Guide to Choosing a First Car for Your Teen Driver

Look for These Safety Features

When shopping for your teen's first car, certain safety features are non-negotiable. These technologies are proven to prevent crashes and reduce injuries when accidents do occur.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

ESC helps prevent skidding and loss of control, particularly on wet or icy roads. For inexperienced drivers who may be prone to overcorrecting, ESC can be the difference between a close call and a serious crash. This feature became mandatory in 2012, so any car built since then will have it.

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

An ABS prevents wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control. New drivers often brake too hard in emergencies, and ABS helps them avoid losing control. Again, this feature is standard on most vehicles today.

Multiple Airbags

Multiple airbags provide crucial protection in a crash. Look for vehicles with front, side-impact, and curtain airbags. More airbags mean better protection for everyone in the vehicle.

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)

AEB uses sensors to detect potential collisions and automatically applies the brakes if the driver doesn't react in time. This technology is especially valuable for distracted or inexperienced drivers. Studies show that AEB significantly reduces rear-end collisions, which are common among new drivers.

Blind Spot Monitoring

Blind Spot Monitoring alerts drivers when vehicles are in their blind spots. New drivers often struggle to consistently check blind spots, making this feature especially helpful.

Lane Departure Warning

Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Assist help prevent drivers from drifting out of their lane. These systems can compensate for momentary distractions or drowsiness, both of which are more common among teenage drivers.

Rearview Cameras

Rearview cameras became mandatory in 2018, but many vehicles already had them. This feature makes backing up safer and helps prevent accidents in parking lots, where many minor collisions occur.

Pro Tip: While not a direct safety feature, consider installing a dash cam in your teen's vehicle. A dash cam records what happens on the road and can provide crucial evidence if your teen is involved in an accident that wasn't their fault. It can also help you review driving situations with your teen to improve their skills. Some insurance companies even offer discounts for vehicles equipped with dash cams.

Check the Crash Test Ratings

Before buying any vehicle, check its safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These organizations conduct rigorous crash tests and rate vehicles based on how well they protect occupants.

Look for vehicles with a five-star overall rating from NHTSA or an IIHS Top Safety Pick designation. Remember that newer vehicles generally offer better crash protection than older models. Safety standards and crash testing have become more demanding over time, so a 2020 model will likely protect occupants better than a 2010 model of the same vehicle.

Size Matters (But Not the Way You Think)

Many parents assume that bigger is always safer, but that's not the whole story. While larger, heavier vehicles do provide more protection in crashes, they come with significant drawbacks for new drivers.

Vehicles should weigh at least 2,750 pounds to provide adequate crash protection. Minicars and very small vehicles simply can't protect occupants as well in collisions with larger vehicles.

However, large SUVs and trucks aren't ideal for teen drivers either. These vehicles have higher centers of gravity, making them more prone to rollovers. They also take longer to stop, can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and are harder to control in emergencies. For an inexperienced driver, a large vehicle can be overwhelming and dangerous.

The sweet spot is a midsize sedan or compact SUV. These vehicles offer good crash protection without being unwieldy or difficult to handle.

What to Avoid

Some vehicles are always unsafe for teen drivers, no matter how much they might want them.

• Sports cars and high-performance vehicles encourage speeding and risky driving. Excessive horsepower in the hands of an inexperienced driver is a recipe for disaster. Insurance companies know this, too, which is why sports cars come with sky-high premiums for young drivers.
  
• Convertibles and vehicles without roof structures may be appealing, but they offer less protection in rollover crashes. Since rollovers are more common when drivers lose control (something that happens more frequently with inexperienced drivers), you will want a solid roof structure overhead.
  
• Very old vehicles may seem budget-friendly, but they often lack basic safety features like ESC, side airbags, and rearview cameras. A 20-year-old car might cost less upfront, but it puts your teen at much greater risk.
  
• Vehicles marketed for off-road performance typically have higher ground clearance and modified suspensions that can make them less stable during emergency maneuvers on paved roads. Save the Jeep Wrangler with the lift kit for after your teen has gained more experience.
  
• Vehicles with poor safety ratings should be crossed off your list immediately, regardless of price or other features. Don't compromise on safety to save money.

Balancing Safety and Budget

The blunt truth is that most families can't afford a brand-new vehicle loaded with every safety feature. The good news is that you don't need a new car to protect your teen. Many excellent used vehicles offer strong safety features at affordable prices.

The IIHS recommends used vehicles for teens with estimates starting under $5,000, such as:

• Nissan Sentra (2015 or newer): $4,400
• Mini Countryman (2011 or newer): $4,600
• Mazda 3 sedan (2014–2019): $5,000

However, note that safer options with more advanced features typically start around $10,000 to $15,000.

