a car for your teen. So if you’re in the market for a new or used car for your teen driver, read on for our top picks.
Getting Ready To Go Car Shopping
If your teen is ready to start shopping for a car, there are a few things you should do first. You'll need to figure out your budget and what kind of car your teen needs. You'll also want to get insurance quotes and find out about financing options.
Once you've done all that, you're ready to start car shopping! To help narrow down your options, we've compiled a list of some good first cars for teens. We've considered safety, reliability, and affordability factors when making our recommendations.
So whether your teen is looking for their first car or an upgrade from their current ride, check out our list of the best cars for teens.
Is It Better To Buy A New Or Used Car For A Teenager?
There are pros and cons to both new and used cars for teenagers. On the one hand, buying a new car means that everything will likely work properly, and you won't have to worry about repairs anytime soon. On the other hand, buying a used car is generally cheaper and may come with features your teen is looking for, like a sunroof or heated seats. Ultimately, the best decision depends on your budget and what your teenager wants in a car.
Buying a used car is probably your best bet if you're on a tight budget. You can find decent used vehicles for relatively low prices, especially if you're willing to buy from a private seller. Make sure to have the car inspected by a mechanic before purchasing.
If money isn't an issue, buying a new car may be the way to go. New cars are more reliable than used cars and usually come with warranty coverage if something goes wrong. Plus, your teenager will probably appreciate having a new car over an old one.
Whichever route you choose, be sure to research ahead of time so you know what kind of car would be best for your teenager.
Why You Should Buy A New Car For Your Teenager
There are many reasons why you should buy a new car for your teenager. Here are some of the most important ones:
- A new car will be much safer for your teenager to drive than an old, used one. It will have all the latest safety features and will be less likely to break down on the road.
- A new car will be much more reliable than a used one. You can be sure that it won't break down as often and will last longer overall.
- A new car will hold its value better than a used one, so you'll get more money back when you sell it or trade it in.
- Your teenager will be able to choose from a wider selection of cars if you buy them a new one. They'll have more style, color, and features options.
- Your teenager will likely feel more responsible and mature if they're driving a new car. This can help them stay safe on the road and make better decisions while driving.
2022 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Overview
The 2022 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is a gas-electric hybrid sedan that gets an estimated 54 mpg in combined city/highway driving. It has a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor that work together to produce 139 horsepower. The Elantra Hybrid uses a six-speed automatic transmission and comes standard with front-wheel drive.
The exterior of the Elantra Hybrid features LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, and 16-inch alloy wheels. The interior includes a 7-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto integration, Bluetooth connectivity, heated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert, and automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
2022 Hyundai Kona Overview
The Hyundai Kona is an excellent choice for teens, as it is affordable and safe. The Kona has a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. It also has standard features such as air conditioning, power windows, and locks. The Kona's safety features include front, side, and curtain airbags, ABS brakes, and traction control.
2022 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Overview
The 2022 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is an excellent car for teens. It has a spacious interior and good fuel economy, and the hybrid powertrain is also very reliable and has low emissions.
The Sonata Hybrid comes standard with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available. Hyundai says the all-wheel-drive system can send up to 50 percent of the power to the rear wheels when needed.
The Sonata Hybrid comes standard with a long list of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, automatic high beams, and a lot more, putting it in the running for the safest car for teen drivers.
Why You Should Buy A Used Car For Your Teenager
You should buy a used car for your teenager for several reasons. First, it is more affordable than buying a new car. Second, a used car will likely have less horsepower and be less powerful than a new car, which can be beneficial for safety reasons. Third, a used car is less likely to have the latest technology features that can distract teen drivers. Finally, buying a used car from a reputable source can give you peace of mind knowing that the vehicle has been thoroughly inspected and is in good condition. So without further ado, here are some used cars good for first-time drivers!
2018 Toyota Corolla Overview
Assuming you're looking for a new car for your teen, the 2018 Toyota Corolla is a great option. It's affordable, reliable, and comes with various features that will appeal to young drivers, making it one of the top three used good first cars for a 16-year-old.
The Corolla has been one of the best-selling cars in America for decades, and it's easy to see why. It's a great value and also very reliable, which is important for any car but especially for a teen's first car. And it comes with an impressive array of safety features, including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams.
So if you're in the market for a new car for your teen, the 2018 Toyota Corolla should be on your list.
2019 Nissan Rogue Hybrid Overview
The 2019 Nissan Rogue Hybrid is a great choice for a teen driver. It has excellent safety ratings and comes with many standard features important for a new driver, such as a backup camera and blind spot monitoring. The Rogue Hybrid also gets good fuel economy, making it on our list of good first cars for 17-year-olds.
The 2019 Rogue Hybrid is an excellent value for the money. It has automatic headlights, heated side mirrors, and steering wheel-mounted controls. It also has an optional technology package with features like a 7-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio.
2019 Kia Optima Overview
The 2019 Kia Optima is a good first car for guys and most girls in the modern era, and it has a spacious interior and a comfortable ride. The Optima also has a lot of safety features, making it an excellent choice to end up on our list of "teenagers' good first cars"! However, this car has a lot to offer, including a sleek design and out-of-this-world interior!
The 2019 Kia Optima is a midsize sedan that gets good fuel economy and a lot of standard features. It comes with a 185-horsepower four-cylinder engine, standard front-wheel drive, and a six-speed automatic transmission, plus you can also get all-wheel drive if you find one with it. The Optima has an EPA rating of 25 mpg city/35 highway.
The base model comes with 16-inch steel wheels, LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, keyless entry and ignition, air conditioning, full power accessories, cruise control, height-adjustable front seats with lumbar support, 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity and a six-speaker sound system with a USB port and satellite radio. The Sport trim adds 18-inch wheels and Sport-tuned suspension components.
While this list could have been more comprehensive than it was, we wanted to give you a good foundation to start with. At GoodCar, we don't believe in making the decision for you; that's not our job. Our goal is to educate and inform you to help protect you, your financial situation, and your family.
