Choosing a car for your teenage driver is never an easy task. You want to find a vehicle that ensures they are safe when they’re on the road. Of course, some cars have the “cool” factor, but not every car on the market is suitable for an inexperienced driver. Certain cars come with higher risks because of their design, handling, or safety ratings. If you’re in the market for a new car for your teenage driver, you’ll want to avoid these seven.
7. Chevrolet Corvette – Too Much Power and Expensive Repairs
There is no doubt the Chevrolet Corvette is a legendary car, but it is not great for an inexperienced teenage driver. It can kick out some extreme horsepower and often has sensitive handling. The Corvette is much better suited for seasoned drivers who understand how to manage the car’s power. A teenager behind the wheel of a Chevy Corvette might be tempted to push the limits of the car and put themselves in danger. Not to mention, the car can be expensive to maintain and repair.
6. Mini Cooper – Compact Size and Limited Crash Protection
Mini Coopers often attract younger drivers, especially girls. It is a fun and stylish car, but it is less safe in a car crash due to its small size. This is especially the case if the collision involves a much larger car. Teenage drivers are statistically more likely to be involved in a car collision, unfortunately. So, this is something to keep in mind. Ultra-compact cars like the Mini may not be the best.
5. Dodge Challenger – Muscle Car with Dangerous Speed
Like to Corvette, your teen driver might be too tempted to push the Challenger to its limits. Most teens aren’t going to have the necessary driving experience to handle the speed and power behind the Dodge Challenger. On top of that, I’ve driven them and they have outstanding blind spots. This makes the Challenger a car you probably shouldn’t gift or buy for your teenage driver.
4. Toyota Tacoma – Difficult Handling and High Center of Gravity
Unlike the other cars listed here, the Toyota Tacoma might seem like a good choice because it is durable and good off-road. However, it has a high center of gravity that can make it more prone to rolling over. When considering an inexperienced teenage driver, the Tacoma can be hard to park and maneuver, especially if you live in the city. A lower, more stable car is a better choice for a new driver.
3. Ford Mustang – A Temptation for Speeding
Again, don’t buy your teenage driver anything that encourages fast driving. My first car was a Mustang and I can tell you it was a mistake. I stuffed it in a ditch and had a number of other little accidents in it. Not only does it have higher performance and speed than your regular run-of-the-mill car, but it is also rear-wheel-drive, which makes it harder to handle (especially in the rain). Something more modest, like a Toyota Corolla, is a much better option for a young driver.
2. Chevrolet Camaro – Too Much Power for New Drivers
You might recognize a bit of a pattern here by now. The Chevy Camaro provides a little too much punch behind the acceleration. It can be an aggressive car and, therefore, is a poor choice for teenage drivers. They might be tempted to push the car to its limits or even try drag racing. While there is no doubt that the Camaro is a cool-looking car, there is a lot of potential for dangerous situations for younger drivers.
1. Jeep Wrangler – Poor Stability and Rollover Risk
Like the Tacoma, the Jeep Wrangler poses a rollover risk. While they’ve gotten safer over the years, they still has a high center of gravity and a shorter wheelbase. A teenage driver is typically still getting a better understanding of maneuvering a car and they might find it hard to handle the Wrangler’s steering. It also doesn’t score as well on crash tests as a more practical four-door sedan.
Prioritizing Safety Over Style
The cars on this list might be some of your favorite vehicles. But, when it comes down to the best car to buy a teenage driver, safety needs to be prioritized over anything else. Cars that have too much power and limited crash protection aren’t going to be the right choice for inexperienced drivers. Make sure you focus on safety, reliability, and ease of handling when you pick out a car for your teen driver.