Teenagers are very particular about what they drive. For them, the car needs to be stylish and often times, sporty. They prefer cars that are faster, yet very reliable. Most importantly, their car needs to be an extension of themselves. Thus, the best tip to buying a first car for teenagers is to take stock in your child and understand what makes them unique.
This, in no ways means to ignore that inner parenting voice. You know, the voice that says this first car needs to be safe, efficient, and most importantly, cost effective. Quite the contrary, you can have it all, in this day and age.
For the sporty teen:
Mazda 3: Starting cost of around $14, 500.
The Mazda 3 is a sleek, sporty, and trendy model that can be easily customized to fit the sporty teen’s lifestyle. It features both, Sedan and Hatchback versions of this fantastic buy. Teens can have the Bluetooth, hands- free and/or Bose sound system options, for their new car! The Mazda 3 is most known, however, for its amazing handling ability in turns and on the road driving. Though there are better cars for gas mileage, the Mazda 3 boasts an impressive 28 mpgs highway driving and 25 mpgs in the city, for automatic transmission. Even more impressive is the idea that the Mazda 3 was named a Top Safety Pick for 2009 by, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It can be tailored to include the exclusive, Adaptive Front- lighting System and Dynamic Stability Control for rough and unpredictable weather.
Smart Passion Cabriolet: Starting cost of around $16, 990.
The Smart car’s name says it all. Still the artsy teen can be the center of attention in this nontraditional model. The Smart Passion Cabriolet is really unique in that it is a two- seat, soft top. It comes standard with 5 speed automated/ manual transmission, in dash, 6- disc mp3/CD changer with sound system radio, heater rear window, driver and passenger air bags, and drive lock for safety locking. There are several options that the artsy teen will enjoy! This smart car is reasonable priced at below $20K so, mom and dad’s wallet, won’t feel too much of a pinch. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave this model an overall Good rating in all safety categories (Frontal/ Head- on, Side impact, Roof collisions and crashes.). All in all, this model is perfect that they teen who wants to be different at a reasonable price and with excellent gas mileage (38 mpgs highway and 32 mpgs city).
The Ford Focus is not your normal Ford. It is the best that Ford can offer, in this economy package. Straight off of the bat, the Ford Focus has some impressive gas mileage numbers. On average, the Focus gets 35 mpgs for highway driving, and 32 mpgs for city driving! With gas prices the way that they are, the Focus’s mileage is enough to sell the car. Fortunately though, this car offers much more. A practical teen, is not really interested in a car’s sportiness or its cute appeal. Instead, they are concerned with functionality. Luckily, the Ford Focus encompasses a sporty nature, in a cute package, with lots of practicality and function. It has a reinforced steel cage around the entire car, designed to help take away some of the force of an impact, 6 airbags- 4 in front- and two in the backseat area- which serves to protect the driver and all passengers, tire pressure monitoring and anti- lock breaking systems, on all standard models. This means, no matter how basic or upgraded the Ford Focus is, all buyers will receive these above average safety features. More impressive are the car’s voice activated sync system and 5- seat cabin area.
First and foremost, let me explain what a Volunteer teen is. For some students, they live to party and have lot of fun at social events. For other teens, they prefer to use their time volunteering at local shelters, delivery products, foods or passengers to various places, or simply using their car as a moving billboard. Well, if this is your teenager, this car is perfect for them. The Suzuki SX4 was designed as a crossover SUV. It boasts a roomy cabin and trunk area, with folding back seats and lots of overhead storage abilities. While gas mileage could be better- it sits is 30 mpgs on the highway and 27 mpgs in the city- for the size and storage abilities of this vehicle, the gas mileage is still impressive. It comes standard with Anti- Lock Brakes, front and side air bags, child proof locks, side impact reinforced beams. Shift lock and key interlocking systems, and break assist function (This function keeps you in the know about when your breaks need servicing.)
For Any Teen:
Honda Civic: Starting cost of around $ 15, 655.
The award winning Honda Civic is a must for many teens, adults and seniors. It’s standard version includes, Anti- Lock brakes, Side curtain airbags, dual front air bags, tire pressure monitoring, and was named a 2010 Top Safety Pick (in its standard form), by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety! This Honda Civic is made from a trendy, sleek and sporty design that comes in a wide variety of customizable colors. You can drive, listen to a wide array of music from you music library and connect to voice activated GPS system, all at the push of a button! The cabin of this car is leather trimmed and modern, with extra leg and body room, galore! This car adapts to any teenager’s personality! Even better, the Honda Civic gets 36 mpgs in the highway and 29 mpgs in the city!
