what do you think is a good car for a teen? (1st car)?

Question

i'm 15 and 5 months and i'm getting really serious about college and driving and this summer i'm taking driver's ed. my mom and i are debating on cars right now. i was looking for something that handles well, is good on gas, and well- up to date at least, and i like suv's. what cars are good for a first car?

Answer 1

If you're into SUVs, in your case I'd consider a smaller, All-Wheel Drive one. Here's a small list of reliable, compact SUVs that are good on gas (this is assuming you're buying new):

Ford Escape - 22-26 miles per gallon, available manual transmission (better gas mileage, more reliable), also is better at off-roading than the other compact, car-based SUVs due to an independent rear suspension and a true 4-Wheel Drive system with a low-range. Fairly reliable.

Honda CR-V - 21-26 miles per gallon, available manual transmission, more for on-road and occasional icy street or muddy driveway than true off-roading. Very reliable.

Honda Element - 21-24 miles per gallon, available manual transmission, boxy styling, flexible interior layout, but don't plan on taking it off-road at all. Very reliable.

Hyundai Santa Fe - 17-23 miles per gallon, automatic transmission only. Decent off-roader, good ground clearance (not as good as Ford Escape), good warranty. Available V-6 engine for more power. Very reliable.

Hyundai Tuscon - 21-26 miles per gallon, manual transmission available. Smaller than Santa Fe, versatile interior, less expensive than similar SUVs, good warranty. Very reliable. (Kia Sportage is same vehicle with different styling and badging, but has very poor reliability, so avoid it).

Jeep Liberty - 18-22 miles per gallon, good off-roader (has a true 4-Wheel Drive system, similar to Ford Escape's), tall body for good head and leg room, good ground clearance, many aftermarket parts. Fairly reliable.

Jeep Liberty CRD - 22-26 miles per gallon, diesel-powered version of Jeep Liberty, automatic transmission only. Has very high torque for good power and towing ability. Very reliable (more than standard Jeep Liberty).

Mazda Tribute - Slightly sportier version of Ford Escape, plus different styling.

Mercury Mariner - Slightly more upscale version of Ford Escape, but not as good off-road due to All-Wheel Drive only system.

Mitsubishi Outlander - 21-27 miles per gallon, available manual transmission, decent off-roader, flexible interior. Fairly reliable.

Suzuki Grand Vitara - 18-23 miles per gallon, available manual transmission, good off-roader (only compact SUV comparable with Ford Escape and Jeep Liberty). Fairly reliable.

Toyota RAV4 - 23-28 miles per gallon, automatic transmission only, available V-6 engine, not good off-roader, but good on icy/snowy/dirt roads. Very reliable.

If you want more information on any of these vehicles, or wish to view pictures, pricing information, and options, you can see them at their respective manufacturers websites. Also, you can search for used ones (if you don't want to pay the price for a brand new one) at this site:

http://www.autotrader.com

You just have to limit the search area to the distance you're willing to drive to look at potential vehicles.

Note - SUVs don't handle well (except purpose-built performance ones), so if you value handling over SUV style, consider a compact, budget sportscar instead. Here's the list of the few available in the United States:

Mazda MX-5 - 24-30 miles per gallon, available manual transmission, cloth convertible top or folding metal hardtop, tiny size, only seats two people, very fun to drive, very reliable. Higher performance version is called Mazda Speed MX-5.

Pontiac Solstice - 20-28 miles per gallon, available manual transmission, slightly larger than Mazda MX-5, folding cloth top, also very fun to drive, fairly reliable. Higher performance version is called Pontiac Solstice GXP.

Saturn Sky - Slightly more upscale version of Pontiac Solstice with different styling in and out. Performance version is called Saturn Sky Red Line.

I hope this has answered your question. If you have any more, please feel free to ask.

Answer 2

Something used, in the 1500 - 2000 dollar range, you will want to start looking and keep on looking, it will likely take 3-4 or 6 months or so before you find something nice for that price.
You'll want to keep an open mind, because you want something dependable that's mechanically sound first, cosmetically decent next, and as for your personal preference... Well, keep an open mind and don't be afraid to let your parents sway the decision heh.
You'll want to check cars.com regularly and use kbb.com as a pricing guide to make sure you're getting your money's worth, and just keep looking, local auto trader mags help also.
The reason being, a lower priced older used auto is what I had when I was 17 and it's cheap on insurance (minimum liability), when something messes up it's not that bad to fix and should you have a collision then it's not that big of a financial problem, either.
Likely, you'd want a midsize car for safety and transportation reasons with a 4 or 6 cylinder it will help you save a little gas and also a slower car kept me out of the really big trouble, but that was me, anyway... 4 doors are usually even better on insurance than 2 doors, hatchbacks and sedans is the deal.
As for saving gas, well when you're broke you can't drive lol, I used mine mostly to-from work at a part time job and the little money I made filled the tank and we had our fun driving friends around, you know the routine probably but anyway.

Answer 3

Don't know how much money you have to spend - but you should get something SAFE. Teens smash up their cars more than any other group of people. Maybe a smaller, older Volvo would be good.

In most states - you are not allowed to have other kids ride with you for quite awhile - so why in the world would you need an SUV? First off - you say you want somthing good on gas. I don't know of any that are very good on gas. Next - and most importantly - how about if you think about the environment?

Answer 4

First, if you want something good on gas, you don't want an SUV. You want a mid-sized sedan or coupe.

Here's what some of the experts say about cars for first time drivers:

So what’s best? Most auto experts, consumer groups, and insurance industry officials agree that the best cars for new teen drivers are late-model midsize sedans: cars like the Chevrolet Lumina, Ford Taurus, or Honda Accord. These vehicles provide a good combination of decent handling and performance along with good occupant protection. Look to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and also with the Insurance Industry for Highway Safety for crash test results, and check with Consumer Reports for advice on reliability and other safety issues.

Answer 5

Get a used family vehicle if you have one or just get an average used car accord/camry/altima/focus, nothing too expensive until you have had at least 2-3 years behind the wheel experience.

But if you're taking the risk of buying a new car, something that handles well are the mazda 3/mazda rx-8. good on gas, basically any 4cyl ex civic/camry/corolla/accord/focus/altima/ all the 4cyl vehicles. as for as suv's you can't find a gas efficient one unless theyre hybrid which is extra $$.

Answer 6

I usually suggest an older Volvo, for the shear fact of safety. MOST drivers will have at least one accident in their first few years of driving, simply due to inexperience. The Volvo is an extremely safe vehicle, as well as being reliable and nice. Older ones can be had for $5000 or less. Just make sure it has been inspected by your mechanic before you buy.

If that is not your style, buy a Honda with as many airbags as you can afford.

Answer 7

Buy a Toyota you can't go wrong. Stay away from SUV's regardless of make.

Answer 8

I think depending on your style! You can buy a slugbug if your girly. A audi A4 if you are kinda flashy and maybe a sports car or a convertible if your sporty! I'm thinking RED! please pick me for best answer!

Answer 9

a toy one i think kids should be 21 to drive