First learning to drive is a big deal, but that first time you are able to get out on your own, after finally earning your license, can be met with a wave of emotions for everyone involved.
It can be a scary and exciting experience for the young adult who finally gets behind the wheel by themselves. And, it’s definitely a worrying experience for the parents, going through every worst case scenario situation after handing the keys over for that first lone drive.
I know mine were at home wondering if I would come home and the tires would need to be replaced or if the van showed evidence of a rollover.
But, I digress…
Part of the whole process of adding a new driver to the family involves either having them use one of the family cars or buying a new or used car for them.
Of course, there are some better vehicles than others when it comes to learning how to drive. Here are just a few that are perfect for that new driver in your family.
Dodge Grand Caravan:
Times are changing, but the Grand Caravan used to be the quintessential family vehicle, and consequently, can easily be passed down – if you already own one – to your new teen driver.
Even if you don’t have one, they can be easily found used for cheap. You also never have to worry about your new driver showing off and getting in trouble either… it’s a minivan.
These aren’t the most reliable vehicles you can own, but they are easy to find, making any replacement parts relatively inexpensive. They are large enough to offer a good amount of metal between an object and the driver, and they aren’t fast.
Good Alternatives: Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey
Ford Ranger:
The best thing about the Ranger is that there are so many of them available. The worst thing is that pickups are “in” right now, and that has driven prices up.
The Ranger is making a comeback for 2019 with a new model after being discontinued in 2011, so you probably won’t be getting one off the showroom floor. Used ones are still fairly inexpensive as pickups go.
Though not the safest vehicle you can buy, they are easy to find, compact enough to not be overwhelming, and they have a proven reliability record. All three of these things produce a good new driver recipe for success.
Alternatives: Toyota Tacoma, Ford F150, Nissan Frontier
Toyota Yaris iA:
With just a little over 100 horsepower, the Yaris iA won’t allow any driver to get in trouble for going too fast. But, if your family’s new driver has a fun and playful personality, or they are into the whole “car thing”, this is the perfect car for them.
It’s small and nimble and is inexpensive to buy whether new or used. Great gas mileage is also a plus.
The iA’s size will be a potential deterrent for large group trips, which is a good thing for parents worried about distractions from friends.
Alternatives: Kia Rio, Hyundai Accent
Toyota Camry/Honda Accord:
The Toyota Camry and Honda Accord are both go-to vehicles when people think about a new driver or college student, and for good reason.
Used examples are easy to find, inexpensive to buy, and are generally maintenance-free. New ones are most likely a bit too pricey for someone just learning to drive, but they are still fairly inexpensive and available just about anywhere.
The Camry and Accord are by no means the same car, but they fill the same needs and cater to the same market. Their legendary status as great everyday vehicles has allowed them to remain on just about everyone’s list of the best cars to buy for any occasion.
Alternatives: Hyundai Sonata, Ford Fusion, Kia Optima
Jeep Cherokee XJ:
Jeep doesn’t make the XJ Cherokee anymore, but the fact that there are a ton of them still around is a testament to just how good they were and continue to be.
The legendary XJ is laughably simple, extremely rugged, and easy to fix should something go wrong. Though not the safest vehicle by any means, they are fantastic vehicles for a new driver who is responsible and eager to get their hands dirty and learn how to fix their own vehicles.
Another benefit of the XJ is that they are still cheap to buy but are also slowly starting to appreciate in value. Who knows… in a few years, if properly cared for, it might be worth more than it cost to buy it in the first place.
Alternatives: Toyota Rav4
Toyota Corolla/Honda Civic:
Similarly to the Camry and Accord, the Corolla and Civic are cars associated with reliability, ubiquity, and being owned by those who want inexpensive transportation.
They are perfect for the new driver in your family because of all those reasons.
Nothing else really needs to be said as their respective reputation precedes them. If you really want a new car, these are both good options as they are more inexpensive than many other vehicles on this list.
If you want a used one, you need not do anything else but look in any given car lot for a selection of about 5 or 10 from which to choose.
Alternatives: Kia Forte, Hyundai Elantra, Chevy Cruze, Volkswagen Jetta/Golf
Honda Fit:
The Honda Fit is the anti-Civic/anti-Corolla in this list. It’s different enough to be interesting while offering more practicality and just a bit more character for whoever will be picking up the keys for the first time.
The best thing about these is that they are cheap while also being safe as well as not depreciating as much as some other comparable vehicles in the segment.
Alternatives: Toyota Yaris Hatchback, Hyundai Accent Hatchback, Kia Rio Hatchback
Subaru Outback:
Unless your 18 year old needs a $30,000 vehicle, you will probably want to look at the first, second, or even third generation Subaru outback as the best version for a new driver.
Safety is the key with Subaru, but with that, you also get all wheel drive, station wagon space, and a super reliable vehicle.
Is your new driver the adventurous type? Don’t worry… that’s covered too as the Outback had just that in mind when it was designed and built. You can pick a good one up for less than $5000.
Alternatives: Subaru Impreza Wagon, Volvo 240 Wagon
Scion tC:
Scion doesn’t exist anymore, but you can find plenty of used tC models for sale. They are Toyotas underneath the shell, so you won’t have to worry too much about maintenance and reliability.
Built as a faux sports car meant to replace the Celica – kind of – the tC was meant to be cool, and for someone who might be new to driving, they should certainly be satisfied with what it has to offer.
You can find them in colors you’ve never heard of, with buzzy mufflers that make the car sound sportier than it is, and a bunch of other “hip” goodies that the new driver in your family will love. But don’t be fooled, with all of 180-ish horsepower on tap, your new driver won’t be going anywhere too fast.
Alternatives: Kia Forte Koup, Honda Prelude, Toyota Celica
Ford Crown Victoria/Mercury Grand Marquis:
These things are everywhere. And, chances are that if they hadn’t done time as a police interceptor, the older gentleman down the street owned one or two but only drove it about 100 miles per year.
But wait… it gets even better. These vehicles are insanely comfortable, making eventual trips to college for both you and them, a breeze.
Alternatives: Lexus LS 400, Toyota Avalon
Making the decision to risk your own car when teaching a new driver to drive isn’t always a difficult one. After all, you will still be with them most of the time, it’s still your vehicle, and you have control of the keys.
If you do happen to have one of these vehicles, and you’re planning to hand it down the line, you’ve already got a head start.
Not being willing to risk your own vehicle or not being able to just let the new family driver use the family van all the time shouldn’t come with thoughts of complete horror though.
Most of these vehicles – if you do have to get one – are pretty reliable, inexpensive, and fairly easy to find if you look around a little bit. That means that you won’t be breaking the bank, your son or daughter won’t be breaking down on the side of the road, and you won’t spend hours trying to find a decent vehicle worthy of your family’s use.
