Buy the right car for your teen driver

The generation gap that exists between a teenspeed.
of driving age and their parents is a doozie,Toyota Corolla - An option that may meet with
making car shopping for your teen driver anteen resistance, the Corolla is always going to be
experience not soon forgotten. However, if youa safe, economical choice for any driver. The
do your research, chances are you will be able topersistence of their popularity throughout the
come to a mutual agreement on something thatworld attests to that.
is affordable and safe enough for you and coolVolkswagen Jetta - Perhaps a tad pricier than
and economical enough for them.some parents are willing to go, the Jetta will meet
Options that are parent tested, teen approvedwith little teen resistance. Its clean lines, sharp
These options offer good gas mileage, and anacceleration and German handling make it a
affordable price tag without sacrificing safety orfavorite of drivers. Its many standard safety
style.features and high crash test ratings might just
Honda Civic - An old favorite, the Honda Civicmake it worth a parents peace of mind.
graces many of the automotive 'best of' lists. ThePontiac Vibe - Not only did the Vibe earn excellent
Civic has always gotten great gas mileage, alwayscrash test scores, they also offer side and
looked stylish enough and always felt big enough,full-length curtain airbags; a safety plus for any
even from the back seat. Plus Honda's are knownteen. It doesn't handle like the Jetta, but its
for their lasting quality.versatility and storage capacity make it handy for
Ford Focus ZX3 - This snappy looking hatchbackany active teen on the go.
has enough pep to make any teen driver happy.Shopping with your teen
It's simple interior and great visibility help toBottom line, you as the parent need to steer the
eliminate distraction and make the road a friendliershopping experience. Research your options and
place. One reviewer noted that because thenarrow down your field. Decide on several
Focus ZX3 was so fun to drive, he had not justvehicles you are comfortable with and then start
one, but two of them in his own driveway.your physical shopping and test driving.
Mazda 3 - Very reasonably priced the Mazda 3 isAllowing your teenager to feel like they have a
stylish and well built. Truly a drivers car known forsay in the decision may just help preserve some
its superb handling, it also does well in the gasharmony in the transaction. If you've already
mileage department. it is a car enjoyed by driversnarrowed the field to appropriate options, drive
that looks good in the process.them and allow your teen some room to make
Honda Fit - A great value, the Honda Fit is aan adult decision themselves.
sporty looking hatchback with lots of standardInstead of walking away from your car shopping
features, including side curtain airbags for you andexperience with post traumatic stress, walk away
an ipod compatible audio system for your teen.feeling like you set a good example and helped
Not a particularly fast car, it has enough storagelead your child in an adult decision.
options and space to make up for its lack of