You’ve decided to buy your teenager a car. What kind of car do you buy?

Consider these suggestions from AAA:

• Newer models have the latest safety features
  
  Some cars, even relatively inexpensive models, can have side air bags, traction control and antilock brakes, which may help the young driver avoid a potential crash in poor weather conditions.
• SUVs
  
  An SUV may give the driver a better view of the road and provide better traction in poor weather conditions, but it is not without faults. An SUV generally gets poorer fuel economy, handles worse than a passenger car and has a higher propensity to roll over during evasive maneuvers.
  
  Some drivers feel so confident in their ability to go anywhere in an SUV that they take unnecessary chances. And while an all-wheel-drive SUV may get you up a snow-covered hill, it is nothing more than a two-ton sled when it is skidding down that same hill.
• High performance or sports cars
  
  Neither is a good choice in the hands of a novice driver. Fast, powerful cars are more likely to be driven recklessly.
• Seating capacity Many car crashes happen as a result of driver distraction. By avoiding the purchase of a van or SUV with multiple rows of seats, you can reduce the chance of this. Studies have shown the more passengers you put in a car the more likely the driver will be distracted.
• New or old vehicle
  
  Although a new vehicle may be the best choice, it may not be a practical choice. The family car as a hand-me-down may be a good option if it is well maintained. But, if your family car has outlived its usefulness for you, it may not a good choice for your teenager.
  
  Consider a late-model, mid-sized, front-wheel-drive sedan. Although somewhat boring, these are generally driven in a reasonable manner by more mature owners who tend to over-maintain their cars. Look for a car whose mileage matches the year – about 12,000 to 15,000 miles per year.
• True of any choice
  
  Every car should have a roadside emergency kit (flares, flashlight, tools, etc.) A wireless phone not only provides a means of communication but is priceless in an emergency. A good spare tire and working jack are mandatory, as is a lesson on how to change a flat tire. And don't forget – your child should have his or her own AAA Membership card.

Source: AAA