Safe first cars for teenagers

It goes without saying that as parents, you want the best vehicles for your teenager. Selecting the proper one, on the other hand, becomes a challenging option when you do not want to spend a big amount or jeopardise their safety. And besides, learning to drive is a significant life change that comes with its own range of responsibilities.

The greatest strategy in terms of budget is to acquire your teenager a dependable used vehicle. There are many auto dealers in Auckland that will suggest a variety of second-hand vehicles that are dependable, safe, and reasonably priced. Here are some pointers to consider when you make your decision, as well as our recommended list of the best used automobiles for first-time young drivers.

When buying your teenager’s first car, keep the following items in mind:

  • Make certain that your choice contains the essential safety features included in a conventional vehicle.
  • Check to see if it has curtain airbags, electronic stability controls, and fully functional seatbelts.
  • While it is crucial to consider your teen’s suggestion, make sure to select a model that will last rather than one that is merely attractive to image-conscious teens.
  • Check the service history of the used car you are interested in to be sure it is still in good functioning order.

Below are some of the models in the market that are highly preferred by teenagers:

Toyota Aqua

Hybrid vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among younger generations who are more environmentally conscious. Because Toyota Aqua is a hybrid it consumes less fuel and emits much less CO2 on the road. Another benefit of driving an Aqua is it is a dual-engine vehicle that saves energy and provides higher fuel efficiency.

The Toyota Aqua is an excellent value, with prices starting at less than $10,000. It is not only a hybrid, but it is also small and compact, making it ideal for city driving.

With a length of 3,995mm and a width of 1,695mm, it is ideal for securely practicing the maneuvers required for your driving test.

It is a good budget car as you can find one for under $10,000 NZD. It also offers good fuel efficiency; a 2013 model tested last year recorded remarkable fuel consumption of 3.73L/100km.

Honda Fit Hybrid

The Honda Fit RS Hybrid is a popular choice in New Zealand as an affordable, efficient hybrid option. For parents buying for their teenagers and are in the market for a compact vehicle, a used hybrid Honda Fit is often at the top of their shopping lists.

The 1.5 i-VTEC engine in the Fit Hybrid produces 100 kW (134 bhp) and 134 Nm of torque. The engine is supplemented by an electric motor that delivers instant torque at any RPM. Its fuel consumption is 31.4 km/L, making the Fit Hybrid an excellent alternative for anyone who does not want to spend loads of money on fuel with Auckland’s high petrol costs.

This is another great hybrid option for young buyers that are environmentally conscious. A spacious boot, ‘magic seats’ in the second row, and the possibility to be bought for a reasonable price as a petrol or hybrid. For $10,000, you can get a sporty petrol RS or a fuel-efficient hybrid and there is nothing better than having options.

Volkswagen Golf 

The VW Golf, with a 4-Star safety rating, is a popular alternative if you want some European flare without breaking the budget. In fact, in 2020, Golf was the most popular used European import. There are a range of engines to suit most drivers, with power levels ranging from a gentle 77kW to a ferocious 199kW.

Many variations also include an energetic DSG transmission, which gives a sportier feel even if you choose one of the more reserved powertrains. For first-time purchasers, the VW Golf is one of the more sensible used European options.

Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 is a compact SUV that is highly recommended for young drivers since it provides the best safety and security. The CX-5 incorporates ABS brakes, which detects when a wheel stops rotating during hard braking. The brake pressure will then be modulated, allowing the wheel to rotate and boosting the vehicle’s ability to turn while braking.

The CX-5 also boasts stability control technologies that assist the driver in maintaining control of the car on slick roads. With all the safety features available in this, you will feel a little more save with your teen driving it around.

Suzuki Swift

The Suzuki Swift remains a common sight on our roads, and there is currently something for everyone in their line-up, starting with the entry-level to sporty variations, which looks beautiful and comes equipped with modern electronics like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

If you are looking for something a little more fuel-efficient, there are three new hybrid models in the market at the moment. The Swift Hybrid CVT automatic consumes 4.1L/100 km, whereas the Swift GL CVT automatic consumes 4.8L/100 km, the pick is yours.

There is also a Swift for everyone. The best recommendations are the ‘second-gen’ 2010–17 models as it has a lot more safety features than the previous models. The Sport version arguably takes the wins because of its good 6-speed manual transmission, adjusted suspension, superior brakes, and somewhat more powerful 1.6-liter engine. However, they are all almost indestructible and fun to drive, right down to the base model. The regular Swift produces between 106g and 199g of CO2 per km, while the Swift Sport emits around 141g. The Swift Hybrid emits only 94g/km of CO2 making it another excellent hybrid option for environment-conscious teens.

In the end, there is no bigger worry than the safety of young drivers especially when they are only getting started. The options mentioned above have proved their worth in the market so far, making it easy to choose them over other options.