Which Used Cars Are Safest for Your Young Driver?
When parents are looking for a first car for their teen, they are usually interested in getting a vehicle with as many modern safety features as possible. Some of the best safety technology has come out over the last few years but for many families, buying a teen driver a brand new car simply is not an option from a financial standpoint. The good news is there are a number of very safe vehicles families can purchase used that, although not the newest car, will have safety features parents desire.
2009 to 2011 Ford Focus
Ford Focuses that were made between 2009 and 2011 are great first cars for teens that also offer safety features parents will appreciate. These models of Focus are small, agile, and fun to drive. This model also offers the option of Sync technology for phone connectivity that is hands free without being distracting and difficult, like the MyFord Touch technology that came in later models. Additionally, the upright seating position can help young drivers to see farther down the road and spot dangers.
2010 to 2011 Kia Soul
The Kia Soul is a larger vehicle, which can have added safety benefits. Even though it is larger than a sedan, it does get great gas mileage. The Soul offers an upright, tall seating position to help driver’s see further down the road while also offering Kia’s UVO connection system, which will play songs from a smartphone and also offers hands-free calling. One thing that parents should be aware of, however, is that the thick rear-roof pillars will create additional blind spots for the driver that may not be ideal.
2004 to 2012 Toyota RAV4
Toyota’s RAV4 is a reliable SVU that gets great gas mileage and has very secure and responsive handling. A larger vehicle offers additional protection in an accidents and all-wheel drive and Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity is also available. The Rav4 also offers a roomy, comfortable interior as well as third row seating as an additional option – parents may want to shy away from the additional seating considering statistics show that having more teens in a vehicle increases the chance of an accident.
2009 to 2012 Chevy Malibu
The Malibu is a very roomy sedan that offers comfort and space on the interior while also having light and precise handling. Another great safety feature is that both the steering wheel and the pedals are adjustable, making sure younger drivers are completely comfortable and able to drive the car properly. This is a special benefit for teens who are shorter or taller than the average person. Simple, straightforward controls help to keep teen drivers focused and the gas mileage is a benefit as well.
Do you have a teen driver that needs some behind the wheel training before you buy them their first used car? Training Wheels is a Margate Driving School specializing in Behind the Wheel Training for teen drivers. We serve both Atlantic and Cape May County areas. For more information, please click here.
*Photo Courtesy of John Lloyd via Creative Commons License