Business & Tech

Cars: What's The Best Car For A College-Bound Kid?

High school graduation is right around the corner and a car makes a great gift. Here are some recommendations from AOL Autos on the best (and safest) cars to buy for your college-bound child.

 

A traditional gift for a high school graduate can be as small as a watch or as big as a car. If you are able to afford a car for your graduate, AOL Autos has some great advice when shopping.

Avoid SUVs and small cars

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"A higher center of mass in SUVs usually gives them unforgiving handling characteristics compared to passenger cars. Small cars should be avoided because they do not always provide the passengers the same protection that larger cars do, especially in collisions with other larger vehicles."

Steer clear of sports cars

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"According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, an insurance-industry affiliate, the statistics show that younger people are more likely to be in a speed-related crash in such vehicles."

Newer vehicles are generally better

"Newer models offer more safety features, plus they have better structural crash protection (i.e. the car will sacrifice itself for the driver, not the other way around). Newer cars are also less likely to suffer from stalling problems or other component failures that might cause a lack of control, especially for inexperienced drivers."

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Based on this advice, check out these models:

Chevrolet Impala

Buy locallyDave McDermott Chevrolet in East Haven and Lee Partyka Chevrolet Mazda Isuzu Truck in Hamden

Ford Taurus

Buy locally: Ford of Branford and Hammonasset Ford of Madison

Honda Accord

Buy locally: Brandfon Honda

Toyota Camry

Buy locallyA-1 Toyota of New Haven, Toyota of Wallingford  or Westbrook Toyota

Nissan Altima

Buy locallyExecutive Jeep Nissan of North Haven and Barberino Nissan of Wallingford


 


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