Is it better to buy a teenage driver a larger vehicle?|2020-11-17 (2024)

Is it better to buy a teenage driver a larger vehicle?|2020-11-17 (1)

Buying a car for a new driver can be a stressful experience for many parents. With a wide variety of vehicles in different shapes and sizesto choose from, it can be difficult to know what kind of car to get. Some parents may be wondering, is it better to buy a teenage driver a larger vehicle?

Buying a learning driver and SUV

Many parents will want to buy their teenage drivera larger vehicle because of the assumption that a larger SUV or truck will be safer in the event of an accident. This logic is not faulty, but there are other factors that should be considered as well.Is it better to buy a teenage driver a larger vehicle?|2020-11-17 (2)

Larger vehicles tend to be less maneuverable than smaller cars. Heavier SUVs and trucks will also almost always have a longer stopping distance than a smaller vehicle. This can make it harder to avoid an accident in a larger vehicle than in a smaller car.

Another factor that should be considered is that a larger SUV with more rows of seats can hold more people. More seating means more friends in the vehiclepotentially distracting the driver.If you would like to limit the number of passengers your teen can have with them in their vehicle, a smaller car would be a wiser choice.

Read More: Take a look at one of these compact cars with impressive storage space

This is not to say that larger vehicles are not a good choice for a learning driver. If you live in an area where inclimate weather is a concern, a truck or SUV with all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive would be a practical choice.

OkCarz offers many practical pre-owned cars that are great choices for learning drivers. Interested car shoppers can view our inventory or apply for financing here on our website.

Is it better to buy a teenage driver a larger vehicle?|2020-11-17 (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to buy a teenage driver a larger vehicle?|2020-11-17? ›

Larger Vehicles Are Safer Than Smaller Ones….

Should I get a big car as a new driver? ›

Larger vehicles tend to be less maneuverable than smaller cars. Heavier SUVs and trucks will also almost always have a longer stopping distance than a smaller vehicle. This can make it harder to avoid an accident in a larger vehicle than in a smaller car.

What size car is best for new drivers? ›

The bottom line: for a new teen driver, a larger used vehicle is better than a new smaller vehicle, even if the price is the same.

Should I buy a bigger car for safety? ›

Overview. A bigger, heavier vehicle provides better crash protection than a smaller, lighter one, assuming no other differences between them.

How much should a 16 year old spend on a car? ›

The right amount to spend on a car for your teen will be different for you than for someone else. Experts recommend that your car expenses not exceed 20 percent of your take-home pay. That includes monthly payments, insurance, gas and maintenance.

Does buying a new driver make a difference? ›

Yes, technology plays a big part in helping you hit it farther off the tee, but gaining distance is all about physics and the faster you swing the club the more ball speed you can create and the distance you can gain — there is a reason nobody is winning long drive events swinging at 100 mph.

Is a SUV or sedan better for new drivers? ›

The IIHS, for example, recommends larger, heavier midsize sedans and SUVs, while the Automobile Association of America (AAA) advises against SUVs for teen drivers but does recommend midsize sedans. Both groups agree that small subcompact cars, even those with high crash safety scores, aren't ideal for new drivers.

What is a good first truck for a 16 year old boy? ›

Ford F-150

This is one of the best first trucks a novice truck driver can find, because of its sturdy construction and top-notch safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

What size car is the safest? ›

It's a matter of physics: Bigger and heavier is safer than smaller and lighter. Large vehicles weigh more and have longer hoods and bigger crush zones, which gives them an advantage in frontal crashes.

Are bigger vehicles more expensive to insure? ›

Because they may cause more damage in an accident — and cost more to repair or replace — trucks pose a substantial financial risk to an insurance company. Thus, the insurer protects itself by charging a higher premium for these vehicles.

What car can I afford with a 40k salary? ›

on the price of a car. is not to exceed 35% of your gross income. That means if you make $40,000 a year, the cars price should not exceed $14,000. If you make $80,000, the cars price should be below $28,000. And at 150 k salary, that means your max car price should be 50 2500.

Is a 15 year old car too old to buy? ›

It all depends on how well it has been maintained. Most of us start out with 10-15 year old cars. But if it hasn't been maintained well you will end up spending a ton of money on repairs.

What is the best car to buy as a first car? ›

The easiest car to recommend to just about anyone looking for a good first car is the Honda Fit. Affordably available, solidly reliable, extremely space-efficient, and easy to drive, the Fit carries on the tradition of lightweight Honda hatchbacks from the EG and EK Civics.

Is it easier to learn to drive in a big or small car? ›

As a result, larger vehicles like SUVs, vans, and trucks are generally not the best choices for learning to drive. Instead, learning in a medium-sized or smaller car can help a teen gain confidence when first starting to drive.

Should I get a small or big car? ›

Larger cars and SUVs do have more space for people and their belongings. This is great if you are going on holiday or need to load up the car on a regular basis because of work. Small cars on the other hand tend to be comfortable for fewer people and therefore would not be a great choice for large families.

Is a car or SUV better for new drivers? ›

The American Automobile Association recommends that parents avoid SUVs for young drivers. If an SUV is required, however, both AAA and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recommend a newer model with electronic stability control. Electronic stability control systems help reduce the risk of rollovers.

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