Buying a car is no easy feat, especially if you are buying a car for the first time or you’re under 18. In this paper, you will learn about what the best used cars are for teenagers to drive, how to see if the car you want is safe and good, and where to buy it.
To buy a used car, I would use Car Max or Kelley Blue Book. You should, however, look at this Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). They are a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing deaths, injuries and property damage from motor vehicle crashes. Car Max does a good job if you are trading in a car. Another good thing about Car Max is that they do a deep inspection of the car. They tell you about how many accidents the car has been in, and the extent of the damage. It also tells you how many previous owners there have been.
Also, if you are a new driver, insurance will be more expensive. That’s why Progressive and IIHS have a few suggestions. With these cars I will take into account: the car’s style, gas economy, sound system, and powertrain.
TOP PICK
Subaru Outback
- Type: Suv/Wagon
- Mileage: 25 MPG city/33 MPG highway
- Powertrain: 2.4-liter 4-cylinder Boxer
- Power output:180 BPH/174 lb-ft
- Transmission: Continuous variable transmission
The specific recommended models are 2015-2019. It’s known for its good handling and light-moderate off-road capabilities, and it has all-wheel drive. It is slightly large for the city. This car also has a large amount of space, both with people and cargo. The sound system on the base models isn’t great with a basic 6 speaker setup. I would say this is the top pick because it is from a reliable manufacturer and can go and do the things teenagers want to do over breaks. It also has apple car play which allows the driver to see an enlarged map on the touchscreen.
Caption: Subaru Outback Boxer Diesel Credit: David Villarreal Fernández
FUEl PICK
Toyota Camry Hybrid
- Type: Sedan
- Mileage: 43 MPG city/39 MPG highway
- Powertrain: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Inline
- Power output:178 BHP/170 lb-ft/200 HP
- Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
2015-2017 are the recommended models. I would pick this one for its high fuel economy. This is good for teens who drive a lot, you don’t have to spend as much on gas. I don’t like, however, that the Toyotas have a weird touchscreen that is hard to navigate. The sound system in the Camry, in contrast, is very good for blasting summer picks. It is a six speaker system. The 2015 models are front wheel drive and it has low ground clearance, the manufacturer does not recommend off-roading; however, it handles well maintained dirt roads well.
Caption: Toyota Camry Credit: Aero7MY
FUN PICK
BMW M2 series
- Type: Coupé
- Mileage: 20 MPG city/30 MPG highway
- Powertrain: 3.0-liter Turbocharged 6-cylinder Boxer
- Power output:320 BPH/330 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-Speed Manual or 8-Speed Automatic
The recommended models are from 2014-2021. I would also say don’t get the manual if you can’t shift fluently, it’s nearly impossible to drive a manual in San Francisco. The BMW is a safe car, but only to a point. The top speed is 155 MPH. So getting this for a first car might not be the best idea. The sound system is a Harman Kardon surround sound system, it features 16 speakers. The BMW is also a 2 door coupé, so the music will be good with the speakers. The car may be able to handle very well maintained dirt roads, but it is definitely not recommended
Caption: BMW M2 Coupé Credits: Alang7
In conclusion, I recommend the Subaru Outback. I believe, for learners, larger vehicles are better. They are slower and more robust for tough situations. I also recommend you use this IIHS page to find the safest car that fits you. They do full safety reviews on each car. I also suggest you use Car Max to buy your used car. Good luck on buying your very first car!
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