Good car for a teenager?

Question

Hi, I asked a question like this before, but I narrowed down my options. I need a car that is new and unused, safe, easy to maintain, fuel-efficient, and nice-looking. My parents gave me an $18,000 budget.

We checked out the Honda Fit, Honda Civic, Scion tC, and Toyota Corolla, but my parents ended up not liking them. Now, the choice is between a Mitsubishi Lancer and a Toyota Yaris sedan. Which would you recommend? Feel free to add to the list.

Answer 1

I recently (about a year ago) bought a 2007 Honda™ Civic™ EX sedan. I paid $18,500.00 the manufacturer's suggested retail price was about $21,000.00 the invoice price was about $18,800.00 that of course was before tax.

I'm happy with the car for the most part. However, I noticed that it is susceptible to crosswinds on the highway. It does however, get excellent gas mileage.

If you are going to purchase a new car, you would be wise to purchase of 2008 rather than a 2009, as dealers are trying to get rid of these cars and you can easily purchase one for below invoice price, which you can usually find on car dealer websites. To push for the best price, sometimes, you have to be willing to walk away. the first dealer I went to turned me down. Furthermore, I know that I could have gotten a better price than I did.

I researched the Toyota™ Yaris™ and decided against it as it was a cheaply built car with poor interior design.

Answer 2

Hi there!

I'll try not to spam like the other answerers! Here's what I think....The Toyota Yaris may be the cheap option, but the Mitsubishi Lancer is a much better car. This is why: Consumer Reports rates the Yaris near the bottom in its class, because it has weak handling, poorly laid out instruments, a cheap interior, and it is extremely susceptible to cross winds(you'll be able to feel the car being pushed off course constantly by strong winds).

Also, the speedometer/instrument cluster is in the center of the dash, instead of behind the wheel. As a teenager, the last thing you want is something like that distracting you from the road. About the only things the Yaris has going for it are: cheap to buy, and economical. The Mitsubishi Lancer on the other hand, is rated as having excellent handling and ride. The fuel economy isn't as high as the Yaris, but it's a much better car over all. My two cents is go for the Lancer, because: better ride and handling, safer(the Lancer does better in crash tests), better instrument and control layout, and more comfortable/spacious for any/all passengers you may carry.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

I would strongly discourage the lancer.  I'm not sure what there is to not like about the Corolla.  The 2009s are much sportier.  Also there's a hatchback version (Matrix) and its Pontiac twin - the Vibe - which you may find at a better price because it's a domestic nameplate even though it's Toyota under the skin.

Answer 4

The best vehicle that you can purchase for your first car would be a vehicle that you NEED as opposed to one that you WANT. If you purchase a Domestic Brand vehicle ie: GM Ford etc. you can usually purchase one with less miles as opposed to an Import with more miles for the same price, so it's all relative. If you are a new driver, get a vehicle that is easy to view around without blind spots, this will help you to avoid hitting things. Domestic vehicles are historically cheaper to maintain mechanically when your talking parts, then their counterpart. Stay away from vehicles under $2500 as they are going to cost you in repairs. Also look for a fuel efficient vehicle for the environment.

Hope this helps

Cheers

Answer 5

I'd reccomend that you look into a 2008 Hyundai Sonata. Very roomy midsize car which is rated to get 21/31 with the 4 cylinder and when you drive it it almost seems like a near-luxury sedan. Plus Hyundai's 10yr/100k mile warranty is nearly unbeatable.  The only issue may be that it's starting price is near the top of your budget, however look for deals now as many dealers are looking to make room for the new 2009 models.  If a Sonata doesn't work I'd definately pick the Toyota over the Mitsubishi- I've experienced many problems very early with the two Mitsu's I've owned.  Hope that helps.

Answer 6

what about the other cars didn't they like? i'm not really a big honda fan, but you really can't go wrong with a civic. safe, reliable, TONS of aftermarket support if you want to mod it. the scion's the same way. the fit gets really good gas mileage and is safe. and companies are starting to make a lot of parts for the fit for modding. out of the two choices though, i'd definately go for the lancer. my friend has one and is really happy with it. it really just depends on your future plans with it. do you plan on modding it or just a plain 'ol daily driver? and i agree with mike above, hyundais are really becoming known  as cheaper, safe, reliable cars with great warranties, as are kias.

Answer 7

Mini Cooper all the way

Answer 8

the Toyota Yaris is poorly designed vehicle

it has a noisy unrefined engine and bad brakes. The Hwy ride over 50 mph is terrible.  

have you driven the Honda Fit?

it's 10 times better.

comes standard with all power accessories, side curtain air bags and ABS brakes.

the Lancer is very unreliable it looks good but it doesn't hold up.

Mazda 3 ?

Answer 9

I like the Mitsubishi Lancer...i think they look nice! but Lexus' are also very nice and safe...

Answer 10

1978 cadillac. Strong body in case of an accident. Plus it's a hog it will detour others from crowding you on the road.