Buying the first car for a child usually becomes a mixture of nerves, bills and doubts. It's not enough to be cheap or look good. The real concern comes when it comes to thinking about safety, repair costs, and how reliable it will be for someone who is just starting to drive alone.

Read also: Don't invent! Hyundai bets on Hispanics and soccer

With just that in mind, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Consumer Reports published a new selection of used vehicles recommended for young drivers. The list brings together models that combine a good level of protection, stable behavior and relatively affordable prices on the second-hand market.

You can read: Five car noises that can empty your pocket

The idea behind the report is not to look for flashy or sporty cars. Quite the opposite. Specialists point to models with moderate engines, resistant structures and technologies that help reduce common errors in inexperienced drivers.

Safe options for less than $10,000

Among the most affordable models are several well-known names that still maintain a good reputation for safety and reliability. One of them is the Nissan Sentra manufactured between 2015 and 2025, whose oldest examples can be found for about $5,000.

There is also the Kia Soul from the same years, a vehicle that continues to stand out for its interior space and ease of handling. Depending on the condition and mileage, some may be around similar figures within the economic segment.

Another model that appears well positioned is the Honda Civic, both in sedan and coupe versions. The units recommended between 2014 and 2025 have prices close to $8,100 dollars, maintaining a very balanced combination between consumption, stability and protection.

The Mazda 3 also makes the list thanks to its dynamic behavior and good response in emergency maneuvers. Models between 2014 and 2018 can be found around $6,900.

For its part, the Subaru Impreza stands out for offering all-wheel drive in several versions. Prices are close to $8,000 dollars, making it an interesting alternative for areas with rain or difficult climates.

What changes in models up to $20,000 dollars

When the budget goes up a bit, options start to include more electronic aids and better driver assistance systems.

One of the best-rated models is the Mazda 3 hatchback between 2019 and 2025, in addition to the sedan manufactured since 2020. The average price is around $13,200 and it receives good ratings for stability and impact protection.

Vehicles widely known for their reliability appear in the group of midsize sedans. The Toyota Camry, including hybrid versions between 2019 and 2025, is around $17,300.

Also notable are the Subaru Legacy, close to $16,500 dollars, and the Nissan Altima, whose prices hover around $17,000 dollars in recent models.

SUVs continue to gain ground

Many parents end up leaning towards SUVs due to the elevated driving position and the feeling of security they convey. The Mazda CX-5 appears on the list between 2018 and 2025, with prices starting at about $13,100.

The Subaru Forester also receives good reviews for visibility and stability. Depending on the year and version, it can range between $15,000 and $19,000.

In more recent models, the Hyundai Tucson stands out for adding automatic emergency braking, collision alerts and better lighting ratings, elements that help a lot when the driver is still gaining experience.

What experts really recommend

Beyond design or connectivity, specialists insist that the priority must be structural safety. Airbags, electronic stability control and good crash tests weigh much more than a large screen or a modern multimedia system.

Another important detail is to avoid cars that are too small or sporty. According to the report, heavier and more balanced vehicles tend to offer a greater margin of protection in real accidents.

The conclusion is quite simple. Today it is possible to find a safe, reliable and relatively affordable first car without having to spend impossible amounts. And for many families, that already represents enormous peace of mind.