Having a teenager learn to drive, and finally get their license, can be both a freeing and nerve-racking time for parents. After all, it’s nice to not need to transport a student to a myriad of sports, activities, and adventures. On the other hand, it can be stressful sending a new driver off into the world at the helm of several thousand pounds of metal and machinery. What is the best car for a new driver? The theory has recently been changing on the best car to get (or encourage your student to get).

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What is the best car for a new driver?

In the past, the best car for a new driver was usually something that was cheap, old, sturdy, reliable, and not particularly fast (so nothing that will tempt a teenager to break Nürburgring lap times). While cheap and reliable can still be important, a newer car may now be a better bet for a young driver thanks to new technology options. With advanced safety features available from many manufacturers, experienced drivers and brand-new ones can all benefit from technology that keeps another eye on the road.

What safety features are available on newer cars?

While advanced safety bundles like Honda Sensing (which is available on most new 2018 Honda models) can offer forward collision warnings, automatic emergency stopping, lane keeping assistance, road departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control, there are some simpler features that are highly recommended for new drivers.

For example, Electronic Stability Control comes highly recommended for giving drivers more control, and is even required on all vehicles from the 2012 model year and beyond. However, some manufacturers have been including this feature on models since 2005, when the Honda CR-V, Honda Odyssey, and Honda Pilot all came standard with this feature. By 2008, the Accord also came standard with this feature, and the Civic was available with it.
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How can a student afford a new car?

If you are not interested in a pre-owned car with basic advantages like Electronic Stability Control, leasing can be a good way to get the advantages of a new vehicle without the same
commitment that you need when buying a vehicle. If you are interested in an affordable pre-owned vehicle, or leasing options in the Oklahoma City OK area, contact a member of the Battison Honda sales team, and we would be happy to help you.