Since 83% of parents suveyed buy a used vehicle for their teen as opposed to a new one, the Insurance Insitute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has compiled a list of used vehicles that meet important safety criteria for teen drivers. There are two tiers of recommended vehicles, best choices and good choices in the $3,000 to $20,000 price range. The recommendations are guided by 4 main principles:
- Young drivers should stay away from high horsepower;
- Bigger, heavier vehicles are safer;
- Electronic stability control (ESC) is a must; and
- Vehicles should have the best safety ratings possible.
While the median purchase price for a teen’s vehicle is $5300, the IIHS encourages parents to consider paying a little more for safety if they can. “It’s easier than ever to find a used vehicle with must-have safety features and decent crash test performance without spending a fortune,” adds Anne McCartt, the Institute’s senior vice president for research.
