Safest used cars for teen drivers for under $25K
What are the safest cars for teen drivers that cost under $25,000? A new 2022 study from iSeeCars.com identified the safest, most reliable, and energy-efficient used cars for teen drivers priced under $25,000.
Concerned parents always worry about their kids. However, when it’s time to drive, teens cause those gray hairs to appear faster than usual. It’s true. Inexperienced teen drivers stand a greater risk of crashing than anyone else on the road, regardless of whether the car is new or used, expensive, or a bit of a clunker. Teens face serious dangers on the road, yet most drive unsafe and unreliable used cars.
That’s why choosing a safe, reliable automobile that costs under $25,000 can do wonders to a worried parent’s peace of mind.
Safest Cars for teen drivers by iSeeCars.com
With that in mind, a new study from automotive research firm iSeeCars.com analyzed over 1.7 million used car sales from May through July 2022 to determine the safest, most reliable cars for teens that won’t break the bank.
“The moment your teen gets their driver’s license can be bittersweet. While it’s exciting to be officially relieved of chauffeur duties, it’s also frightening handing the keys over to a newly licensed driver. Plus, for parents who choose to help their teen with the car search financially, it can be difficult to find a safe and reliable car that falls within budget, especially in the current used car market,” wrote Julie Blackley of iSeeCars.com.
iSeeCars.com considerations
To help parents find peace of mind, iSeeCars determined the safest and most reliable cars for teens across multiple vehicle categories for under $25,000. These cars achieved a score of 8.5 or above (out of 10) on an iSeeCars quality analysis that considers long-term reliability and the average safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Then, they combined the safety and reliability scores from their annual Best Cars Ranking to determine the most well-equipped used cars for teen drivers across various vehicle types.
Top pics for the safest, most reliable used cars for teen drivers
Safest small cars
Small Car – 2017 Honda Civic (Coupe)
- 9.6 iSeeCars Safety and Reliability Score
- $22,785 Average Used Car Price
Luxury Small Car – 2017 Volvo S60
- 9.4 iSeeCars Safety and Reliability Score
- $23,135 Average Used Car Price
Safest midsize cars
Midsize Car – 2017 Honda Accord
- 9.5 iSeeCars Safety and Reliability Score
- $21,851 Average Used Car Price
Luxury Midsize Car – 2015 Lexus ES 350
- 9.5 iSeeCars Safety and Reliability Score
- $24,252 Average Used Car Price
Safest large cars
Large Car – 2015 Toyota Avalon
- 9.9 iSeeCars Safety and Reliability Score
- $21,017 Average Used Car Price
Luxury Large Car – 2015 Acura RLX
- 8.9 iSeeCars Safety and Reliability Score
- $22,682 Average Used Car Price
Safest SUV’s
Best Small SUV – 2017 Subaru Outback
- 9.2 iSeeCars Safety and Reliability Score
- $24,894 Average Used Car Price
Midsize SUV – 2015 Honda Pilot
- 9.3 iSeeCars Safety and Reliability Score
- $21,060 Average Used Car Price
Luxury Midsize SUV – 2015 Acura MDX
- 9.0 iSeeCars Safety and Reliability Score
- $23,924 Average Used Car Price
Safest minivan
Minivan – 2015 Honda Odyssey
- 8.7 iSeeCars Safety and Reliability Score
- $21,889 Average Used Car Price
Safest wagon
Wagon – 2019 Subaru Impreza
- 8.5 iSeeCars Safety and Reliability Score
- $23,784 Average Used Car Price
Advice from Drive Smart Georgia
In addition, Drive Smart Georgia offers the following advice to parents looking for a safe used car for teens.
High horsepower should be avoided
The temptation to test the limits of a powerful engine is too hard for many teens to resist.
Bigger, heavier vehicles are safer
Minicars are not a wise choice for teen drivers. Small SUVs, which weigh about the same as midsize cars, are OK.
Electronic stability control is a must
This technology, mandatory since the 2012 model year, helps a driver maintain control on curves and slippery roads. It’s a proven lifesaver, cutting single-vehicle fatal crash risk nearly in half.
The key to success
The best thing concerned parents can do when their teen is ready to drive is to stay involved. Choose a Drivers Ed program that will teach not just skills needed to pass the test, but lifelong safe driving habits. In addition, be sure to stay involved throughout the entire the learning process. Set rules and follow through by enforcing consequences. In the end, you will worry less, and your child will be safer on the road.
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Related articles:
- How to know when teens are ready to drive solo
- How to save on auto insurance for teen drivers
- Advice for parents of teen drivers