4 Things to Consider When Buying a Car for Your Kid
If you've read our article on why your teen should take driving classes, then you’re probably thinking about buying a car for your teen, choosing the right vehicle is crucial. Here are four key factors to consider:
Safety
The first thing you’ll want to take into account is the car’s safety features. This shouldn’t be too hard to find as many cars nowadays boast advanced safety features that will keep both passengers and drivers away from harm in case of an accident. Aside from focusing on the features, you’ll also want to make sure to get cars that are relatively big. While we aren’t saying that small cars are less safe, studies have shown that bigger cars are more likely to withstand a head-to-head collision.
Efficiency
Another thing that you’ll want to consider is efficiency. The last thing you want is to buy a gas guzzler. Gasoline is incredibly expensive, which is why you’ll likely want to stay away from inefficient vehicles. If gas efficiency is important to you, then you may even want to consider a diesel or electric powered vehicle.
Visibility.
Since your teen is a new driver, it’s important that you ensure that they’ll be able to drive the car well. Vehicles have varying sight lines, and depending on your child, some cars may have better sight lines and visibility than others. Before purchasing, it’s crucial that you test drive the car with your teen. This way, you’ll be able to gauge if they’re able to see out of all the windows and identify blind spots quickly. If their vision appears to be blocked or if they can’t see well in one direction, then the vehicle isn’t right for them.
Value.
Some people may not know this but the value of a car starts to depreciate as soon as it leaves the lot. This is why you’ll want to get a car that will likely retain most of its value in the years to come. The only way to do this is to do research. Luckily, people are pretty transparent about the value of cars as this information is readily available on the internet.
Why Automatic Vehicles Are Better to Drive—Some Pros and Cons
When teaching a teen to drive, deciding between an automatic and manual transmission vehicle is an important decision. While some suggest learning to drive a manual first, automatic cars offer several advantages, especially for new drivers.
Easier Gear ChangesOne of the most significant benefits of an automatic car is that it shifts gears for you. There’s no need to worry about making a mistake when speeding up or slowing down, making it an easier and safer option for beginners.
Less Anxiety and StressDriving a manual vehicle involves managing both the clutch and accelerator simultaneously, which can be nerve-wracking for teens. Mistakes can lead to stalling or jerky movements. With an automatic, drivers can focus on the road without worrying about gear changes, reducing anxiety.
More Accessible for Disabled DriversAutomatic cars are more accessible for people with disabilities because they require less hand-foot coordination than manual cars. The simplified mechanics of an automatic transmission make it the best option for drivers with physical challenges.
More Options AvailableWhile passing a driving test in an automatic car restricts the driver to automatic vehicles, this is less of a limitation today. Many manufacturers now offer a wide variety of automatic options, some of which are budget-friendly and highly functional.
Automatic Vehicles: Pros and Cons
The major downside to driving an automatic vehicle is the cost. Automatic cars are generally more expensive to fuel, insure, and maintain. However, you can minimize fuel consumption by choosing models with efficient transmission systems. Weigh the pros and cons before making a decision to ensure it’s the best fit for your teen.
Best Cars for Teenage Drivers in Athens, GA
Choosing the right car for your teen is critical to ensuring their safety and your peace of mind. Here’s a list of some of the best cars for teenage drivers, based on safety, efficiency, and overall reliability.
1. Mazda CX-5
If you choose the Touring package for this vehicle, it’ll come with several advanced driver-assist and safety features. It uses auto-leveling LED headlights, offers dual-zone climate controls with automatic adjustments, and has auto high beams.
It scores well in all crash tests, provides a reliable experience for those behind the wheel, and has comfort features like adaptive cruise control.
Most importantly, this car provides lane-keeping assistance and lane-departure warnings. Those two issues tend to be what causes teens to feel nervous when getting behind the wheel.
2. Toyota Corolla
This sedan comes packed with plenty of standard safety equipment to reduce the risk factors your teen faces while on the road. The best features come at the LE trim level or higher with Toyota’s convenience package. Not only will you have a car that comes with a five-star rating from the NHTSA, but it also provides excellent gas mileage and features that make driving easier.
You’ll have traffic-sign recognition, lane-departure warnings, hill-start assist, and adaptive cruise control – and that’s just to start! If you expect your teen to do a lot of driving around Athens, you’ll want to consider this car.
3. Toyota Rav4
This crossover-style vehicle is often at or near the top of the safety picks provided by the IIHS. It offers a broad range of advanced safety features to help your teen while driving, especially if you invest in the SE model or above.
That option provides fog lights, lane-departure warnings, automatic high beams and climate control, and much more.
4. Subaru Crosstrek
If you’re investing in a vehicle for your teen, this Subaru in general provides above-average durability without compromising on the safety features. Over 95% of Subaru cars are still on the road after ten years, which means your kid will have reliable transportation throughout their college years.
Look for a Crosstrek with the Premium trim to maximize the safety features included with the vehicle. It comes with all-wheel drive (AWD) standard while still getting 33 highway mpg. With this model, you’ll also get the lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist.
5. Toyota Prius
This purpose-built hybrid is an excellent choice for a first-time driver. Models in 2019 or later even come with an AWD version for those errands to run around Athens. Even if the weather conditions change, this car keeps a low center of gravity for a stable driving experience.
You’ll want an LE or higher model for your teen. With that investment, drivers have access to parking sensors, cruise and climate control, lane assist, and a fuel economy that gets close to 60 mpg.
6. Kia Sportage
This compact SUV scores well each model year in its crash tests. It has an excellent reputation for reliability, especially when investing in the Technology Package with the EX trim. You’ll get all the safety features you want at that level and some excellent features, such as a windshield wiper de-icer.
You and your teen will appreciate the navigation system included with the Kia Sportage. It’s also one of the most comfortable vehicles to make this list
Conclusion
When your teen is ready to start driving, any of these vehicles will provide a safe, efficient, and reliable option, giving you peace of mind as they navigate Athens, GA. Before buying, consider enrolling your teen in a driving school to build their confidence and skills on the road. Contact Athens Driving Prep to learn more about their flexible drivers ed programs tailored to meet the needs of new drivers.
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