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Having kids comes with distinctive rewards, although our day by day fears about their security by no means subside. If something, they worsen as soon as our little ones aren’t so little anymore, and never least after they attain driving age. Few issues fill a seasoned father or mother with extra anxiousness than understanding their baby is now on the whim of different drivers.
Due to this fact, it pays to do your due diligence on the automotive they may be driving. Nonetheless, first-time automotive patrons don’t have the identical disposable revenue as a few of their elders, so selecting a protected and inexpensive automotive could show difficult. Due to this fact, we have now checked out at present used choices for protected small or mid-sized vehicles and SUVs within the $5,000 to $20,000 value vary. The restrict for mileage is something with lower than 100,000 miles on the clock.
The Technique
This assortment mirrors a collaborative Client Studies and Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) “Secure Autos for Teenagers” research. Furthermore, we have now consulted the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) automobile security requirements, amongst different sources.
As we all know, the world may be an financial rollercoaster, that means automotive costs fluctuate. By consulting websites together with Kelley Blue Guide, AutoTrader, and Edmunds, we additionally discovered up-to-date common value concepts for first-time patrons. We will even defer to the earliest mannequin of any recommended yr vary, primarily to gauge the bottom value. In fact, we have now additionally taken on board professional opinions from the easiest on-line voices to light up our choice.
2014 Honda Civic Sedan
Honda Civics and first-time automotive patrons are a well-known pairing. What higher solution to rejoice austere cars than this average, fashionable traditional? Why should or not it’s from 2014? The yr marks the primary time Civics modified to a constantly variable transmission (CVT), discarding the 5-speed computerized transmission. It means youthful patrons can take pleasure in respectable gasoline economic system with their used 2014 Honda Civic. Every sedan mannequin gives between 31 and 33 mixed mpg, with as much as 39 mpg on the freeway in some fashions.
So far as security goes, the 2014 improve comes with sure options as commonplace or premium. Amongst these is Honda LaneWatch for improved blind spot help, making freeway driving a lot safer for the motive force. Some used fashions may very well be accessible for roughly $6,000, in response to Kelley’s Blue Guide’s newest costs.
2015 Toyota Prius V
We’re in Prius Land, specifically, the Fourth Era XW50 2015 Prius V, a mid-sized hybrid. It’s extra like a compact minivan than a hatchback, and it could be a good selection for younger drivers who want a number of area. Musicians, surfers, or outside sports activities lovers additionally profit from such a design.
Whereas it could not compete with its 2014 predecessor on mileage, it does achieve some good critiques on this realm. MotorTrend stories that “the 2015 Toyota Prius V is an effective selection as a result of it gives glorious gasoline mileage and a cavernous inside.” Proper now, this automotive may be yours for as little as $6,200, in response to a Automobiles itemizing.
2014 Toyota Camry Sedan
One other straight-laced choice for a first-time driver may be the 2014 Toyota Camry, and used fashions may be accessible for less than $6,500. Just like the Third Era Prius, the Toyota Camry was upgraded within the winter of 2013, and the research recommends fashions constructed after this time.
Nonetheless, a 2014 Limbaugh Toyota press launch refers to IIHS small-overlap frontal crash take a look at outcomes not being as much as the remainder of the Camry’s requirements. Consequently, an upgrade-on-an-upgrade ensued, bringing higher all-around safety from a modified entrance finish. It signifies that some 2014 vehicles are marked as “2014.5,” which signifies the development.
2015-2017 Mazda 6 Sedan
Whereas the Mazda 6 examined by IIHS was a 2014 mannequin, we are able to definitively rank the 2015 Mazda 6 as one of many most secure decisions. The NHTSA awarded 5 stars as its total security ranking. Additional, the 2014 model got here with six airbags as commonplace, in response to a press launch on the time.
This type of consideration to security makes this automotive an excellent starter for any teen and their entourage of buddies. In the meantime, potential first-timers can anticipate to pay at the least $7,600 for Mazda 6 fashions of this period.
2014 Toyota Prius Hatchback
On the subsequent rung of the pricing ladder is America’s go-to middle-class HEV of a era, the 2014 Prius. Nonetheless, the security survey signifies that this IIHS “High Security Decide” of 2014 is for EVs constructed after November 2013. Furthermore, it solely applies to automobiles with non-obligatory entrance crash prevention.
The Third-Era XW30 Toyota Priuses constructed throughout this era additionally include the 2012 Car Proximity Notification System (VPNS). It was essential to warn others of this silent hybrid when switched to all-electric mode, specifically, pedestrians. Some fashions are listed across the $8,000 mark on retail websites, corresponding to Edmunds.
2014-2017 Mazda 3 Sedan
A crucial function of all Mazda 3 fashions constructed after October 2013 was the entrance suspension, which was improved for small frontal overlap crashes. Relying on mileage, these vehicles go for as little as $8,000; what’s extra, AutoGuide named the 2014 Mazda 3 “Automobile of the 12 months.”
