Heavy emphasis is put on safety when choosing the best used car for your teenager’s first ride but a surprising amount of factors contribute to the viability of just which car to choose. When narrowing down car options for a teen, you’ll need to consider today’s budget limitations, reliable safety features and accessibility.
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The best used cars under $20,000 have a slew of safety features, and the best used cars under $10,000 pack a surprising number of amenities for a budget selection.
Below, we’re covering the 5 best affordable used cars for your teen, spanning across today’s best options.
The Ford Fusion: $8,325
A 2010 to 2012 Ford Fusion offers responsive handling, a smooth ride, voice commands and Sync Bluetooth connectivity. Its controls are simple, and drivers will have a lot of room inside. The four-cylinder Ford Fusion is powered by a smart-shifting, six-speed automatic transmission. While the engine can be noisy during acceleration, it’s a small price to pay. A hybrid Ford Fusion version is available, too, though it’s a bit more expensive. If you’re searching for a long-term safety ride, the Ford Fusion is a great choice.
The Ford Focus: $6,050
Another Ford, the Ford Focus is small, agile and incredibly fun to drive. Its 2009 to 2011 models are pretty affordable, and they’re safe enough for learning drivers. The Ford Focus sedan has great visibility, and it doesn’t have the distracting MyFord Touch control system in earlier models. The Ford Focus’s cabin is easy to access, and it provides plenty of room for backseat drivers. If you’re trying to teach your teenager manual driving, you can take advantage of the Ford Focus’s optional manual transmission. As a bonus: The Ford Focus has a 29-mpg fuel economy. This can save your kid money, in the long run, when the tank gets low.
The Chevrolet Malibu: $8,125
The 2009 to 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is a mid-sized, comfortable and well-finished car. It’s very “absorbent,” and its comfortable seats are incredibly adaptable for any ride. The Malibu’s handling is incredibly responsive, combining precise steering with light control options.
The steering wheel and pedals adjust to the drivers’ reach, so your teen will have a customized cockpit for learning. The Malibu’s straightforward controls are coveted, and its four-cylinder engine is refined, quiet and responsive. Where gas is considered, expect to get about 25 mpg—which isn’t bad at all.
The Toyota Avalon: $16,559
One of the best used cars under $20,000 is the 2011 Toyota Avalon. The large sedan offers a slew of amenities while being incredibly easy to drive. It packs plenty of space, has fantastic safety scores and has a high number of upgrades—even in earlier models. It additionally offers USB and Bluetooth integration, so don’t worry about technology needs. In later years, the Avalon maintains its safety standards. That said, the price isn’t conducive to budget buying beyond the 2011 model.
The Volkswagen Jetta: $7,250
Highly sophisticated for a used car, the Jetta offers enthusiastic handling and a smooth ride. It’s comfortable, and it’s great for long-haul trips and adventures. The 2009 to 2010 models are within the budget range, and each model has a base five-cylinder engine.
The Jetta packs a lot of power, and its visibility is competitive. That said, its fuel economy isn’t the best. A diesel-powered Jetta can get about 34 mpg overall—50 on highways—but the increased fuel cost might hurt the wallet. Highly reliable, safe and fun, the Volkswagen Jetta is your splurge option if you want to get a bit flashy.
Your teen deserves safety and you needn’t restrict them to boring, uncomfortable vehicles. A lot of used cars offer fantastic amenities while also being safe. Sometimes, the best used cars to by—and the best affordable used cars, for that matter—have great qualities across the board. Put safety first, and put fuel economy second, but don’t neglect the glitz and glam. You might be surprised how awesome a cheap, reliable and safe vehicle can be.
The best used cars for teens are out there, but you’ll need to put in a little effort to find them.
We know the process of selecting the best used car for your teenager can be stressful and hope this article helps. Once the decision is made all that is left to do is get car insurance then hit the road!
