Economy cars may be easy on the budget, and less expensive to insure, but if your parents are footing the bill for your car, getting a mid-range sedan with antilock brakes and a full complement of air bags may be the wisest choice, as well as the easiest way to bridge the gap between what you want (style, speed, and a killer stero) and what they want (reliability, and a reasonable price tag).
One of the most popular choices for college students buying their own cars is the Scion tc, which actually counts 18-22 year olds as 24% of its customer base. Other cars that will get you where you need to go while still carrying the parental seal of approval are the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Volkswagen Passat, all of which come with ABS standard, except the Toyota, which offers it as an optional upgrade, and all of which scored well in crash tests. .
While caving to your parents' desire for safety may seem like a drag, Jeff Payne, president and founder of Drivers Edge says, that for young drivers, "…safety has to be a top consideration. Motor vehicles are the leading cause of death for people under 24." In fact the number of young people who are victims in car accidents outnumbers the combined number of deaths that are the result of drug use, guns, and other forms of violence.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that you and your parents take a close look at crash test statistics before purchasing any car. Other advice on car selection includes:
· Avoid SUVs with truck-based chassis as they are both more expensive to insure, and less sturdy in crashes.
· Avoid extremely small cars for drivers with less than two years of driving experience.
· Look for cars that have stability and traction control systems as well as airbags and the aforementioned ABS.
Don't Forget Insurance
In addition to choosing the right car, it's important that you and your parents discuss cheap car insurance options before you head off to school. Generally speaking, mid-range sedans have the most reasonable insurance rates, but your age still puts you into the most expensive insurance bracket whether your car is on your parents' policy or your own.
You can save some money at your new car dealer, or help your parents do so, on those premiums by maintaining a B-average or better (yes, good grade discounts still apply when you're in college) or by completing a defensive driving course or enrolling in a performance driving class.
To quote Mr. Payne, again, "There is no five-star rating or safety device that can take the place of a well-educated driver." Picking the right insurance policy, and choosing the right car are important, but ultimately, the responsibility for staying safe behind the wheel, at school or at home, is yours.
