Experts name best used cars for teen drivers

If you have a new teen driver in your household, you might be looking to buy them a car.

Consumer Reports and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety have teamed up to identify the safest used cars for teen drivers at different price points.

There are many reasons teens are risky drivers.

"It's a combination of inexperience, immaturity, social pressures and potential distractions," said Emily Thomas with Consumer Reports.

Car crashes are the leading cause of death for ages 15 to 24, so it makes sense that parents like Mio Hinckson worry. Her son Jordan recently got his driver's permit, and she knows choosing the right vehicle for him is critical.

"I just want something that's safe. For now, he drives our car with us, but when he's ready, we're planning on getting something newer and safer," said Hinckson.

Safety features are key when choosing a vehicle.

"Also, a teen driver's first vehicle should not be too small, not too big, and definitely not too fast," said Thomas.

Consumer Reports and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety analyzed makes and models to find safe and budget-friendly car options. They identified 74 used cars under $20,000 that have performance and features designed to keep young drivers out of a crash, but that also have high levels of crash protection if the worst does occur.

On the list are popular picks like the Honda Civic, Toyota Camry, and Hyundai Tucson.

"For teen drivers, features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and blind spot warning can provide them with an extra layer of protection while their experience is still developing," said Thomas.

Along with safety features, Mio reminds her son that nothing replaces good driving habits.

"The main thing I always share with him is always safety, to just make sure that he is paying attention," she says.

Click here to see the full list.