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What are the Best Cars for Teens?

What are the best cars for teens? Is it a older truck that is so big and stocky than it protects them no matter what they run into? Or is it a smaller sedan that allows them to get great gas mileage because they tend to drive so much more? Normally, if a teenager has the choice to walk down the block or drive down the block, they're probably going to choose to get behind the wheel. However, because they lack a lot of road time experience, it can be a little overwhelming for parents to decide which vehicle would meet all their needs. Most of the time, you want to consider how your insurance is going to be affected as well. Typically, teenage drivers tend to pay a little more for coverage for the same reason that you have concern as a parent. By giving them a vehicle that fits into certain parameters, you'll give them the sporty look they're looking for, the coverage they need, and a hearty, safe vehicle that will protect them if they do get involved in an accident.

Benefits of an Older Vehicle

Most of the time, if you can get a slightly older vehicle for your teenager to drive, they'll be able to save on insurance right away. This is because even if this car is completely totaled in an accident, it's not going to cost as much to replace. Also, the even though it's not brand-new, it will still have some great features they can take advantage of. Also, if it's a teenage boy driving the car, they may appreciate the chance to make their own upgrades and choose what kind of accessories they would like to install on their own. This kind of project actually helps them appreciate the vehicle a little more because they have a say in the end results. Of course, purchasing trucks and larger vehicles will tend to increase their gas usage. If you can get them into something that's more of a sedan style without looking like a car that their parents would drive, this might be helpful. Obviously, a two-door Honda coupe is going to cost a little more with insurance than a four door model of anything.

Compromising on the Vehicle Choice

Talk to your teenager and make a compromise between safety, insurance payments and what they would like to drive. If you give them a set of options and explain the differences between all of them, they should be old enough to make a responsible decision and yet still get the kind of car they're looking for. Of course, you don't want them to be embarrassed or humiliated whenever they're out with their friends, but you do want them to be safe. If you let them know what your primary concerns are, then they will understand where you're coming from.

They will also see how perhaps giving up the sport look of a two door will give them more money to spend on other parts of the car. If they really want to upgrade the stereo system, then they can save that money from the additional insurance payments and use it on the radio instead. Answering the question of what are the best cars for teens, just requires a conversation between you and your child to figure out what works best for both of you. This will also let them feel like they have a choice in the matter so they're not limited to what was chosen for them.