Car Buyers' Guide: Cars for teens

Test passenger and luggage space when choosing cars for teens

The dilemma

Carolyn has double trouble. Her teenage son and daughter are learning to drive, but she's after one automotive solution.

"We are now looking at getting a small car for them to commence their hopefully safe and sound driving instruction," says Carolyn. "We want a unisex-style car, petrol, automatic with low kilometres and a late model."

She'd prefer a hatchback and wants something reliable.

"As we aren't 'car' people we are more likely to buy from a dealer. I would probably be less comfortable dealing with private sellers."

Carolyn, don't be put off buying privately. In your price and car size range, I'm sure you could find some very genuine sellers of one-owner, low-mileage and well-maintained vehicles.

Buying from a dealership is definitely worth a good look as the team may be selling a vehicle sold and serviced from new, where the previous owners have updated to a later model.

To keep the male member of this partnership happy, try factory-fitted alloy wheels or a mild body kit that can make a standard road car look a little more special.

You may also need to look closely at interior space (including luggage) to ensure both driver and passengers have adequate head and leg room. Rear passenger space is often overlooked when buying. It always pays to carry out an actual bum-on-seat check.

Small cars are great for around town but if your family needs regular highway driving and carrying a bit of gear, you may not want to drop down below 1.4-litre in engine size - especially if buying an automatic.

The budget: $15,000

Mazda2

The Sport variant has a few subtle body accessories that give it extra appeal without being over the top. A proven and reliable vehicle. Nothing complicated or high-risk engine- and performance-wise. Safety features may differ a little. For example, I did notice some models in the 2007 range advertised with up to six airbags, while others had only two.

Nissan Micra RX

The 2008 RX is very well specced including climate air-conditioning, alloy wheels and body-coloured bumpers, door mirrors and handles. Safety is a standout feature of this New Zealand-new vehicle with multiple airbags, including head protection for front-seat occupants. A fun and easy car to drive.

Toyota Yaris

Your budget with stretch to a 2010 version and you will get a very good five-door hatch with a well-proven reliability history. The CD player stereo with USB and AUX input will no doubt appeal to both son and daughter.

Driven recommends

If you can get your son over the line, the Yaris will serve all parties very well.