Because teens are likely to get into a few fender benders as they learn to drive, many parents opt to purchase inexpensive used cars or pass down older family cars as their teen’s first set of wheels. But while saving money is a great idea, you must also consider the safety of the vehicle. It’s worth spending a little extra money on a car that has plenty of safety features to ensure that your child is as safe as possible on the road.
83 percent of parents surveyed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety bought used cars for their teens, but many cars built before 2006 are lacking certain safety features like electronic stability control and side airbags. When looking for a car for your teen, consider vehicles with the following features:
- Safety features: As mentioned before, a safe car is a must when it comes to protecting your child. Look for a model with at least a four-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- Lower horsepower: More powerful cars only encourage speeding and racing.
- Size: Bigger, heavier cars often offer more protection than small cars.
The following is a list of midsize to large vehicles that have high safety ratings and can be purchased used starting under $10,000.
- Ford Taurus: 2010 and later models
- Volvo S80: 2007 and later models
- Toyota Prius: 2012 and later models
- Honda Accord: 2012 and later models
- Toyota Camry: 2012 and later models
- Kia Optima: 2011 and later models
- Subaru Outback: 2010 and later models
- Hyundai Sonata: 2011 and later models
- Dodge Avenger: 2011 and later models
- Volkswagen CC: 2009 and later models
- Chevrolet Malibu: 2010 and later models
- Ford Fusion: 2010 and later models
- Volkswagen Passat: 2009 and later models
- Volkswagen Jetta: 2009 and later models
- Honda CR-V: 2012 and later models
- Kia Sportage: 2011 and later models
- Hyundai Tucson: 2010 and later models
- Subaru Forester: 2009 and later models
- Toyota Highlander: 2008 and later models
- Ford Edge: 2011 and later models
- Kia Sorento: 2011 and later models
- Chevrolet Equinox: 2010 and later models
- Chevrolet Traverse: 2011 and later models
- Hyundai Azera: 2006 and later models
- Mazda 6: 2009 and later models
- Nissan Rogue: 2008 and later models
- Ford Escape: 2009 and later models
- Mazda Tribute: 2009 and later models
Keep your teen safe on the road. Call (817) 460-0333 for more information on Fort Worth auto insurance.