Tops on the Best Teen Car list, the Ford Taurus has a big interior and a relatively small insurance premium.
Maybe your teen has just gone through that rite of passage, getting a driver’s license. Or perhaps they’ve gotten their diploma and are heading off to college next autumn. Whatever the reason, it’s a challenge that millions of American parents are familiar with: finding the best car for their teens.
Now, we know that young drivers would likely look for something quick and cool if they were doing the shopping, but parents usually have a different agenda. They’re looking for a vehicle that’s safe, affordable, fuel-efficient and reliable.
The good news is that there are plenty of used vehicles that fall into that category. Better yet, most of the 14 Best Cars for Teens ranked by CarInsurance.com are also likely to have enough of the cool factor to keep the kids happy.
The 2009 Toyota Corolla is 8th on the list.
The insurance site focused on reasonably affordable used vehicles from the 2009 model-year — those available for under $15,000. These are vehicles still new enough to ensure above-average reliability. In fact, many might still be covered by original or extended warranties. The 14 models had to be in the top tier when it comes to fuel economy – meaning a minimum 20 mpg Combined, according to the EPA — and all had to earn top safety ratings in the government’s crash tests.
The good news is that nearly half are available – either as standard equipment or option – with electronic stability control which, “is a godsend because it limits a lot of the dumb moves a young driver can make,” said Des Toups, managing editor of CarInsurance.com. “But like every safety feature, it appears first on expensive cars and works its way down to the cheap ones.”
The final measure also falls into the affordability category, in this case insurance costs. That’s a significant factor parents need to take into consideration as young drivers typically have some of the highest premiums even if they’ve taken a driver’s education program and have a good record. The premiums quoted were based on insurance rates for an 18-year-old male living in Pensacola, Florida, commuting 12 miles each way to school, carrying standard levels of coverage and with no accidents or violations on their driving record.
Ford has two on the list, including the Focus.
“There’s a big difference in insurance rates among the cars on the list,” Toups said. “But a teenage driver is going to pay a small fortune even if he chooses the most insurance-friendly car.”
How much? Anywhere from $3,322 for a big 2009 Ford Taurus to $4,392 for a more sporty Mitsubishi Lancer GTS. Here’s the complete list:
Rank/Model/Annual premium
1. Ford Taurus: $3,322
2. Honda Accord: $3,334
3. Ford Fusion*: $3,494
4. Scion xB: $3,506
5. Subaru Legacy: $3,518
6. Volkswagen Jetta sedan: $3,524
7. Audi A3 2.0T: $3,622
8. Toyota Corolla*: $3,656
9. Subaru Impreza 2.5i: $3,732
10. Honda Civic four-door*: $3,738
11. Ford Focus coupe*: $3,800
12. Volkswagen Rabbit four-door: $3,974
13. Honda Fit Sport*: $3,976
14. Mitsubishi Lancer GTS*: $4,392
Note that vehicles marked with an asterisk (*) offer electronic stability control, either as an option or standard feature. As with all used vehicles, features may vary, along with vehicle condition and parents should take care to ensure they’ve been properly maintained. It’s also a good idea to check with a dealer to see if any used vehicle has been recalled and, if so, that the appropriate repairs have been made.