The Best Used Cars for Todays Teens

4 of the Safest Used Cars For Teens That 

Won’t Break The Bank

Here’s the reality when it comes to the vehicles our teenagers drive. Too often, budget takes precedence over safety. Our goal is to make your car buying experience the best possible with great prices and service. Teton Motors Inc’s virtual dealership offers a wide variety of new and used cars, Buick, Chevrolet, Subaru incentives, service specials, and Buick, Chevrolet, Subaru parts savings. Conveniently located in Jackson, WY. we are just a short drive from Pinedale, WY., Star Valley, WY and Victor, ID.

At Teton Motors Inc we pride ourselves on being your reliable and trustworthy Buick, Chevrolet and Subaru dealer. Our inventory is filled with some of the sweetest rides you’ve ever seen and they’re all reasonably priced too! Sales professionals at Teton Motors will go the extra mile to help you get what you 


4-Safe-Used-Cars-For-Teens

A recent study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that more than half of all used cars purchased for young adult drivers were 2006 or earlier model year vehicles.

Also, the study found that two-thirds of young adults who drove a vehicle already in the household were driving models from 2006 or earlier.

So What Changed After 2006?

I know what you’re thinking.

The fact is that vehicles from 2006 and earlier aren’t likely to have safety features like Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Side Airbags – both proven in their ability to help keep drivers and passengers of all ages safe and sound.

Electronic Stability Control (sometimes referred to electronic stability program, stabilitrak or vehicle stability program) is a technology that improves a vehicle’s stability by detecting and reducing loss of traction.

When ESC detects loss of steering control, it automatically applies the brakes to help “steer” the vehicle where the driver intends to go. Braking is automatically applied to wheels individually, such as the outer front wheel to counter oversteer or the inner rear wheel to counter understeer.

A pretty impressive technology, I’m sure if you had the choice, you’d prefer your children were driving a vehicle that came with some form of ESC, right?

The technology became so effective in preventing accidents, that in 2008 some form of Electronic Stability Control was mandated to be a standard feature on all vehicles weighing under 10,000 pounds.

Budget AND Safety

As a parent, we should never have to choose between budget and safety.

That’s why we took a look at this list of safe used vehicles for young adults as recommended by the IIHS and selected 4 used vehicles that offer a great balance between affordability and safety.

In addition to affordability, the recommended vehicles all take in to account these four main principles:

Young drivers should stay away from high horsepower vehicles.

• Bigger, heavier vehicles protect better in a crash.
• ESC is a must.
• Vehicles should have the best safety ratings possible.
• The best part about this list is that I feel not only will you as a parent feel comfortable about having your teens drive these used cars, but your kids themselves will also find plenty to like about each used vehicle featured.

Who ever said ‘practical’ has to be boring?

1. Buick Regal (2011 and later)
2011 Buick Regal safe used cars for young adults

Why your teen will like it: Sporty handling, plenty of standard features, upscale cabin

Why you will like it: IIHS Top Safety Pick, high fuel economy

(Browse our used Buick inventory)


2. Chevrolet Malibu (2010 and later)

2010- Chevrolet Malibu safe used cars for young adults

Why your teen will like it: Excellent ride, comfortable seats, straightforward controls

Why you will like it: IIHS Top Safety Pick, 5 Star NHTSA crash rated, good 4-cylinder fuel economy

(Browse our used Chevrolet Malibu inventory)


3. GMC Terrain (2010 and later)
2010 GMC Terrain safe used cars for young adults

Why your teen will like it: Quiet and attractive cabin, good handling, roomy interior

Why you will like it: IIHS Top Safety Pick, 5 Star NHTSA Crash Rated, good fuel economy

(Browse our used GMC Terrain inventory)


4. Subaru Outback (2010 and later)
2010 Subaru Outback safe used cars for young adults

Why your teen will like it: Carlike driving experience, supple ride, comfy front seats

Why you will like it: IIHS Top Safety Pick, top safety scores, MotorTrend SUV of the Year in 2010

(Browse our used Subaru Outback inventory)


If you didn’t find the exact used vehicle you were looking for here, you can browse our complete inventory of pre-owned vehicles here at Teton Motors. If we don't have the exact car or truck you are looking for lets us know what it is and we will do our best to locate it for you. Happy Shopping!

Information is a collection of the following sources: www.familydealblog.com

Written by Melissa Larson, Analyst
Dealer CMO 
Interactive Results  Agency 
San Jose, CA 
I can be reached at melissa@dealercmo.com