When setting your budget, factor in more than just the purchase price. Consider insurance costs, which will be high for any teen driver, as well as fuel economy, maintenance, and potential repairs.

Older vehicles are generally cheaper to insure because they have lower replacement values. However, you'll want to weigh these insurance savings against the cost of potentially more frequent repairs and the value of newer safety technology.

If you're considering a used vehicle, have it inspected by a trusted mechanic before you buy. Check for any open recalls using the vehicle's VIN on the NHTSA website. Make sure the vehicle has been properly maintained and is in good working condition.

Insurance Considerations

Adding a teen driver to your insurance policy will be expensive. However, the type of vehicle you choose significantly impacts insurance costs. Here's how to keep premiums as low as possible:

• Older vehicles with lower values cost less to insure. If you can drop comprehensive and collision coverage on an older car, you'll save substantially. Just make sure the vehicle still has adequate safety features before choosing an older model.
  
• Conventional cars like sedans and compact SUVs are cheaper to insure than sports cars, luxury vehicles, or large trucks. Insurance companies know which vehicles teen drivers tend to crash, and they price policies accordingly.
  
• Take advantage of discounts. Most insurers offer good student discounts for teens with a B average or higher, typically saving 10-15%. Completing a driver's education course can earn additional discounts. Some insurers also offer telematics programs that monitor driving behavior and reward safe driving with lower rates.
  
• Always shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurance companies. Rates vary widely between insurers, so the effort to compare can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year.

Talking To Your Teen About Vehicle Safety

The safest car in the world won't protect a teen who drives recklessly. Use the car-buying process as a teaching opportunity. Explain why you're prioritizing safety features over style or performance. Help them understand that the flashy sports car or lifted truck isn't in their best interest, even if it's what their friends drive. Involve them in the process of checking safety ratings and test-driving vehicles.

Then, set clear rules about vehicle use. Many families find success with parent-teen driving contracts that outline expectations for safe driving, such as:

• No cell phone use (also required by law in Minnesota)
• No extra passengers until they’ve developed enough experience
• Curfews
• Consequences for violations

Protecting the Ones You Love Most

The best time to start thinking about your teen's first car is well before they get their license. This preparation gives you time to save money, research options, and find the right vehicle without feeling rushed.

However, it’s never too late to start prioritizing safety. Even if your teen has been driving for a while, you can still consider a better vehicle or start implementing new safety rules.

When Accidents Happen

Unfortunately, even the safest vehicles and most cautious teen drivers can be involved in accidents. If your teen is injured in a crash caused by another driver's negligence, it's important to understand your legal rights.

At SiebenCarey, we've spent 70 years helping Minnesota families navigate the aftermath of serious accidents. We understand the unique concerns parents face when their teen is injured, and we work to ensure your family receives the compensation needed to cover medical bills, ongoing treatment, and other damages.

Our experienced attorneys will handle every aspect of your claim while your family focuses on your teen's recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation.

FAQs

Should my teen's car be titled in their name or mine?

Minnesota law allows teens under 18 to own a vehicle if they meet certain conditions:

• They're 17 years old and have completed an approved driver training course
• They're 17 and a high school graduate
• They're an employed emancipated minor with a Minnesota driver's license
• They became the owner while living in another state, where the car is registered in their name

And anyone over 18 can own a vehicle. However, even if your teen can legally title the car in their name, many parents choose to keep it titled in their own name.

Is it better to share a family car with my teen or buy them their own vehicle?

Sharing a family car can be a great way to reduce costs. It also gives parents more control and limits teens' independence until they've proven themselves as responsible drivers. This approach works well if your family has vehicle flexibility and your teen doesn't need regular transportation for work or school.

However, buying a dedicated vehicle for your teen (even an inexpensive used one) can be very convenient for everyone. It helps eliminate scheduling conflicts and clearly defines the responsibility for the vehicle's maintenance and care.

Consider starting with a shared vehicle and transitioning to a dedicated car once your teen has demonstrated safe driving for six months to one year.

Should I get roadside assistance for my teen's vehicle?

Roadside assistance is highly recommended for teen drivers, especially if they regularly drive more than 50 miles from home or travel to and from college. Services like AAA provide tire changes, battery jumps, towing, fuel delivery, and lockout service for a modest annual fee. You’ll have peace of mind knowing your teen has professional help available if they experience a breakdown or emergency. Many insurance companies also offer roadside assistance as an add-on to your policy, making it a cost-effective option.