How to Select the Safest Car for Your New Driver

If teenagers are good at one thing, it’s making their parents nervous. Especially 16-year-olds with brand new driver’s licenses! The first time that your teenageer hits the road without you in the passenger seat, you want to know that he is driving the safest car your money can buy. If you’re like most Americans, you will end up purchasing your child a used car that offers affordability and reliability together. So, which car is the best choice for your teen?


The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety offers a valuable list of used vehicles that are recommended for young, high-risk drivers. With 49 “Best Choices” under $20,000 and 82 “Good Choice” that cost less than $10,000, you have a wide selection of cars from which to choose. As you browse the IIHS list and find a few that you like, try to narrow down your options to vehicles that have strong crash-test ratings without too much horsepower. You want to know that your teen will be protected during a crash without having the ability to test the limits of a powerful engine. Also remember that bigger, heavier cars tend to be safer than small cars.

If you can afford to spend up to $20,000 on your teen’s new car, consider the Kia Optima, Chevy Malibu, Honda Accord, Mazda 6, Nissan Rogue, Hyundai Tucson, GMC Terrain, and Ford Flex for a great combination of affordability and safety. If you’d rather stick below $10,000 for a safe and reliable used car, the Ford Taurus, Acura TL, Honda CR-V, Dodge Journey, and Toyota Highlander from past years, usually 2008 to 2012, will make the cut.

You never want it to happen, but if you find yourself in the position of needing a body repair shop to fix your automobile after a collision, you can easily turn to Northwest Collision Center in St. Petersburg, Florida. Northwest Collision Center offers cutting-edge repair from highly trained technicians with 50 years of experience. When you need them, call (727) 547-3694 to trust that you are in good hands.

Picture of Greg Descent

Greg Descent

The proprietor of Northwest Collision Center, boasts a remarkable journey in the auto repair industry. Originating from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Greg spent his formative years in California, where he cultivated a deep passion for automotive work. In 1996, he seized the opportunity to acquire Northwest Collision Center, a reputable establishment founded in 1959 and situated on Tyrone Boulevard for over five decades. Greg's hands-on approach and dedication to the business have been pivotal since he first joined the team. Under his leadership, Northwest Collision Center has continued to thrive, maintaining its legacy of excellence and commitment to quality service in the automotive repair sector.

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