The Best Used Cars to Buy for Teenagers

If you’ve decided that you’re ready to purchase a used car for your teenager, then you’re probably pretty picky about what you’re looking for. Likely affordability, safety, and fuel economy are high on the list. With that said we’ve put together a list of the top five best used cars to buy for teenagers.

Must-haves

  • Must be great where fuel economy is concerned
  • Has a proven track record for safety
  • Is easy to handle on the road, and simple to park
  • Is budget-friendly
  • Must be reliable

Top five cars

  • Hyundai Elantra: Hyundai is well-known for providing reasonably priced vehicles and the company offers an impressive warranty on its vehicles for five years. The Elantra is a step up from the Accent, offering a bit more room for passengers and cargo, and a few more standard features. Where this car really shines is fuel economy. The 2014 model posted on Kelley Blue Book has it listed as city 27/ highway 37/mpg giving you a lot of bang for your buck.

  • Ford Focus: Here's a sporty little compact car that will please the teenager in your house, and not break the bank in the process. Consumer Reports described this one as "better-than-average reliability and crash test scores" on the 2009-2011 models. Meanwhile Kelley Blue Book describes the interior as "modern", exactly what teenagers are looking for.

  • Honda CR-V: If you like the idea of an SUV for your teenager this Honda CR-V is a great option. No matter what year you're looking at in this vehicle you can count on it being a comfortable ride as far as roominess goes, and its relatively good fuel economy. Kelley Blue Book lists its fuel economy as city 23/ highway 31 mpg.

  • Kia Sorento: Teenagers will love the look of this vehicle with its modern lines and many standard features, yet mom and dad will love this SUV's fuel economy, price tag, and the warranty. Kelley Blue Book classifies this vehicle as a midsize SUV, so there's also the peace of mind that it is a larger vehicle.

  • Toyota Tundra: If your teen is hoping for a truck then the Toyota Tundra is a great way to go. Just be warned that this one isn't great on fuel, especially if you're looking at the V8 model of it.

Final thoughts

There is no shortage of options that are safe, handle well, and offer great fuel economy for your teenagers.


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25 years of experience
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Hyundai Ioniq - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Chevy Chase, Maryland
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Mercedes-Benz GLA250 L4-2.0L Turbo - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Woodstock, Georgia
Caz was extremely knowledgeable, personable and provided excellent service. He was on time for the appointment and answered and explained everything I asked concerning my vehicle. I will definitely use the company again and I would love to have Caz as my mechanic! Excellent!
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