Buying a used car for a teen
Sleek style and a sweet stereo are all some young people are looking for in their first ride. However, there are a few more important factors to consider when buying a car for a teenager.
Getting behind the wheel of that first car is a big deal for most people. It’s their initial taste of freedom and a big step into the adult world.
No-one ever forgets their first set of wheels. Budget is always a major consideration for teenagers in search of a car, particularly if Mum and Dad are chipping in.
Prices can vary depending on age, size and quality, but all three of the vehicles we tested cost under $20,000.
You also need to find a car that satisfies their teenage lifestyle. Get that wrong and you’ll be back scouring the market looking for a replacement, and that means spending more money.
Used cars are considerably cheaper than new vehicles, which makes them popular with first-time buyers. However, finding a vehicle that comes with a complete service history and hasn’t been damaged can be like looking for a needle in a haystack.
Let’s take a look at some used cars renowned for having exceptional safety ratings and being reliable on the road.
The competitors
2016 Toyota Prius: hi-tech, emissions free driving.
2016 Subaru Impreza: AWD hatchback ready for any challenge.
2016 Volkswagen Polo: little runaround that gets the job done.
Cost to own and run
The price of buying a vehicle is one thing; the costs of owning a car are another. Generally, you’ll be looking at a smaller car because they’re a bit cheaper to buy and run. These vehicles offer staggered price points for teens to enter the car market.
The Volkswagen Polo is by far the cheapest option here and, for this reason alone, might be the most attractive. However, European cars can be more expensive to service and maintain, so that has to be taken into consideration.
The Subaru Impreza has traditionally cost more because it’s an all-wheel drive (AWD) yet it’s still a reasonable mid-range option. With a price tag nudging $20,000, the Toyota Prius is a little more expensive to buy, but cheaper to run than the other two.
When it comes to fuel-efficiency, the Prius is in a class of its own. The Polo doesn’t drink as much petrol as some vehicles but the Impreza is a bit of a fuel guzzler. With petrol prices on the rise, the Prius is by far the most attractive vehicle in this category.
First-car owners usually experience growing pains. Expect some dings and dents, wear and tear and motoring misadventures that result in repairs. Unfortunately, these costs will have to come out of your own pocket.
The downside of buying a used car is that the warranty has usually expired. These cars offered basic three-year warranty. However, the eight-year hybrid battery coverage on the Prius means the warranty is still available until 2024.
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