CoPilot’s 7 picks for good starter cars
Photo by Simon Maage on Unsplash
When it comes to picking out a new driver’s first car, most parents have safety and reliability at the top of their list of criteria. On the other hand, the teens are looking for something fun and attractive that they can fit all of their friends into. A good starter car ideally has something for everyone - but finding the right one can be tricky.
It will inevitably be nerve-wracking for parents to see their kid getting behind the wheel for the first time. Teen drivers are some of the “riskiest” in the country, and moms, dads, and other guardians will want to know that, at the very least, the car their young motorist is driving is as safe as possible.
The solution might then be to look for techy vehicles that come with all the latest safety features like blind-spot monitoring and lane-departure warnings. But these cars usually cost a pretty penny, and let’s face it — though your teen would “promise to love you forever, I swear” — you probably don’t want to be spending the $20,000+ that these new cars cost on your kid’s very first ride.
We know what you’re thinking—a minivan. They’re inexpensive, safe, sensible, and reasonably slow. And as much as you want to keep your baby safe, it will probably save you a lot of future drama if they at least like the car they’re driving.
Lucky for the parents and the new driver, good starter cars can be a combination of both excitement and sensibility. There are plenty of well-designed vehicles on the market that are as safe and easy to maintain as they are fun to drive. We think our curated list of good starter cars strikes the right balance between responsible practicality and youthful fun. Keep reading to see our top picks for your teen’s first ride.
Great cars for inexperienced drivers
Honda Accord 2011-2012
Honestly, this should probably be everyone’s first car. With proper maintenance, a Honda will last you a lifetime. And Accords are great at keeping drivers safe and grounded while also being fun to drive and look at. 2012 models are inexpensive used at $7,900 and continue to be easy and affordable to maintain. If your teen likes to work on cars themself, they’ll have no problem finding their way around this super-accessible vehicle.
FEEL SECURE IN THE CAR YOU CHOOSE
You don’t want to buy a car - you want to get the best deal on the car you’re looking for. The CoPilot app will notify you if there’s a similar vehicle in your area at a better price, so you’re always certain you got the best deal available.
Volkswagen Golf: Year models 2015-2021
Fun, safe, and totally cute, the Golf is a fan favorite for its expert blending of practicality and spiritedness. 2018 models can be purchased for as little as $15,000and come standard with desirable safety features like blind-spot monitoring and forward-collision warning. Teens will love the sporty design and surprisingly roomy interior. And parents will love the 5-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. And if you believe that kids should learn to drive stick, the Golf can be purchased as either a manual or an automatic.
Toyota Prius V: Year models 2015-2017
This eco-friendly ride sometimes gets a bad rap for being slow and stuffy, but the torquey hybrid engine makes it a fun and affordable first car. Driven sensibly, you only need to fill a Prius V’s tank once a month, and at $12,600 used , it’s easy on your teen driver’s wallet from start to finish. And Priuses will last them through college and beyond with proper maintenance. Once the hybrid battery starts to go, you can replace individual cells or get a refurbished battery for less than $1,000. The 2015 Prius V received a Top Safety Pick + rating from the IIHS.
Honda Fit: Year models 2015-2016
This subcompact is great for new drivers on a tight budget but doesn’t leave you wanting for safety features or creature comforts. The itty-bitty car has the carrying capacity of a much larger vehicle and will comfortably fit your teenager and all of their friends for a weekend road trip. Or, if your teen is heading off to college, they can fold the back seats down and create 52.7 cubic feet of space to fit all their essentials. The 2015-2016 models received a Top Safety Pick title from the IIHS.
FIND NEARLY-NEW & OFF-LEASE CARS IN YOUR AREA
If you’re a savvy car shopper, you know that buying a ‘nearly new’ car is the best value for your money. CoPilot Compare is the search engine for nearly-new cars.
Toyota Sienna 2015-2016
You get ONE minivan on this list, but this one’s special. Sometimes referred to as the “swagger wagon,” the Sienna is one family-friendly car that your teenager is bound to love. Another Top Safety Pick Plus, 2015 swagger wagons can be purchased for $11,600. One of the more attractive minivans on the market, your new driver will feel good about carting his or her friends (and all their stuff) around town in this vehicle.
Subaru Impreza 2011- 2015
If your kid needs a practical, affordable car that can get them to school in even the harshest weather, the Impreza’s for you. Available as either a sedan or a hatchback, this vehicle comes standard with safety features like automatic running lights and is an affordable first car at $8,700. Newer models will cost you extra but can be equipped with blind-spot monitoring and weather-activated windshield wipers. Teens will love the handling on this 4WD vehicle, and you’ll rest easy knowing they’re safe and sound, even in the rain or snow.
THE BEST USED SUVS UNDER $10,000
We looked into price, reliability, features, and more to create this list of the best used SUVs under $10k on the market today. Take a look - some of the best used SUVs have gone mostly overlooked or forgotten.
Mazda CX-3 2017-2021
Another Top Safety Pick+! A reliable, affordable vehicle wrapped in a shiny package that’s bound to make your teen say “thank you.” This small-sized SUV can be picked up for $12,300 used and comes standard with safety features such as six airbags, anti-lock brakes, and a rear-view camera. Parents will love the touring model for its additional safety accessories like blind-spot monitoring, and teens will love it for its six-speaker audio system and moonroof.
Get a curated list of the best used cars near you
The CoPilot car shopping app is the easiest way to buy a car. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll search the inventories of every dealership in your area to make you a personalized list of the best car listings in your area.
Only looking for newer models? CoPilot Compare is the search engine for nearly-new cars. Only see cars 5 years or newer with low mileage - CoPilot Compare is the best way to find off-lease, early trade-in, and CPO cars.
The best part? CoPilot is built using the same technology that dealerships use to buy and sell their inventories, so we have more info on each vehicle than competitors. CoPilot doesn’t work with dealerships, so there are no sponsored posts or other shady practices - just the most info on the best cars. Check out our About Us page to see how CoPilot works.
