The Best Cars for Teen Drivers: A Parent’s Guide to Safety and Value

As a parent, there’s nothing more exciting and scary than when your teenager is ready to hit the road with their own car. This milestone is a huge step towards independence, but ensuring they’re in a safe vehicle will help ease your mind as they venture off on their own. TLC Motors is committed to helping parents and guardians find a safe vehicle for their new driver that fits their budget. 

Safest Cars for Teens with the Best Value

Safety should be your first priority when choosing a used car for your teen who just got their driver’s license. TLC Motors has extensive knowledge about safe vehicles and will help you find the right one based on your preferences and budget. Here are some of the safest cars for teenagers based on crash test ratings and safety features.

Chevrolet Malibu (2016 and Newer)

• Available Teen Driver Technology (parents can set speed limit alerts and volume limits) 
• Efficient engines help keep fuel costs low 
• IIHS Top Safety Pick for several years 
• Spacious interior for good crash protection 

Honda Civic (2016 and Newer)

• Excellent crash test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS 
• Strong reliability ratings
• Good fuel economy 
• Honda Sensing suite available (collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, and road departure mitigation) 

Hyundai Sonata (2015 and Newer)

• User-friendly infotainment system to minimize teen distractions
• High safety ratings and advanced safety features available 
• Blue Link telematics system for stolen vehicle recovery and emergency assistance 
• A long warranty gives you peace of mind for unexpected repairs 

Mazda 3 ( 2014 and Newer)

• Top safety pick by IIHS for several years 
• Available i-Activesense safety features (smart city brake support, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring) 
• Upscale interior quality without the excessive price tag 
• Responsive handling and good visibility for overall safety 

Subaru Impreza (2015 and Newer)

• Strong resale value with can help offset the initial costs 
• Standard all-wheel drive (AWD) provides improved traction in different weather conditions 
• EyeSight driver assistance technology available (pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning) 
• Spacious interior and enhanced visibility, reducing blind spots 

Toyota Corolla (2014 and Newer)

• User-friendly technology to minimize distractions 
• Consistently high safety ratings across all model years 
• Exceptional reliability, reducing the occurrence of mechanical issues 
• Toyota Safety Sense became standard in 2017 (pre-collision system with lane departure alert and pedestrian detection) 

Volkswagen Jetta (2015 and Newer)

• Turbocharged engines provide great performance without giving the teen excessive power 
• Good crash test scores from NHTSA and IIHS
• Additional safety features available (bling-spot monitoring, forward collision wearing, and autonomous emergency braking) 
• Comfortable ride to reduce driver fatigue 

Safety Features to Look For

Vehicles have come a long way when it comes to safety features in the last few years, so making sure you get your teen a car that has them is vital. Some of the main safety features you might want to consider having in your teen’s car are:

• Anti-Lock Braking System
• Electronic Stability Control
• Backup Camera
• Multiple Airbags (including side airbags)
• Forward Collision Warning
• Blind Spot Detection

Balancing Safety and Affordability

The safety of your teen when they’re on the road is of the utmost importance, but you have to find the right balance between a safe vehicle and what you can comfortably afford. Some tips we think might be helpful as you try to balance safety with affordability include: 

• Look into certified pre-owned vehicles that have gone through thorough inspections and extended warranties 
• Prioritize safety features over luxury add-ons
• Look for an older model of a safe vehicle since they tend to be more affordable while still having the same safety features 
• Look into a vehicle with great fuel efficiency to save money on gas 
• Research the cost of car insurance as some companies will charge more per month depending on the type of car you choose for your teen

Trust TLC Motors to Find Your Teen’s Car

TLC Motors understands how important it is to get your teenager the safest car possible without breaking the bank. We offer a wide selection of pre-owned vehicles that are not only safe but within everyone’s budget. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff will help you find the right vehicle for your new driver that gives you peace of mind while they’re on the road. 

Conveniently located in Spartanburg, not far from Boiling Springs, Roebuck, and Inman, we’ll work with you to make sure that the used car you choose fits your teen's needs and has all the safety features that will ease your worries. Whether you’re interested in a Honda, Hyundai, or another brand, we’ll work with you to make sure that you leave our lot satisfied. 

Visit TLC Motors today to learn more about our inventory of used cars that might be suitable for your teenager.