Best Car for a Teen Driver?

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An article recently popped up on Jalopnik asking what readers thought would be the best car for a new driver, specifically a teenager. Website writer Collin Woodard commented “As a teen, I would have said a Subaru WRX STI, but as an adult, I wouldn’t let an inexperienced driver anywhere near a car you could call quick.” then admitted to his first ticket was for doing 90 MPH in a 55 MPH zone behind the wheel of a crappy Mazda.

Perhaps the car people think is ideal for their kids is actually the car that they wanted as teenagers, and still want today? That was certainly true of lil’ Daniel Demaras who got stuck with a 2003 Bugeye WRX that had more mechanical issues that he could ever have imagined. Thank goodness for CAA!?

Now that Michelle, the youngest member of the Demaras Racing family, has her learners permit the question about her first car has come up. So what are the options?

1980 Volvo 245 DL Station Wagon

With the aerodynamics of a brick, and a 2.1 L four-cylinder engine pumping out 98 HP, there’s little chance of this Volvo getting many speeding tickets. The burnt-orange paint is almost like a safety cone on wheels; high visibility. Plus there’s Volvo’s legendary safety, but perhaps a newer model with airbags would be better.

A Volvo wagon is possibly the un-coolest car ever built, and maybe that’s just cruel force one of these upon a teenaged girl.

2009 Toyota Tacoma Xtracab

As parents, the instinct to protect our progeny is strong. As strong as the boxed-frame of a Toyota’s mid-size pickup truck. With their reliability, the Tacoma even had side curtain airbags and Electronic Stability Control. But it’s still a truck with poor handling due to it’s solid rear axle, and generous ground clearance.

But those rear seats are a joke, more like a shelf with seatbelts. And unless she’s going to her construction job after clarinet practice, what does a 16-year-old need a truck for?

2015 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible

This is more like it! Is there anything cuter than the last generation VW Beetle? Despite its cartoonish looks, the Beetle has nothing to do with the old rear-engine cars from the ’60s. This is basically a Golf with a different body. Bright colours, coupe or convertible, and it’s technically a hatchback despite the sloping rear window.

But convertible season is very short. Who knows if a hardtop is even available for this car. Winter is long and cold, so maybe something more appropriate for Canada not California is the right choice.

2020 Subaru Impreza Base Model

For many reasons, the Subaru is likely the best choice. The naturally-aspirated FA20 engine only makes 150 HP without a turbocharger. It’s got a manual gearbox because every driver must learn to drive stick. The all-wheel drive is legendary and especially good for Canadian winters. One of the cheapest cars to achieve top safety scores due to features like automatic emergency braking, the Impreza is reliable and easy to drive.

It might not be the sportiest car to drive, but throw a massive rally wing on the back of it, and this cars a looker! Plus it would just make Michelle’s big brother bonkers if she got a new(ish) car while at 16 he got stuck with a dusty old one.

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