As a teenager, would it better to get a large or small car?

Question

I know it's obvious that I shouldn't get a powerful car, but size is a trivial issue for me.

I feel that if I get a small car, I would be less tempted to take passengers with me, allowing me to concentrate on the road more. This is a big factor, since every extra passenger multiplies the chance of an accident. However, I would need space for my stuff for college, and if I ever decide to take a road trip or whatever. I'm also worried that if I get in an accident, physics alone will tell me that if I'm the lighter car, I'm screwed.

If I get a larger car, my friends would nag me for a ride, which I would probably give in to. I can also carry much more stuff with me, and if I'm in an accident, I'm more likely to be safe. Then again, in a bigger car, wouldn't I be a bigger danger to drivers on the road?

Answer 1

Get a smaller car with a great safty rating....easy peesy!

Answer 2

How about a mid size like the nissan maxima...great gas mileage, just an overall excellent car. I absolutely loved mine. It was a 1996 and I never had any problems with it. I had to sell it b/c my growing family out grew it. Now im stuck in a huge GMC Yukon, which is really nice, except for the horrendous gas mileage! I have also had a really small car as well and I hated it. It was just too small. I couldnt fit a whole lot in it when I went to college, especially since I was an art major that needed to tote 2x4's(for canvas frames) around. It was literally hell to try to go to the lumber yard and get 11 foot long pieces to take to the univ. Seriously, I had to roll down the passenger front window and rear window behind the driver just to get those stupid things to fit. Honestly, you should be comfortable in your car and find something that will last you a long time. It is possible for you to have other people in your car AND still be able to drive. If you are attentive to the road, then you should have no problem! Just dont let more than one person in the car with you until you feel comfortable on the road!

BTW, nissan maximas have excellent crash test ratings! Go to autotrader.com.....heres a link to the specific place you need and you can check out cars safety, specs, and crash test ratings!
http://www.autotrader.com/research/model_info/index.jsp?restype=both
just fill in all the blanks and the info you need will pop up!

Answer 3

When I was in college, while most people had 4-door sedans or 2-door smaller cars, our favorite friends' cars to drive around in were the guy who had an old used station wagon, and the guy who had a small SUV-style car (like a smaller jeep). Both were great for hauling stuff to/from college, and both could fit a lot of friends in them comfortably without being huge gas-guzzlers.

All in all, once you've been driving for a few years, you should know how to concentrate on the road whether or not you have passengers in your car; it's a discipline thing. Another option you can take if you're worried about it is to get a car with stick shift (manual) rather than an automatic transmission. Having a stick forces you to concentrate on driving and prevents you from getting as distracted by things going on around you, as you have to pay attention to the car and shift every so often.

Answer 4

A small car is probably your best bet for the time being. They are relatively less expensive, have better gas mileage and are sometimes more safe than larger cars as they have a harder time rolling over. It depends also on how often you'll be using your car for road trips and to stash things in. If you do it maybe 3-4 times a year, just grin and bear it with a smaller car. You can always lease one for a year or two and if you decide on getting a larger car you won't be stuck with one that's too small.

Answer 5

I would go with the smaller car, but it depends on the "small" car. And just because u dont have a "large" car doesnt mean u cant have space for ur college stuf :) Look around and c wat u can find. U could prob get a nice, small, fairly cheap 06 or maybe even an 07 if u look around. A smaller car means cheaper gas and gas is very expensive these days $_$ lol. What ever u choose I hope u pick the perfect car for u :D

Answer 6

Small car is more economical. Then you will have an excuse not to have to haul people around. Cars are more safely structured now so even if you are in an accident in a small car you might get hurt a little more, but if you were up against a larger vehicle you would be toast anyway.

Answer 7

As a teen, u should get a small car, even space 4 books,you can store in your back seat or trunk. It's not worth getting a large car if you know you're most likely to be in an accident. I'm sure safety is more important 2 u.

Answer 8

Get a safe car! You can have a big car that does not handle well in a accident.

I would highly reccomend the Honda Civic. I have a 2006.

You will just need to learn how to say no to your free loading friends.

Answer 9

Unless you're planning on driving like a maniac, get a small car. I had a 1990 Mazda 323 that I loved. I sold it because I moved and I really miss it.
It's the driver that makes you safe, not the car (although a Volvo or Subaru is built like a tank.)

Answer 10

Small cars use less gas and yes, you won't be depended upon to haul everyone around. The BEST car is the one you can pay cash for! Always paying cash for a car forever will put you on the road to being a debt free millionaire one day!

Answer 11

you would want to be able to take your friends places though wouldn't you? I know I would. And then, also you would want a lot of room for ottthhhherrrr stuff {if you catch my drift} since you are a teenager....


I don't think getting a bigger car would have any affect on other drivers. Unless you plan on getting into an accident..then it might.. ahaha.