What is the best kind of car to give a teen who just got his or her license?

1. 82

   Simone Smithposted 12 years ago

   What is the best kind of car to give a teen who just got his or her license?
   
   Are certain brands better than others? Is it best to give a new or used car?

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2. 60

   Sheila Leeposted 12 years ago

   A used one. LOL
   
   Something small, like a hatchback or small sedan. A small truck is good, too, because then she can't carry that many passengers in it.

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3. 59

   duffsmomposted 12 years ago

   I believe kids need to earn money to purchase their cars, other than that they can use the family car.  I think an used car would be more appropriate.  I know we can't afford a new car so giving one to a kids is really over the top.

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4. 65

   LoriSoardposted 12 years ago

   We looked at two things for our daughter:
   
   Dependable but older (makes plates and insurance so much cheaper)
   Safety
   
   We also let her have input, so she was happy with what we bought her. I would always check what the insurance costs are before buying a particular car. Teen insurance is high.

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5. 67

   ptosisposted 12 years ago

   One that is already dented with two tone primer gray and rust red - but dependable -

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6. 61

   MissFunkadelicposted 12 years ago

   One without powersteering, and a manual and a big enough one. Because if you learn to deal with the steering with power, get used to the size and dont drive aautomatic you will become a good driver.

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7. 67

   lucybell21posted 12 years ago

   I have 2 grown kids. And I have not given them a car. They had to earn the money to buy their own car, just as I had to. This way they will hopefully take care of it better, than if it was just handed to them.  I also work with teenagers who are my kitchen aids at my job, and they are saving up as well to buy their first car. Parents are not just buying cars for their kids anymore. Mostly because kids have come to expect it. Besides that I would say an older model Ford or Chevy. Reason being, newer cars cost a fortune to fix. Fords and Chevy can pretty much take a beating.

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8. 59

   MickSposted 12 years ago

   One that doesn't move.

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9. 61

   JerryJupiterposted 12 years ago

   One that they saved for months and months working hard to get. I really do not like the culture of giving children a car when they get their license. I feel they need to really earn stuff so they can be properly prepared.

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10. 0

    Poetic Foolposted 12 years ago

    Reliability and safety issues aside (they have already been discussed), we chose a relatively recent used car for financial reasons.  New drivers, especially teens, are expensive to insure and new cars are more expensive to insure than used.  So, it makes financial sense to avoid the double whammy of insuring a new driver and a new car.

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11. 70

    the clean lifeposted 12 years ago

    I would say a 4 cylinder with all the safety equipment to make our children safe while driving. As far as what make car I really can't say, but I would start out with a nice , dependable used car so that they can get used to driving and all the traffic rules etc. In time if they keep their nose clean of tickets and drive by the rules they then can think about something newer. They need to know the responability that driving a car is as far as up keep and normal care if the car/truck.

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12. 66

    leroy64posted 12 years ago

    My parents gave me a Matchbox car on my 16th birthday.  I had to buy one I could drive.

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13. 73

    lburmasterposted 12 years ago

    One that can withstand considerable damage without costing a bunch of money. My first car was near indistructable. I ran that thing in a ditch and it only needed $300 worth of damages to work fine. If I had run a new car into that ditch, the vehicle would have been not worth the repairs. Needless to say, my car was an old clunker that I was fine with. Even raced with the oldsmobile. I kind of frightened others by going 80 in the car, but I trusted her and she never broke too badly on me. Though she did sometimes stop in the middle of the road for no reason.... Try a car from the 90's. Mine was from the 80's. This way yours is a bit newer.

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14. 62

    missBehavedArtsposted 12 years ago

    The best kind of car to give a teen is one the BUY THEMSELVES. teenagers are the least responsible and most likely to be distracted behind the wheel. GIVING them something as expensive and DANGEROUS as a car is something I strongly disagree with, not only will it not teach them the value of money, but it also DECREASES their work ethic, they develop a "I didn't pay for it" mind set. I'm not saying they have to pay for ALL of it by themselves, but they should have to help pay since it is going to be THEIR car. Automobiles are not GIFTS, they are responsibilities and privileges.

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15. 77

    Mr. Happyposted 12 years ago

    The Flintstones type lol.
    
    On a more serious note, I would say it really depends on: the person's skill in driving, conditions of the road in the areas where they will be driving, their attitude towards driving and lastly how much they're pitching-in (lol).
    
    It really depends but as others have mentioned a used car is usually a good deal, saves you on taxes too (compared to a new car) ...
    I've had all kinds of Volkswagen models: Jetta, Passat, etc. They're fun! If you would want safety for example, look at a Volvo. Always get a second or even third mechanic's opinion before a purchase though.
    
    Good luck!

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16. 91

    jpcmcposted 12 years ago

    Get a cheap but reliable one.  Cheap so you won't be regret giving one to your child in case it gets wrecked.  Since they are still honing their skills a reliable one is beneficial to keep them out of harm's way.

