The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is known for its ratings of new vehicles, but for many families, a brand new TOP SAFETY PICK or TOP SAFETY PICK+ isn't in the budget for a teen's vehicle. With that reality in mind, the Institute regularly publishes a list of affordable used vehicles that meet important safety criteria for teen drivers.
The recommendations are guided by four main principles -
- Young drivers should stay away from high horsepower.
- Bigger, heavier vehicles are safer.
- Electronic stability control (ESC) is a must.
- Vehicles should have the best safety ratings possible.
With that reality in mind, the IIHS regularly publishes a list of affordable used vehicles that meet important safety criteria for teen drivers. There are two tiers of recommended vehicles, best choices and good choices. Prices range from about $2,000 to nearly $20,000, so parents can buy the most safety for their money, whatever their budget.
