With the kids heading back to school, you may be thinking about putting some of your older ones on wheels. But what are the best cars for a teen driver?
Coming up with the right model can be a challenge, but there are some important factors to keep in mind, safety first and foremost. So, while your teen might have a BMW M3, Ford Mustang or Volkswagen Golf R high on their list, you’re likely to look for something a bit more practical.
And affordable. You don’t want to strain your household budget or stretch the thin wallet of a teen heading off to college. And affordability involves more than just the up-front price. You also have to consider fuel and insurance costs. Unfortunately, teens typically get socked with hefty premiums , though you can bring that down with the right car.
The good news is that you can hand your teen driver keys to a car they’ll enjoy – and that you can afford and feel confident they’ll stay safe driving.
Here’s a list of the Top 10 Cars for Teens, according to a study by Cars.com. The list factors in total cost of ownership and only includes those models that have earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
• Honda Fit. Slightly smaller than the familiar Honda Civic, Honda has come up with a car that’s both fun and practical to own and drive thanks to its versatile “magic seats.” You can pack in your friends – or a dorm room’s worth of stuff when heading off to college. It starts at $16,060, and using the Kelley Blue Book online calculator has a total cost of ownership of $28,018. Fuel economy is 29 City, 37 Highway, according to the EPA.
• Kia Soul. This boxy crossover has earned a huge following for both its style and flexibility. This tall urban hatchback offers plenty of options, from bigger wheels to an 8-inch navi screen, but you can drive off with a reasonably well-equipped base model for just $16,015. The total cost of ownership is estimated at around $29,900, and you’ll get a reasonably good 24 mpg City, 30 Highway.
• Mazda3. The small Japanese maker has long been known for adding a little bit more fun to the manners of its products, large and small. That zoom-zoom factor only enhances the overall appeal, especially if you opt for the forward collision warning that boosts the hatchback’s rating to Top Safety Pick+, according to the IIHS. Base price is $18,815, with a total cost of ownership estimated at $30,069. Fuel economy is rated at 30 and 41 with the automatic transmission.
Read more of the original article at The Detroit Bureau.
