What do you feel is the best car for a first time, teen driver?
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$12 Answers
I would list all the specs and such, but I feel like you're looking for more opinionated/experience answers. I've been driving an Accord for four years, and it hasn't given me any trouble. It's a smooth ride, very safe (side airbags, yay!), and it's the only car I've ever had. I've never felt like I needed to switch. My sister (still a teen) has the Civic and would give glowing recommendations for it as well. I've driven it a fair amount and would be happy having it as my chariot as well.
Ah, yes, did I mention our parents chose these cars? Something has to be said for when the people who love you the most make the "you will have THIS car" decision.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
Hyundai Elantra or Sonata
Honda Civic or Accord
Ford Focus or Fusion
VW Rabbit
Whatever. The car itself doesn't matter that much.
IMO, a new car is somewhat of a waste. The teen should help pay for their own car, or at least insurance, and regular maintenance of the vehicle.
If I were a parent, I'd put my kid in a 3-5 year old Elantra or similar. They're reliable, very cheap used, perfectly adequate power, can seat 4 comfortably, won't get them laughed at, economical, etc etc etc.
If I lived in an area where it snowed for more than 1/4 of the year, a Subaru would be a bit higher on the list.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
Since there was no cab, I could only fit one of my friends in at a time, two if someone wanted to straddle the shifter. This drastically decreased the number of distractions. In any car with a back seat, you have the potential for 3-4 friends doing what teens do best, being obnoxious and distracting.
Secondly, it had a wimpy four cylinder engine. Very slow, and still somewhat decent gas mileage. I wasn't going to win any races in the thing, so I didn't bother trying.
And lastly, the truck came in handy (for my parents) when it came time for some yard work on the weekends. I was the one making the trips to Home Depot.
In summary, a small-medium truck with no cab and a four cylinder engine.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
Thank you for your question.
Ideally, something that is safe and not too powerful. The other issue is insurance costs as insurance companies charge extra for teenage drivers as they are more likely to get in accidents.
CarMax and Driver's Edge this year released a list of top cars for US teens:
http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS187540+04-Sep-2008+BW20080904
-- Chevy Malibu
-- Dodge Caliber (models with optional side air bags and ABS)
-- Ford Fusion
-- Honda Civic
-- Hyundai Sonata
-- Nissan Altima
-- Pontiac G6
-- Subaru Legacy
-- Toyota Corolla
-- Volkswagen Jetta
Regards
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
On the other hand, really small cars tend to have a sporty feel to them that could tempt a first-time driver into trying to zip in and out of traffic like a race car driver.
For that reason I think a mid-sized car is better. It won't handle like a racecar (most likely) and will still put some space around them.
And the best car of all is one they pay for themselves. If it is their own money they're risking every time they get behind the wheel, I think they're more likely to be careful drivers.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
A 5-10 year old Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic. Both very inexpensive, reliable cars. All you have to do is take care of them and they will last a long time.
A 5-10 year old Jeep Cherokee or Grand Cherokee. Your only expense to worry about is if the 4 x 4 drivetrain was not cared for properly. They are roomy, strong and very easy to drive. Plus you can haul baggage or sports gear for 4-5.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
My fist car was a truely gutless 1983 Chevy Malibu with about 50k on it. Dad paid $1500.00 for it from a nice old lady. It turned out to be the most reliable car in the family for many years. Boring, ugly, and gutless - but completely reliable.
My buddy got a brand new Mustang at about the same time which he quickly proceed to plow through a red light at 50 almost killing a family of 4. Yup, his parents got him another new Mustang.
I agree you can get a car for $1,000, but I would never send a young driver out in one. If you want to know your teenager will be safe on the road and return home safely, spend some money and get a good, low-mileage, well-maintained vehicle. If you can't afford more than that, give them your car and drive the $1,000 piece of junk. An adult broken down on the Interstate is a lot better than a teenager broken down.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