The 2014 Mazda 3 scores a most “good” in all the fitting classes, although the survey’s award has one caveat. Shock: it solely applies to vehicles with “non-obligatory entrance crash prevention,” so patrons should tick this field earlier than continuing.
2015 Ford C-Max Hybrid
Ford’s generally perceived reply to the Toyota Prius seems within the research, primarily the C-Max Hybrid (to not be mistaken with C-Max Energi) mannequin. Its 2014 predecessor scored effectively on the IIHS crash testing, incomes largely prime marks. Curiously, a LeftHandLane publish explains how its Constantly Variable Transmission (CVT) produces 188 hp, making the C-Max “faster than the typical hybrid.”
Due to this fact, most mother and father will encourage their teenagers to preserve battery and drive reasonably. 2015 C-Max Hybrids are available in SE and the leather-trim SEL selection. A number of used automotive websites, like AutoTrader, checklist them as little as $8,495 with underneath 100,000 miles. This value vary is sweet, although the battery would possibly want changing at 150,000 miles, relying on utilization.
2017 Toyota Corolla Sedan
One other small Japanese automotive subsequent (discover a sample?), the 2017 Toyota Corolla. These trusty little household vehicles are synonymous with first-time patrons, and for good motive. Chris Amos wrote in a 2017 Automobile and Driver evaluate, “If gradual and regular wins the race, the Corolla takes the checkered flag.” Such rhetoric is music to any cautious father or mother’s ears.
Three phrases that come to thoughts when contemplating this automotive: financial, dependable, and protected. The IIHS research agrees, awarding prime marks for crashworthiness, albeit with a mere “acceptable” for the headlights. Moreover, the mother and father searching for a strong first automotive will just like the used value vary. On the time of writing, the lowest-priced 2017 Corolla LE with fewer than 100,000 miles will value roughly $9,000.
2016 Nissan Murano
We see the primary mid-sized SUV, which competes towards others in the identical class however at the next value vary. Trevor Hoffman waxed lyrical concerning the Nissan Murano in a 2016 Auto 123 publish. “Radical isn’t a phrase usually related to midsize crossover SUVs,” wrote Hoffman, “however the brand new 2016 Nissan Murano deserves such drama.”
One can think about younger drivers having fun with this automobile, and fogeys will marvel on the good crashworthiness scores achieved in 2016. Automobile promoting websites present that 2016 Nissan Muranos can go for $9,000, however fashions with entrance crash safety are key to higher security.
2016 Mazda CX-5
One other IIHS “High Security Decide” is the 2016 Mazda CX-5, the primary small SUV on the IIHS checklist. The value vary varies. Nationwide searches yield used fashions listed for beneath $9,000, although analysis is inspired.
Whereas mileage could not beat a Prius or Ford C-Max, this 2WD (AWD accessible as effectively) automobile shines within the security classes. CarMax exhibits a Buyer Score of 4.5 stars whereas additionally citing RepairPal’s 4.5 ranking. What’s extra, the 2016 Mazda CX-5 got here with new Good Brake Assist, whereby the automotive can brake robotically when a collision is imminent.
2015-2017 Honda Accord Sedan
It comes as no shock {that a} Honda Accord sedan is right here. There’s one other Honda Accord possibility, and the distinction in costs between the final mannequin and the 2015-2017 mannequin is notable. Value-wise, the 2015 could be very aggressive. This CarFax itemizing exhibits that you simply would possibly discover considered one of these stalwarts for lower than $9,000 proper now.
Whereas the 2015 Honda Accord scored very effectively on crashworthiness within the IIHS research, its 2017 mannequin comes with some appreciable security options. Passive security designs like Honda’s Superior Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Physique Construction are commonplace, in response to a Battinson Honda evaluate. Within the occasion of a frontal collision, this function spreads the crash power extra evenly.
2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox
Let’s begin with this revealing epithet present in a CNet evaluate of the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. “The 2018 Equinox is nice should you don’t belief your teen driver,” reads the headline, occurring to reward the automotive’s teen-proof qualities. The rationale? The 2018 Equinox comes with Chevrolet’s Teen Driver software, made for spying in your teen’s actions.
Activated by their key fob, the app detects when the motive force is energetic, giving mother and father nice peace of thoughts, albeit with a bit of guilt. Teenagers could not take pleasure in this, however who stated something about telling them earlier than shopping for the automotive? These sneaky mother and father can anticipate to pay at the least $9,000 for the privilege, in response to Edmunds.
2018-2019 Hyundai Kona
Stepping up the worth brings us to the primary Korean on this assortment, the 2018-2019 Hyundai Kona. The Kona is in style as a small household wagon, giving the house owners one other IIHS “High Security Decide” automobile.
It’s value searching for the Restricted and Final trim on these fashions for his or her superior LED projector headlights, an improve on the pre-Could 2018 vehicles. A number of car-selling websites even have 2019 Konas listed beneath $10,000, and your teen will probably thanks. A Kona is a cool-ish-looking small SUV.
