What are the Safest Used Cars for Teens?
What are the Safest Used Cars for Teens?
Posted on September 28, 2020
Driving as a teen provides plenty to worry about, both for the young drivers themselves and for their parents. Insurance costs are often sky high, even for the safest of new drivers, but it's also a fact that inexperienced drivers tend to be at a greater risk of accidents.
And of course, a teen driver is unlikely to have a budget that stretches to the higher levels of car prices, and so getting a good vehicle at the right price can be difficult.
Bearing all this in mind, which are the best used cars for teens? A recent survey produced by IIHS in collaboration with Consumer Reports has answered exactly that question.
Measuring their results by factors including car type, safety record, easy driving, and price, the report is an invaluable resource for teen drivers and their parents searching through the used cars market. Here are some of the more eye-catching results in each category.
Small Cars
The are many small cars ideal for teens on the used market. The Mazda 3 offers an uncomplicated drive for a typically low used price, and includes plenty of advanced safety features including collision warnings and automatic emergency braking.
Other notable vehicles in this section include the Kia Forte, Subaru Crosstrek, and Hyundai Elantra.
Mid-Sized Cars
Stepping up a bracket, two of the most impressive entries in the mid-sized car category come from Subaru. Both the Legacy and the Outback include a full suite of active safety technologies including lane departure warnings and collision mitigation braking, while also offering the great value that the Subaru brand is known for.
Surprisingly, a few costlier cars including the Audi A3 and the BMW 3-Series also scored well, largely thanks to their great handling capabilities with nothing to confuse inexperienced drivers.
Large Cars
Only one vehicle scored highly in the large car category. The Hyundai Genesis was redesigned in 2015 to include advanced safety systems, so aim for this year or newer if buying for a teen.
Small SUVs
According to consuler reports the most economical and safest way of to drive for a teen is a used small SUV. The most popular models are Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Kia Niro and Mazda CX-5. Mazda CX-5 has a strong safety system including pedestrian detection technology.
However, it's also worth looking at models including the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, and Kia Niro.
Mid-Sized SUVs
The standout entry in the mid-sized SUV category is the Kia Sorento, which attracts plaudits for its easy-to-use controls, responsive handling, and comprehensive safety systems.
However, the Hyundai Santa Fe, GMC Terrain, and Nissan Murano all posted great overall scores alongside the winner.
Minivans
For teens looking for a minivan, the Toyota Sienna from 2015 onward impressed with its advanced Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite of active driver assist features, helping provide the safest drive possible.
And while the 243hp engine is strong enough to avoid trouble, it's not overpowered for a vehicle of this size and is easy to control.
Find the Best Used Cars in Alberta
Whichever part of the used car market you're looking at, our inventory contains the right model for you - and for your teen. Contact us now to discuss your options and find the right deal that combines safety, quality, and price.