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The Safest Used Cars for Teens
February 1, 2018
If you're looking to buy a used car for your teenager, Consumer Reports recently put together a list of what they consider the best (and safest) used cars for teens.
All of the following vehicles performed well in road tests, have advanced safety features such as electronic stability control (ESC) and curtain airbags, as well as good crash-test results.
On the list are popular models such as the 2008 or later Honda Accord, Hyundai Elantra (2012 or later), and Toyota Corolla (2010 or later).
Top Used Car Recommendations
| Make and Model | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Acura TSX | $5,750-$21,275 |
| Chevrolet Equinox (4-cyl., 2012-2017) | $9,575-$22,295 |
| Chevrolet Malibu (nonturbo, 2009 or 2016) | $5,225-$21,700 |
| Chevrolet Sonic (2014 or later) | $6,800-$14,100 |
| Ford Edge (2016 or later) | $19,300-$30,025 |
| Ford Focus sedan (2010-2011) | $4,450-$6,375 |
| Ford Fusion (4-cyl. & hybrid, 2009-2016) | $4,775-$21,350 |
| Honda Accord (4-cyl., 2008 or later) | $6,175-$26,450 |
| Honda Civic (nonturbo, non-SI, 2012-2017) | $7,000-$21,700 |
| Honda CR-V (2015 or later) | $16,250-$28,850 |
| Honda Fit (2011 and later) | $7,300-$17,775 |
| Honda HR-V | $17,850-$22,900 |
| Hyundai Elantra (2012 or later) | $7,275-$13,250 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe (V6, 2007-2009, 2011, or later; no third row ) | $5,175-$29,400 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe Sport | $13,875-$25,650 |
| Hyundai Sonata (4-cyl., nonturbo, 2006-2010, 2012, or later) | $3,175-$15,350 |
| Hyundai Tucson (2010-2015) | $8,600-$18,525 |
| Kia Forte (2010 or later) | $4,950-$12,725 |
| Kia Optima (nonturbo, 2012 or later) | $8,450-$25,375 |
| Kia Soul | $5,175-$16,775 |
| Kia Sportage (4-cyl., nonturbo, 2011-2012, 2014, or later) | $8,050-$23,625 |
| Mazda CX-3 | $16,775-$22,350 |
| Mazda CX-5 | $11,175-$25,300 |
| Mazda 3 (2011 or later) | $5,450-$18,650 |
| Mazda 6 (4-cyl., 2009 or later) | $5,900-$22,225 |
| Mitsubishi Outlander (2007 to 2013, no third row) | $4,500-$15,150 |
| Nissan Altima (4-cyl., 2010-2012, 2015, and later) | $6,025-$20,325 |
| Nissan Rogue (2009 or later) | $6,225-$23,375 |
| Nissan Sentra (2011-2012, 2016) | $5,700-$14,525 |
| Scion iA | $11,850 |
| Scion iM | $14,625 |
| Scion xB (2008 or later) | $5,800-$15,350 |
| Scion xD (2010 or later) | $6,200-$9,775 |
| Subaru Crosstrek | $20,625-$23,225 |
| Subaru Forester (nonturbo, 2009 or later) | $7,275-$26,975 |
| Subaru Impreza (nonturbo, 2011-2016) | $7,825-$19,075 |
| Subaru Legacy (4 cyl., 2010 or later) | $7,125-$23,100 |
| Subaru Outback (4 cyl., 2010 or later) | $8,600-$28,425 |
| Toyota Camry (4 cyl., 2010 or later) | $7,700-$22,075 |
| Toyota Corolla (2010 or later) | $6,850-$15,875 |
| Toyota Matrix (2010 or later) | $7,200-$11,875 |
| Toyota Prius (2010 or later) | $8,950-$19,650 |
| Toyota Prius V | $12,625-$21,775 |
| Toyota RAV4 (4 cyl., no third row, 2004 or later) | $5,100-$27,675 |
| Volkswagen Golf (2012-2014) | $8,025-$14,050 |
| Volkswagen Tiguan (2014 or later) | $11,400-$23,825 |
| Volvo S60 (2012-2014 and 2016) | $10,250-$27,075 |
3 Steps Every Car Buyer Needs to Take to Save Maximum Money
The key to getting the best deal is to gather price or lease bids from as many local dealers as possible. Then shop that best price around until no one can beat it. Here are the steps:Step 1 Get Prices From My Trusted Network
Select the vehicle you're interested in to see if there are local dealers in my network who will provide you with their best upfront price. You will get direct access to an internet sales manager who you can further negotiate with online (no need to visit dealership).Select Vehicle to Get Local Pricing
Step 2 Get Prices From TrueCar / CarsDirect
TrueCar, and CarsDirect are my top 2 online price quote recommendations. These services show you pre-negotiated prices from dealers closest to you - and the deals are usually pretty decent. But remember, you can still negotiate further.Step 3 Complete my Checklist
Follow this up with my checklist to make sure you squeeze out every last bit of savings.- Gregg Fidan
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About The Author
Gregg Fidan is the founder of RealCarTips. After being ripped off on his first car purchase, he devoted several years to figuring out the best ways to avoid scams and negotiate
the best car deals. He has written hundreds of articles on the subject of car buying and taught thousands of car shoppers how to get the best deals.
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