Best Used Cars for New Drivers

If you’re a parent trying to choose a car for a teenager to learn to drive in, you can be faced with a tough decision. Some people suggest buying the most affordable option to save on expenses, but this carries the risk of getting a vehicle that lacks some of the safety protections that can prove so crucial for new drivers. Here at Ike Honda, our car experts have looked at some of the key features you’d want to have in a used car for a teen driver and pointed to some of the models that meet these requirements.

Shop for a Used Car

What To Look Out For in a Good Used Car

Honda CR-V by Amit Agarwal is licensed with CC BY 2.0

One of the main things you’ll want a used car to have is a good safety record. You can check reviews and tests from organizations such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to assess how the vehicle performs in a range of safety tests. It’s also worth considering the vehicle’s range of safety features. For example, automatic emergency braking, collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring are some features that can make things much easier for whoever is behind the wheel.

You should also avoid subcompact cars or vehicles weighing below 2,700 pounds. That’s because research shows that they provide less protection for drivers and passengers in a multi-car accident. Since teenage drivers are statistically much more likely to be involved in crashes than those over 20, it’s wise to avoid these models. Vehicles at the large end of the spectrum, such as full-sized SUVs and big pickups, are also worth ignoring, as they tend to be much harder to handle than smaller vehicles.

Price may also play a role, especially if you’re working with a modest budget. If the car is just being used for driving, there’s no need for it to have the most up-to-date entertainment features or luxury interior materials. Getting the best deal can sometimes involve comparing several vehicles to see which one offers the best value for money. With all of these factors in mind, here are some models worth considering for teenage drivers.

Toyota Prius

The Prius is a four-door hatchback, meaning it can hold up to five passengers, and offers plenty of storage space at the rear. IIHS recommends looking at Prius models from 2014 and 2015. For the 2014 model year, Toyota made certain adjustments to the front side airbags to improve protection in the event of a crash. There’s no difference in terms of safety between the standard Prius and the plug-in hybrid version, which offers some all-electric driving range. Due to its compact size, the Prius is also one of the best-value propositions on this list.

Mazda 3

Mazda 3 cars built between 2014 and 2018 are another good recommendation for teen drivers. You can check when the vehicle was built on the sticker attached to the driver’s door. Mazda redesigned its sedan and hatchback models for 2014, making improvements to the front suspension that provide a better safeguard in the event of a crash. The better safety performance applies to the Mazda 3 hatchback and sedan, which means you can decide whether a vehicle with more storage space or a more compact body style would be best for your teen driver.

Volkswagen Passat

If you think a larger sedan would be more appropriate, consider the midsized Passat. Safety tests recommend considering a model between 2016 and 2022. For the 2016 model year, Volkswagen made improvements to front side airbags and strengthened the doors and A-pillars to give drivers and passengers more protection. The Passat will offer a touch more legroom in the second row than the smaller cars on this list, and you’ll find more space in the trunk for carrying day-to-day items.

Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is a family-friendly crossover that’s ideal for a new driver. It combines excellent handling with a spacious cargo area that can hold more than 39 cubic feet of cargo. Its engine offers solid acceleration for city and highway driving and is also quite fuel efficient for the compact crossover class. In terms of safety, important upgrades made in 2015 improved the protection for front- and rear-seat occupants during crashes. The IIHS recommends looking for a used CR-V from the 2015 or 2016 model years for the best overall safety package.

Honda HR-V

The HR-V is the CR-V’s little cousin. If you’re concerned about a learner driver having to haul around a vehicle with a large cargo area at the rear, the HR-V has the advantages of an SUV body design with more compact dimensions. The best used models to look for are those from between the 2016 and 2018 editions, which were the first three years of this SUV’s availability on the market. Like the CR-V, the HR-V has a long list of safety features to make things easier for inexperienced drivers.

Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 is a similar-sized vehicle to the CR-V, making it a good choice if you want a versatile SUV. In addition to functioning as a car for a learner to get their first experiences on the road, you can use the RAV4 to transport your entire family around town. The best model years to look out for when shopping for a used crossover are 2015, 2016, and 2017. For the 2015 model year, some upgrades to the front-end design were made to improve crash protection.

Buy a Used Car at Ike Honda in Marion

Are you ready to take a look at our used car range? We stock a large selection of pre-owned sedans and crossovers, including many from the list of vehicles we’ve just provided. If you’re looking for an affordable used vehicle that’s suitable for a teenage driver to learn the ropes, we’ll be happy to assist you. One of our sales experts can show you some of the best options from our pre-owned showroom. Alternatively, why not browse our online inventory to see what we can offer? Feel free to reach out by phone or message if you need further assistance.