How to choose a first car for a teenager
Discover what matters most when selecting a first car for your teen, including safety features, reliability, insurance and total ownership costs.
Overview: Buying a first car for a teenager is an exciting milestone that requires careful consideration. Because teen drivers are less experienced and face unique challenges on the road, safety, reliability and affordability should be top priorities when selecting their first vehicle. These tips explain what to look for in a first car to help you make an informed decision that helps keep everyone safe.
A good first car for a teenager should be safe, reliable and affordable. It’s a big decision that impacts your teen’s safety and your family’s budget. New drivers face higher risks, so choosing wisely is essential. Here are practical steps and tips on how to choose a first car for a teenager.
How to choose a first car: Putting safety first
Teen drivers need a vehicle that helps protect them on the road. Focus on safety by keeping these points in mind:
- Essential safety features — choose cars equipped with the latest safety features like Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), a back-up camera and multiple airbags (front, side-impact and curtain). ESC helps prevent skidding while ABS lets the driver maintain steering control during hard braking.
- Check official safety ratings — review crash test results from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Aim for cars with a 4 or 5-star rating from NHTSA or the IIHS Top Safety Pick. The IIHS offers annual lists of recommended used cars for teens based on safety criteria.
- Driver assistance technology — newer cars may have Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) like Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and rearview cameras. These features help prevent crashes and support young drivers.
- Avoid sports cars — while high-powered sports cars may be tempting, they often encourage risky driving and typically cost more to insure. Stick to moderate, predictable models.
Consider reliability and overall cost
A safe car should also be reliable and affordable to own. Here’s what to look for in your teen’s first car:
- Reliability is crucial — check reviews on Consumer Reports, trusted auto websites and owner forums for models with proven reliability. If buying a used car, review the maintenance history carefully.
- Get a mechanic’s opinion — before buying a used car, have an independent mechanic inspect it for hidden problems. This can save money and headaches down the road.
- Check for recalls — enter the car’s VIN on NHTSA.gov to see if it has any unresolved safety recalls.
- Understand the total cost — don’t focus only on the purchase price. Consider estimated fuel costs, ongoing maintenance, potential repairs and especially car insurance. Teens and new drivers usually face higher insurance rates.
Insurance tips for choosing your teen’s first car
Insurance is a necessary legal requirement and an important factor to consider when buying a car because it can significantly impact the total cost of your teen’s first car.
- Insurance basics — liability insurance is required in nearly all US states. It helps cover damage you cause to others in an accident. You’ll also want to consider coverage for collision (damage to your car after a crash), comprehensive (damage from theft, weather or animals), uninsured/underinsured motorist (if you’re hit by someone without any or enough insurance) and roadside assistance coverage, which can be helpful for teen drivers in case of breakdowns or emergencies.
- Costs can vary — insurance rates depend on age, driving record, where you live and especially what car you choose. Teens usually pay higher rates, so picking a safe, reliable vehicle may help lower premiums.
- Get quotes ahead of time — the car model you choose greatly impacts insurance prices. Before buying a first car, get insurance quotes to avoid surprises.
Factors to consider when making your choice
Here’s a simple checklist to help you stay organized and make smart choices:
1
Define your budget
Include car price, insurance, fuel and maintenance
2
Research safe, reliable models
Check IIHS.org, NHTSA.gov and Consumer Reports
3
Narrow down choices
Pick cars with good safety and reliability
4
Get insurance quotes
Important to avoid surprises
5
Search for cars that fit your criteria
Search local listings and trusted platforms
6
Check for recalls
Use the VIN number on NHTSA.gov
7
Arrange a pre-purchase inspection
Have a trusted mechanic inspect used cars
8
Complete purchase and activate insurance
Secure financing if needed and ensure insurance coverage is active
Choosing your teen’s first car is an important milestone. By prioritizing safety, reliability and total cost — including insurance — you’ll find a vehicle that fits your family’s needs and helps protect your teen on the road.
For questions on insuring your teen's first car, contact a State Farm agent® or get a quote online today.
The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with State Farm® (including State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates). While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. State Farm is not responsible for, and does not endorse or approve, either implicitly or explicitly, the content of any third-party sites that might be hyperlinked from this page. The information is not intended to replace manuals, instructions or information provided by a manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional, or to affect coverage under any applicable insurance policy. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information.
This article was drafted with the help of AI and reviewed by State Farm editors.
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