Public Auto Auctions

When it comes time to helping your teenager with buying their first car why not try checking out places such as Public Auto Auctions, Government Auto Auctions or maybe even try a Police Auto Auction.

However, before trekking off to your choice of Public Auto Auctions it will be handy to know which vehicles are best recommended for young novice drivers.

When it comes to choosing a car to buy, parents and teens generally differ in what they are looking for when deciding on which car to buy. Safety and price are most important to the parents, while teens generally want the latest features and style in a car.

It is normal for parents to be cautious about the type of vehicle their teens are going to be driving, as young drivers are still learning good, defensive driving skills and how to handle a vehicle in dangerous or hazardous conditions.

Therefore choosing a vehicle with the appropriate safety and reliability may ultimately result in saving their life as the leading cause of deaths today for teens are motor vehicle crashes between the ages of 16 and 19 being at greatest risk.

Below is a list of vehicles recommended for young novice drivers with a balance between safety and performance, which will impress both the teens and the parents. All, were recommended by CarMax (the nation's largest retailer of used cars), and also Driver's Edge (a national non-profit organization providing youth driver education). All the following vehicles include Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) as standard unless specified otherwise.

* Chevy Malibu

* Dodge Caliber (models with optional side air bags and ABS)

* Ford Fusion

* Honda Civic

* Hyundai Sonata

* Nissan Altima

* Pontiac G6

* Subaru Legacy

* Toyota Corolla

* Volkswagen Jetta

Each car is affordable, especially in the used car markets such as Public Auto Auctions, Government Auto Auctions or at a Police Auto Auction.

In addition each offers an array of active safety features as either standard or optional equipment (e.g., anti-lock braking systems, electronic stability control, traction control, etc.).

Cost, reliability and vehicle styling have been considered, but safety considerations weighed more heavily in determining the cars to recommend.

It is recommended that parents review crash-test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) when considering buying any vehicle at Public Auto Auctions as well as the advice and ratings of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Reliability and safety information on vehicles can also be found on carmax.com under the research tab.