When a son or daughter gets their driver's license, it can be one of the most nerve-racking milestones in a parent’s life.
Safety Features Protect Brand-new Drivers
With technological advances in safety, carmakers help give parents a little more peace of mind when their teenagers are behind the wheel.
Companies like Kia, Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Audi, Honda, and Mercedes-Benz have equipped their vehicles with a lot of new safety features. These include electronic stability control, back-up cameras, navigation, crash detection, and lane departure warning.
Parents can now monitor the driving habits of brand-new teen motorists even if they are not in the automobile with them. These systems send an alert when the driver exceeds a pre-set speed limit. They are GPS-equipped so they can notify the parent when the vehicle travels outside a defined geographic area. They also signal when there is a mechanical problem or the vehicle needs routine maintenance. And some even prevent the driver from turning the radio up to an ear-splitting volume.
New surround-view cameras give drivers a bird’s eye view of their vehicle. This makes lane changing and parking much safer and easier. These systems can prevent those fender-benders that frequently occur when inexperienced drivers parallel park or navigate crowded parking lots.
In-car Wi-Fi is an added bonus to help families stay connected.
Safe and Affordable Vehicles for Teen Drivers
With the growing number of drivers and hazards on the road, parents want to put their youth in the safest auto possible. But many parents can't afford a new car for their teen. (Many moms and dads can't afford a new car for themselves!) Buying a used car can still offer cost-minded parents safety and reliability.
Here are some safe, cost-effective used cars for first-time teen drivers:
Ford Focus
Toyota Rav4
Chevrolet Malibu
Honda Civic, Hyundai Sonata
Kia Soul
Volkswagen Jetta
Consider a minivan for the student athlete who needs a lot of cargo room. They are generally more fuel-efficient and less expensive than SUVs. (Your teen would probably rather have a sports car, but they should be grateful just to have wheels, right?)
Consider The Cost To Insure
Some of the lowest priced cars to insure are Ford Fusion, Mazda 3, Honda Civic, and Toyota Prius (great fuel efficiency, too!).
Inspect That Used Car Before Buying It
If you are looking at used for your adolescent driver, call I-86 Truck & Auto Repair to schedule a pre-purchase car inspection. We can assess the mechanical condition of the auto so you can purchase with confidence.
https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2015/03/safest-used-cars-under-10-000-for-teen-drivers/index.htm
https://www.consumerreports.org/new-cars/best-new-cars-for-teens/