HOUSTON – Buying a car for a teenager is an exciting time for a parent, but finding the right model is tough.
The top priority for every parent is safety; while the second is usually price—and the two don't always go hand in hand. Consumer Reports tackled the issue and found that the best solution is usually a four-cylinder midsized sedan.
SUVs and pickup trucks offer the benefit of size in a crash, but they're more prone to rolling over. And there are some exceptions to the sedan rule. For example, the Chrysler Sebring is affordable, but Consumer Reports says it's a poor choice, since it didn't score well in a side-crash study.
The Fiat 500 is trendy and small, with used prices hovering around $12,000. But testers found it took more than 11 seconds to climb to 60 MPH and it was hard to keep up with highway traffic.
The Mitsubishi Mirage costs about $13,000 new, but for that price tag, Consumer Reports says a used Toyota Camry is a better choice. The Mirage sputtered and vibrated on the highway, filling the cabin with noise. Handling is also clumsy and the inside is drab.
For parents looking to make a sweet 16 even sweeter, nothing beats the style of an older Corvette. And the older they are, the better the price. But with Corvettes, reliability issues and maintenance costs can quickly climb. Plus, for a teenager, the insurance alone would be a deal breaker.
Consumer Reports says parents should also avoid the Mini Cooper, Kia Sedona and the Jeep Commander. Experts say Hyundai, Honda, Nissan, Toyota and Kia all make great alternatives for teens.