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17. 0

    Gloria Esheposted 12 years ago

    I come from an upper middle class neighborhood just outside Denver, Co. While some of my classmates were driving around in an Audi or late model BMW, my parents opted (for my older siblings and myself) for used Hondas. My brother was given an '92 Civic Hatchback and I drove an '01 CRV. They are reliable, even once they become high mileage vehicles, affordable, and easy to maintain. But this might not get at the heart of your question...
    I would choose used over new; the loan on a new car costs an arm and a leg and the value of the car is depreciated as soon as it drives off the lot. Even a vehicle that is a year or two old will save you money.
    In terms of brands, the best choice for your teen depends on the needs your teen has. If you live in an area that gets a lot of moisture or snow, check into vehicles that are either optional 4-wheel drive or all time 4-wheel drive. I would also suggest looking to purchase a small SUV instead of a sedan or coupe that does NOT have a tendency to be involved in roll-over accidents. This is a benefit for a few reasons; limiting the acceleration power discourages street racing, a larger vehicle forces your teen to be more careful when driving simply because of the size, and if they happen to get into an accident the bodily harm to the driver is reduced (under most circumstances).
    Here's a list of car companies that sell great small SUVs:
    *Jeep
    *Honda
    *Nissan
    *Toyota
    *Ford
    *Mercedes

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18. 68

    sassydeeposted 12 years ago

    one that they work for by paying half of it or that they can afford to make payments on monthly.

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19. 64

    Ramsa1posted 12 years ago

    To GIVE a teen? I wouldn't give him a car. If he wants a car let him earn it by working part-time and paying for it himself. In the meantime, he can use the family car when it is available.
    
    I don't understand the concept of giving the teen a car because he just got his licence. However, if you are set on giving him a car, give him a used car.

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20. 59

    PI Kiddposted 12 years ago

    I would suggest a bicycle, Honda, or Toyota (any).

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21. 60

    JBBlackposted 12 years ago

    A car they are going to crash.  Seriously, make them get a job and pay for it?  If they want a nice one.  I want my child to focus on their real job: getting an education.

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22. 38

    loveorlostposted 12 years ago

    When i was teen mt father brought me a second hand car. I think he was right. Teens are not caring about anything , so they can practice racing.

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23. 59

    Scabzillaposted 12 years ago

    not that i'm against giving a son or daughter the gift of a vehicle, but after high school, i managed to establish a job at a supermarket, (while attending college) and have a used ford explorer in a matter of 2 months. it takes a lot of willpower to manage your money but it can be done. However i do not suggest getting them a Ford Explorer. Although they are nice, they roll over easily, and fall apart just as fast. I heard that Corolla's are cheap and quite sustainable, especially for a new driver. Check out Craigslist to get started

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24. 59

    tirelesstravelerposted 12 years ago

    My father-in-law lived in a travel trailer in front of our house the summer our oldest son was starting to drive.  He was pleased that his grandson would be driving a car with a small engine and excellent brakes.

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25. 31

    AshLynnsposted 12 years ago

    Dodge Neons Last A Very Long Time. Not To Big not To Small.

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26. 59

    bluemunposted 12 years ago

    I would say a TOY CAR because toy car is best for kids and their license will not be taken back nor fined even on car crashed

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27. 39

    Zainnisarposted 12 years ago

    Initially only the family car, don't bother used cars let them where they are and later on when that He or She is ready to take care of His or Her car go for Chevrolet Cruze or Subaru Legacy both are very well priced and one of the safest cars today.
    Bonne Chance.

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28. 59

    Cardozo7posted 12 years ago

    The best is just a cheap safe car. People who just got their license tend to make some mistakes in the first few months, so play safe!

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29. 58

    e005posted 12 years ago

    I think kids should be given a car that must be safe,reliable,easy to drive and have a maximum speed limit of not more than 80 to 100 kilo meters/hour because their safety is most important.

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30. 59

    McQueen3486posted 12 years ago

    A Honda Civic. Not only are they reasonably priced, but they are reliable, not that expensive to fix, rarely encounter mechanical issues, they're valuable on gas mileage, they are one of the few cars that last to the 200,000's, and they're cute.

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31. 60

    greatparentingposted 12 years ago

    Before you consider giving a new driver his or her own car consider this -- about half of all 16-year-old drivers have an accident in their first year of driving. A new car is likely a foolish purchase. Also would avoid anything "sporty" as it encourages faster and riskier driving. Also, driving is a huge, adult responsibility. Young drivers are likely to take it a lot more seriously if they have to chip in toward the cost of the car in some way, even if it means doing more chores around the house to "earn" the money to put toward the car.

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32. 61

    teamelite21posted 12 years ago

    A cheap one.  It doesn't need to be new.  The cost of insurance will probably be bad enough.  I don't feel there is a need to make him/her buy the car.  Although, they would have a deeper appreciation for the car, and would more than likely take better care of it.  I hear Nissan or Honda is the best because it's cheaper to fix.  Hyundai's  and Kia's are more expensive to fix.  So I'd go with Nissan or Honda.

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33. 61

    SuperBunny88posted 12 years ago

    I believe it is different for every family based on certain factors.  However, I can say from my experience that my first car was an older Mercedes Benz.  Yeah, it's probably a good idea for parents to make a kid work for some of it (mine didn't).  But, I was an excellent student and responsible.  I never got into any kind of trouble.  (Sidenote: Insurance for females with good driving records isn't bad.  I know for males they tend to raise the rate, right?)
    
