For many families with teenage drivers, a new car just isn't in the budget.
Eighty-three percent of parents surveyed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety said they've purchased a used vehicle for their teen. And with car accidents the leading cause of death among teens, choosing the right vehicle is critical.
For the first time, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has compiled a list of the safest used cars for teenage drivers.
"A teenager's first car is more than just a financial decision," says IIHS President Adrian Lund. "These lists of recommended used vehicles can help consumers factor in safety, in addition to affordability."
Below is the IIHS' list of the best, affordable vehicles for teen drivers:
LARGE CARS | MODEL YEARS | PRICE |
---|---|---|
Saab 9-5 sedan | 2010 and later | $17,500 |
Lincoln MKS | 2009 and later | $15,500 |
Buick Regal | 2011 and later | $13,500 |
Ford Taurus | 2010 and later | $13,500 |
Buick LaCrosse | 2010 and later | $12,900 |
Volvo S80 | 2007 and later | $9,000 |
MIDSIZE CARS |
MODEL YEARS |
PRICE |
Toyota Prius v | 2012 and later | $19,100 |
Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan | 2009 and later | $16,000 |
Honda Accord sedan | 2012 and later; coupe 2013-14 | $14,400 |
Audi A4 | 2009 and later | $14,300 |
Toyota Camry | 2012 and later | $14,300 |
Buick Verano | 2012 and later | $14,100 |
Subaru Outback | 2010 and later | $14,000 |
Lincoln MKZ | 2010 and later; built after April 2010 | $13,500 |
Kia Optima | 2011 and later | $13,300 |
Hyundai Sonata | 2011 and later | $12,100 |
Subaru Legacy | 2010 and later | $11,900 |
Dodge Avenger | 2011 and later | $11,600 |
Audi A3 | 2008 and later | $11,300 |
Volkswagen CC | 2009 and later | $11,200 |
Chevrolet Malibu | 2010 and later; built after November 2009 | $10,900 |
Chrysler 200 sedan | 2011 and later | $10,700 |
Mercury Milan | 2010-11; built after April 2010 | $10,700 |
Ford Fusion | 2010 and later; built after April 2010 | $10,200 |
Volkswagen Passat | 2009 and later | $10,000 |
Volvo C30 | 2008 and later | $9,800 |
Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen | 2009 and later | $9,400 |
Volkswagen Jetta | 2009 and later | $8,200 |
SMALL SUVs |
MODEL YEARS |
PRICE |
Honda CR-V | 2012 and later | $18,100 |
Kia Sportage | 2011 and later | $13,800 |
Hyundai Tucson | 2010 and later | $13,100 |
Subaru Forester | 2009 and later | $12,800 |
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | 2011 and later | $12,000 |
Volkswagen Tiguan | 2009 and later | $10,200 |
Honda Element | 2007 and later | $8,900 |
MIDSIZE SUVs |
MODEL YEARS |
PRICE |
Volvo XC60 | 2010 and later | $18,000 |
Saab 9-4X | 2011-12 | $17,800 |
Toyota Highlander | 2008 and later | $17,100 |
Toyota Venza | 2009 and later | $15,900 |
Ford Edge | 2011 and later; built after February 2011 | $15,500 |
Ford Flex | 2010 and later | $15,100 |
GMC Terrain | 2010 and later | $14,900 |
Kia Sorento | 2011 and later | $14,500 |
Infiniti EX | 2008 and later | $14,400 |
Chevrolet Equinox | 2010 and later | $13,700 |
Dodge Journey | 2010 and later | $11,200 |
Subaru Tribeca/B9 Tribeca | 2006 and later | $8,500 |
Volvo XC90 | 2005 and later | $7,300 |
LARGE SUVs |
MODEL YEARS |
PRICE |
Buick Enclave | 2011 and later | $19,900 |
GMC Acadia | 2011 and later | $17,800 |
Chevrolet Traverse | 2011 and later | $16,600 |
MINIVANS |
MODEL YEARS |
PRICE |
Chrysler Town & Country | 2012 and later | $18,100 |
Honda Odyssey | 2011 and later | $17,100 |
Toyota Sienna | 2011 and later | $16,400 |
Dodge Grand Caravan | 2012 and later | $15,200 |
Volkswagen Routan | 2012 | $14,000 |