Are you worried that they will want a sports car with a ridiculous amount of horsepower? How about a flashy convertible that can reach high speeds in a matter of seconds? Fortunately, there are many vehicles available that have excellent performance and style with impeccable safety standards. Here are some tips on selecting the best used car for your new driver.

Safety features

Teens and new drivers can often overestimate their skills while underestimating risks. Their lack of driving experience, coupled with common distractions, can lead to accidents. Therefore, you should shop for a car with critical safety features such as electronic stability control and side-impact airbags.

Mid-size sedans are considered among the safest vehicles to operate, along with larger, heavier models. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave their Top Safety Pick+ designation to several 2013 and newer models, including the Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, and Subaru Legacy. These automobiles also received four- and five-star ratings for crash protection from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Affordability

How much you spend on a car for your new driver is probably high on your priority list. Pre-owned vehicles offer features that can meet the demands of both the

driver and your wallet. A used Volvo S60, Acura TL, and Mazda 6 are just a few of the mid-size sedans that are affordably priced and suitable for inexperienced drivers. If a small sport utility vehicle is more attractive to you, a Nissan Rogue, Buick Encore, or Toyota RAV4 are other reasonable cost options that are highly recommended.

Good fuel economy

The issue of adequate gas mileage was not a factor for most drivers until late in the 20th century after the passage of the Clean Air Act. Good fuel economy is typically measured by how many miles your car can travel per gallon of gas, and highway driving differs from driving in the city due to the change in speed.

More than likely, your new driver will want to be on the road as much as possible. Chevrolet Cruze, Volkswagen Passat, and Audi A3 are some of the used car models that the US Department of Energy deems as getting a minimum of 30 miles per gallon.

Easy to insure

Don’t forget about insurance. If you are currently a two-car household, the addition of a new driver can raise your auto insurance quotes by roughly 58% or more. The lack of driving experience is what raises the rates. However, a new driver on your policy that is age 25 or older will have a lower rate. Some of the models that are easiest to insure are the Ford Fusion, Mazda 6, and Nissan Rogue.

Safety, affordability, gas mileage, and insurability are critical components to assess when purchasing a vehicle for a new driver. Contact Advantage Car and Credit today to ask about their used car inventory and its durability and financing options.

Note: Vehicles shown reflect current inventory at the time this article was published. Know that Advantage Car and Credit’s inventory constantly changes. If you would like assistance or advice on selecting the right car for your first-time driver, give us a call at (937) 468-3668. We are here to help!