    Pros: It was a very safe and reliable car that I had from high school until recently (I'm in my 20's).  It was paid off, so I didn't have any stress while in college.
    
    Cons: It attracted a few materialistic "friends" who wanted to be seen in the car (But, that's life/high school). The cost of repairs can be a pain in the bum. 
    
    So, I recommend a used Benz, Volvo, or some other very well-made and safe car. *shrug*

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34. 60

    creativebutterflyposted 12 years ago

    Not a new one and not a fast one and certainly not your car.  I would get an older model but reliable.  I bought my daughter a brand new car for her 18th birthday and it was wrecked within a few months.  Let them practice on the older cars.

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35. 60

    TheSocialposted 12 years ago

    The car they want at a reasonable/affordable price range.

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36. 59

    medicaljournalposted 12 years ago

    For teenagers it’s better to give used car, but avoid powerful vehicle. As they are in teenage they can try to go faster, powerful car will allow them to do so. Its better to choose any small plus family car for them.

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37. 60

    TheDailyMessengerposted 12 years ago

    A small Ford Escort or any car in that is like the Escort. reasons: 1) DEPENDABLE 2) CHEAP 3) SMALL. Also, I agree with DUFFSMOM. They should be the one to purchase it because, they would understand the importance of a car. Thats what my dad taught me anyways. It would also help them to mature faster, learn to become independent.

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38. 0

    KatrineDalMonteposted 12 years ago

    Right after I passed my test I got myself a used NISSAN MICRA car! It was a fantastic car! Small, economical, easy to drive, well-behaved ( = reliable = Japanesse quality!). Don't remember having it any issues in those 2 years I had it. As a new driver I gave it some scratches and dents. It was just a great car for someone who needed to practice and get some driving experience.

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39. 48

    julian kristenposted 12 years ago

    maybe u should give a japan made cars or maybe a rusted old machine that breaks down beside the road.

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40. 0

    msorenssonposted 12 years ago

    Follow your heart then work with your budget.

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41. 58

    wonderingwoolleyposted 12 years ago

    A used and reliable car. As comedian Jeff Dunham says, a teenager's first car is not really a car, it's a bumper car, so you don't want to get them anything too fancy. At the same time, since kids aren't the most responsible, and cars aren't everyone's interest, it needs to be reliable, so that they don't have to worry about getting stranded somewhere in the middle of the night.

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42. 70

    ithabiseposted 12 years ago

    A Prius...to teach them two things: humility for the gift and good sense when later they would purchase their own gas-burner!

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43. 60

    hilda21posted 12 years ago

    An old car because they will be doing stuff they should not if its a cuy. A girl is going to take care of it much better so a little newer car will do. Not to new they get a big head over it.

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44. 94

    Faceless39posted 12 years ago

    The kind that they pay for themselves.  Seriously.

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45. 76

    Ruchiraposted 12 years ago

    I feel a car is a privilege and it should be earned by one's own money. If the teen needs it essentially, then should be given a second hand car which is a compact size and is not a luxury car.
    
    I would shop for a second hand car of either toyota, honda model. Such brands rank high in reliability and are comparatively cheap.

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46. 68

    Cardiaposted 12 years ago

    Actually, I got my license exactly one month ago (I'm 18.)
    
    The car that I'm driving is a used one that my parents bought, a small Opel Corsa. It's great on gas mileage, and overall is pretty sturdy. I also try to contribute to the gas money, since I'm the one mainly using the car. Personally, I'm very happy with it, and I don't think that a spanking brand new car is necessary for a new driver. Most of my friends drive family cars as well, and I've never heard any of my peers complain that they got a used car. Most of us are just grateful for the wheels, haha.

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47. 59

    ChasingAutumnposted 12 years ago

    They kind they bought themselves. They'll take better care of it if they had to use their own money for it.

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48. 60

    Amanda Ligiposted 12 years ago

    something cheap but reliable. I recommend a Cavalier

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49. 59

    Godzangelposted 12 years ago

    Something that is easy to control like a 4 cylinder vehicle or something to that extent or a little bit more powerful like a  6 but stay away from turbos in such.  Sometimes we like to hit the gas a little bit especially as young boys.  A car like a 5.0 mustang this kind of power needs to be for the experienced and mature.  There are some exceptions to the rule, and they know who they are.  One false move with 3-400 horsepower and the situation could get ugly.  So many teens have died in gruesome car accidents.  Some time ago a teen from a rich family decided to push his bmw to the limit with his friends in the car on an empty airplane runway.  He lost control of the car and it flew in the air hitting a tree then split in half the car looked like scrap metal I saw the pic and all I recognized was the tire.  So for a young teen I would recommend a car with a high safety rating with just enough engine to do what it needs to do.

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50. 68

    Craig Snedekerposted 12 years ago

    Probably a bit late, but a Ford Escort. My dad had one for 12 years and almost never took it to the garage. It was the most reliable car we ever owned (as long a I've been alive)

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