5 Cars for Your New Teen Driver

Handing a pair of jingly-jangly keys to a first-time driver is an emotional experience all around. The milestone is emotionally exciting for the driver, and emotionally fearful on the part of his or her parents. 

Depending on how confident the young driver's parents are about them damaging the car, the new motorist could be speeding off in a new set of wheels, or maybe just a hand-me down. But according to BankRate.com, there are a few "smart choices" for your teen's first car if you're looking to make a purchase that is both safe for your child and for your wallet.  

So for this week's 5 Cars, we bring you vehicles available in and around Essex and Union counties that could be good choices for young drivers. Listings and photographs come from Cars.com, AOL Autos and individual sellers and dealers.


1. 2010 Kia Forte EX—Used—$12,995

From Cars.com: This previously owned Kia Forte with 34,884 logged miles is affordable and a top choice for safety, thanks to first- and second-row curtain head airbags and front and rear suspension stabilizer bars. It also has front-wheel drive, automatic transmission and a 2.0 liter engine, plus things your kid will love, like Bluetooth connectivity and an advanced audio system compatible with satellite radio. Check the CARFAX report and ask for Stock# A5302643. Available at Nissan World of Springfield.

2.  2012 Ford Focus SE—Used—$18,279

From Cars.com: This used, four-door hatchback in Oxford White has 15,027 miles and features an ambient light package, fog lamps, satellite radio and a navigation system. It also boasts chrome wheels, a digital audio input and a 2.0 liter flexible fuel engine. Check out the CARFAX report. Ask for Stock #: CL124953. Available at Maplecrest Ford Lincoln of Union.

3. 2012 Hyundai Sonata GLS—Used—$23,150

From Cars.com: This four-door sedan in cool Pacific Blue Pearl Mica features a 6-speed automatic transmission, loads of safety features, a 2.4 liter engine offering 200 horsepower, tinted glass, transmission controls on the steering wheel and dusk-sensing headlights. It also offers Bluetooth connectivity, an overhead console and power-heated mirrors. The car comes with 7,842 miles on it. Do read the CARFAX report, and if you like what you see, ask for Stock#: 1CH408990. Available at Maxon Hyundai in Union.

4. 2012 Volkswagen Golf TDI 4-Door—Used—$23,559

From Cars.com: This used, four-door United Gray Metallic hatchback features German engineering, safety features and more. The car, already driven 26,370 miles, offers a 6-speed automatic transmission with auto-shift, leather interior, a rear spoiler, Sirius XM radio and heated windshield wiper jets. It also feature a 2.0 liter intercooled turbo motor, speed-sensitive volume control and three-point seat belts. Be an informed parent and purchaser: Peruse the CARFAX report. Ask for Stock# 54924. Available at Douglas Volkswagen in Summit.

5. 2012 Toyota Camry LE—Used—$19,995

From Cars.com: This four-door sedan with an already-logged 11,329 miles comes in Super White. For you, there are a host of safety features including daytime running lights, three-point seat belts, anti-lock brakes, first- and second-row curtain head airbags.  The kid will love the MP3 player, in-dash single CD player and six, count 'em, six speakers. The car also has a 6-speed automatic transmission, wireless connectivity, an engine immobilizer, speed-sensitive volume control and a 2.5 liter engine. Read the CARFAX, mom and dad. Then ask for Stock# CU161774. Available at Caldwell Toyota in West Caldwell.