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A huge milestone in every teenager’s life is getting their license and first car, as it signifies a huge step toward increased responsibility and independence. This is also a big moment for parents, as they are faced with the difficulty of finding a car for their child that is not only safe but also affordable. To help parents in their quest to supply the best car for their new driver the IIHS puts together a list every year of the top used cars by safety rating and price, which can be found at iihs.org.
Luckily for parents, this list gets longer and more inclusive every year, adding more choices to fit every safety concern as well as almost any budget. The list is split into two sections, with “best choices” featuring cars priced under $20,000 with good ratings in crash tests and “good choices” featuring cars priced under $10,000 with less-than-perfect ratings in some tests. The options on this list allow parents to pick what is most important to them when it comes to safety and find a car for the right price that fits their driver’s needs.
On top of the list, the IIHS also makes recommendations for things that should be avoided when buying a new car for a driver. High-horsepower vehicles should be avoided as they increase the chances of reckless driving and accidents among young and inexperienced drivers. Stay away from smaller vehicles that rank lower in crash tests on average and look for a bigger heavier vehicle that offers more protection. Finally, never get a car without electronic stability control. This technology has been mandatory since 2012 and helps drivers maintain control of their car on curves and slippery roads and is a must-have for drivers who are still learning the rules of the road.
Having a new young driver doesn’t need to be a stressful experience when you find a safe car that fits your budget. If you’re looking for a new car for your teen or yourself, make sure to check out the IIHS list every year for the most up-to-date list of cars. Sometimes accidents on the road happen, but when you’re in a safe affordable vehicle, you’ll be able to drive with peace of mind
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