“As parents, we can’t control what happens on the road once our teen driver pulls out of the driveway,” says Jennifer Stockburger, director of operations at CR’s Auto Test Center. “But we do have some say in the type of vehicle they drive, and that can make a huge difference. This list can help parents easily find vehicles that check all the boxes.”
We understand that even when buying new, most families are budget-conscious in their car selection, especially when factoring in the likelihood of dings and dents. But we come at the teen driver challenge by looking for vehicles that can help avoid collisions and limit injuries should a crash happen, then direct families to choose what works best for their budget and needs. (See the best used cars for teens under $20,000.)
The reality is that driving risk is highest at ages 16 and 17, according to the IIHS. Its data shows that the fatal crash rate per mile driven for those teens is about three times the rate for drivers 20 and older.
This underscores the importance of keeping teens safe during those first driving years as they gain maturity and experience.
Buying a used car or giving a child a hand-me-down is a natural choice, especially if education costs and independent living may be on the horizon. For that, we have recommendations for the best used cars under $20,000, with many available for less than $10,000.
But there’s another path. Rather than give your teen an older model, buy or lease them a new car, even if that means driving an older model yourself. This strategy isn’t for everyone, but it has its merits, especially since prices remain elevated for many cars.
