It’s a moment that many teenagers and Young adults dream of for years: the moment in which they grab the keys and hit the road for the first time in their very own car. Whether it’s the car that takes them to and from high school and about town with their friends when they turn sixteen, or the first step into adulthood after graduating college and setting out on their own, everyone remembers their first car. Still, with many first-time buyers on a budget and lacking experience, taking the leap and committing to a vehicle for the first time can be a tough choice. So, what is the best fit for a young driver? Read on to find out.
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There are a few factors to keep in mind when shopping for a first car, and should be considered when considering any vehicle.
Safety:
Particularly for Young Drivers, safety is incredibly important. Less experienced drivers can benefit from passive and active safety features, and parents can feel more confident letting their child hit the road in a car that they trust. According to our friends at Kim’s Toyota, a local Toyota dealer in Laurel, Mississippi, insuring a vehicle with a higher safety rating can also be cheaper than less-equipped models, which can make a big difference for many young drivers and their families.
Reliability:
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The last thing anyone wants is for their car to leave them stranded, and this is particularly true for young drivers who may not have as much experience dealing with car troubles, or as much disposable income for maintenance and repairs. Since many first-time buyers will be looking at used cars that may have considerable miles, it’s important to look for vehicles that have proved to be reliable over time.
Efficiency/Capability:
When purchasing a first car, it’s important to consider where and how often it will be driven, as well as what kind of conditions it may be driven in. A recent grad with a long commute to work may want to look for models with better fuel economy than a high school student who mainly drives in town. Local climate should also be taken into consideration; drivers who will be facing snowy winters would benefit from four or all-wheel drive vehicles, as well as cold-weather features like heated seats and rear defrost.
So, what vehicles would be good for a first-time driver?
Ultimately, the choice is up to the driver, and will come down to budget, preference, and individual needs. However, if you’re looking for somewhere to start, here are some models that are generally considered good choices for young drivers on the hunt for their first car:
Honda Accord and Civic:
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These Honda models are available in a variety of body styles, including sedan, coupe and hatchback. Late 90s and early to mid-2000s models are generally easy to come by, and are reliable over a large number of miles.
Toyota Camry and Corolla:
Like the Honda Accord and Civic, the Toyota Camry and Corolla are reliable sedans with good fuel economy, and used models can be found within a very reasonable price range.
Subaru Outback:
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These capable wagons are an appealing choice for young drivers in areas that experience snow. Standard all-wheel drive comes in handy when driving over tough conditions, and the Outback wagon also offers a good amount of cargo room, which may make this the perfect car to transition from high school to college in.
Kia Soul:
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Many young drivers are attracted to the Soul’s funky vibe and well-equipped interior. In addition to appealing aesthetics, this Kia compact crossover boasts impressive cargo space and fuel efficiency.
