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No car will make her safe. The "safety" difference in cars is miniscule. Airbag mostly help in low speed single impact collisions. Safety comes from the driver. Buying a Volvo or other supposedly "safe" car and feeling you have done your part is dangerous and not very wise. Get her whatever car, and then ttrain her every single day. "DO not text, put your phone in the glovebox when you drive" There is your safest car, the one with the phone in the glovebox.
My granddaughter just got a nice solid Jeep. I think it is big enough to offer some protection, and it will safely get her through Ohio winters.
Snow tires on FWD are way better than a Jeep with stock tires. When you hit the brakes, a Jeep is just another car with lousy all season tires. You’re still going to hit the object in front of you despite the 4wd system and ground clearance. It’s an even bigger deal for an inexperienced driver. The high center of gravity also makes a Jeep more prone to rollovers. Another big deal for inexperienced drivers.
What matters for safety is front and side impact five star crash rating, braking distance, and stability control. A teenager is likely driving a 10+ year old car. Do your homework.
Is there clean, reliable public transport in your town? She is not driving out of town. If she is not above it
maybe put the $5k toward her college instead..
In my opinion, the brand/model does not mean too much if you are spending about $5k. The mileage on the car is important.
No - public transportation is pretty non-existent in our area. Definitely not an option.
Got my daughter a 2000 Buick Century 3 years ago. Had 45000 miles on it and paid $3000. (We told the kids whatever they raise we will match it. She raised $1.5k hence the $3k.) It's a great car and rides like a dream.
My son is in a 2005 Scion TC. Runs great and looks better!
18 and 13 year old cars and have been terrific for us. It's not about the car make or model really...it's about it maintenance history.
My two best friends had Honda Civics that lasted them well into their 20s. You're going to have to spend more than $5K but it's worth it, imo, if it serves as a starter car when they leave home.
Other option is a Toyota Camry - those things last forever.
My old mechanic in my hometown begged me not to get a VW. He said they were just a pain in the butt to repair or replace parts on. He much preferred working on my Toyota Tacoma.
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