2015-2019 Honda CR-V
Honda returns with its most costly automotive on this group, although at the least it isn’t the Accord. The Honda CR-V was already a hit story when it hit showrooms in 1997, going from power to power twenty years later. A 2023 Honda Information publish reveals that “it has been the best-selling Honda automobile yearly since 2017.” Moreover, the IIHS evaluate provides this automobile extremely fascinating crash take a look at scores.
If given a selection, most sane younger drivers would select this small SUV over its little Accord cousin. Maybe this makes the present 2015 used value vary of roughly $10,000 extra possible. In fact, newer 2019 fashions shall be significantly dearer — simply preserve these away out of your teenager’s eyes.
2017-2018 Subaru Legacy
Subarus could have extra one-liners written about them than some other automotive, as YouTuber Trevor Wallace exhibits in an outrageous Subaru-themed roast video. If the first-time purchaser can face up to the dad jokes about the place Subaru drivers spend most of their time, this automotive is an effective selection.
The 2017 Subaru Legacy scored a 2017 “High Security Decide” gong from IIHS for its crashworthiness excellence. Fortunately, the worth is not any joke; used variations may be yours for underneath $10,000, in response to some automotive retail websites like TrueCar.
2017 Volvo S60
Volvo has lengthy been synonymous with automotive security, so it’s no shock this reasonably priced starter automotive ranks effectively. A used 2017 Volvo S60 could typically include a Blind Spot Info System and Automated Emergency Braking.
“We estimate that the 2017 Volvo S60 has a automobile lifetime fatality probability of 0.048% and a automobile lifetime harm probability of 5.4865%,” reads a Actual Secure Automobiles evaluate. “In comparison with different sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons, the 2017 Volvo S60 is 5% much less prone to lead to a deadly accident.” Mother and father all over the place will like to learn stats like this and would probably be joyful to half with the approximate $11,000 low-end value vary.
2017-2022 Honda HR-V
It’s Honda once more, however we should do not forget that these automotive decisions are in succession primarily based on value and security. We should always actually simply respect Honda for being so affordable and safety-conscious. In any case, the subsequent inexpensive and protected first-time purchaser choice is the 2017 Honda HR-V, the Honda CR-V’s SUV sibling.
One more reason we embody this one is the mind-boggling security options, as listed on this David McDavid Honda of Frisco breakdown. Components like airbag occupancy sensors, aspect impression beams, and VSA Digital Stability Management (ESC) make the Honda HR-V a protected area for motorists and passengers. The 2017 fashions can hover beneath $11,000, whereas 2022 vehicles are clearly much more costly.
2017 Volvo XC60
2017 was yr for automotive security upgrades, none extra so than the Volvo XC60, which joins the hallowed IIHS “High Security Decide” group. Crashworthiness scores (Volvo a lot?) are characteristically sturdy, and the 2017 security options are the trump card. This automotive presents maybe the higher finish of refinement for the earnest driver, however it has security gadgets to impress anyone.
If low-speed crash mitigation, rearview digicam parking assistants, and rear cross-traffic alert blind-spot displays don’t tick parental bins, few issues will. Okay, it nonetheless seems to be like a automotive most mother and father would drive, however the trendy inside ought to win over most Gen-Z opinion. On the time of reporting, there are 2017 Volvo XC60 fashions for underneath $12,000 accessible on-line.
2015-2016 Toyota RAV4
Whereas Honda fights its nook, Toyota sneaks in with its sixth automobile from the IIHS research pool, the small SUV RAV4 — patrons want to focus on these constructed after November 2014. Toyota RAV4s constructed after this month include Whiplash Harm Lessening (WIL) and the STAR Security System, reads a Toyota press launch.
The STAR gadget assortment is spectacular for a automobile celebrating its tenth birthday in 2025. Digital Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Help (BA), and Enhanced Car Stability Management (VSC) are simply three of many life-saving security measures. The RAV4 makes a strong first-time driver’s time on the highway a lot safer. One may cost lower than $12,000, in response to quite a few automotive retail websites.
2014 -2016 Toyota Highlander
We’re again once more in mid-sized SUV territory; this time, Toyota returns with its IIHS “High Security Decide” alumnus, the Highlander. These go for a wholesome value in newer fashions, however drivers can do far worse than the 2014 manifestation.
“At first look, it’s plain to see that Toyota has made a concerted effort to “butch up” the Highlander,” wrote Mark Baruth in 2014 for The Reality About Automobiles. “The grill seems to be just like the 4Runner’s, with a large, gaping mouth.” This type of description would possibly make the approximate $16,000 value, as present in AutoTrader, value it.
To Summarize
We hope this totally researched choice may also help you determine what automotive you or your grown-up baby will drive. The variety of drivers on our roads means the risk to rookie drivers’ security has by no means been stronger.
Selecting the most secure automotive — one which doesn’t break the financial institution or native emission ranges — is the quintessential fatherly or motherly factor to do. In abstract: good luck.
