Safe Cars For Teens II

Last year I wrote an article listing safety criteria and features that are key to choosing a car for the new and inexperienced driver.  While those points are still valid, I wanted to revisit the 10 models I suggested with regard to price. 

Given the global economic crisis and the overwhelming problems of the auto industry, I updated the average retail pricing information in my original blog.  I was surprised that any drops in prices from the 2005 models I reviewed to the 2006 prices were not as dramatic as I would have envisioned, with only a few exceptions. 

You may read the original, full article posted elsewhere in my blog, which not only provides critical decision-making criteria for your purchase, but gives links to the government crash and rollover testing and rating sites, where you can make your own safety evaluation of the potential vehicle purchase.

These were the same 10 models from the prior article, which consistently do well in all of the tests and consumer ratings for safety and reliability, as well as popularity with teens for looks and features like handling, sound systems, and opportunities to customize with cosmetic upgrades. We put together this list based on the results of the safety crash tests done annually by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and for the affordability of the vehicle’s cost as a 2- or 3-year old pre-owned vehicle (2006 coming off of manufacturer lease). Most are recommended in the 4-cylinder model (sounds sluggish, but they are actually quite peppy and handle well). If your teen is paying the bills he or she will appreciate the fuel savings of the 4-cylinder choice! The benefit of a car less than 5 years old is that most desired safety features are now standard.

1. Honda Civic – Honda consistently tops these lists of safety and reliability. The 4-door model received 4 and 5 star ratings. The 4-door Civic can easily be found with a 4-cylinder engine. Comfortable, reliable, sporty-looking, and affordable (which is a relative term). Honda is a mid-ranged priced vehicle as compared with the others on this list. Current average retail for the 4-door EX model is approx $15,000.
2. Honda Accord – Also available with a 4-cylinder engine, a perennially well-rated car for safety and reliability in both the 2- and 4-door models. Sporty looks have improved considerably over the years. Current average retail for the 4-door EX is approx. $16,500
3. Toyota Corolla – The 4-door model is well-rated and affordable with an average retail price of $11,500. The Toyota Avalon (also 4-door model) is also well-rated but cost about $5,000 or more than the Corolla.
4. Mazda 6 Hatchback – with Side Airbags, this is also a highly rated model for safety. The hatchback gives it a sporty look with a bit of interior room. Usually costs slightly less than the Honda Civic, in the average range of $14,000
5. Acura TSX 4-door with side airbags – 5-star driver front and side crash test, 4-star rollover test (2-wheel drive model). A higher-priced choice, at about $18,900.
6. Scion tC – very roomy coupe, 160-hp 4-cylinder, with other standard features like sunroof, 17-inch allow wheels and many safety features. A 3-door hatchback. Well rated, and reasonably priced. A Toyota product in the $14,900 range.
7. Volvo S40 – Volvo has always enjoyed a reputation for safety. On par with the Hondas for pricing.  Average retail is currently about $14,500. 
8. Pontiac G6 – the 4-door model is well-rated for mid-size cars. A 4-cyl model was newly available in 2006. Average retail cost is currently around $11,000.
9. Subaru Forester AWD – well-rated SUV, 4-cylinder turbo. The 2006 model is hard to find.  If you can, it should run approximately $15,000 retail.
10. Honda Pilot – Highly safety-rated, with Honda reliability. Good visibility, roomy interior without excessive exterior size. But a bit pricy for a first vehicle at approximately $18,000 current retail.

All of the vehicles that we chose to include on this list are the 2006 models, and none have any crash or rollover ratings less than 4 stars, which we feel is an important criteria for the inexperienced driver.

You can also print the NHTSA annual publication “Buying a Safer Car” which provides great detail about each model tested for that year, including safety features (the 2006 brochure is still available). This will give you a condensed list on which to make notes at home with your teen while narrowing down your search for the perfect vehicle for your needs.

Buying your teen a car can be a fun family experience.  Just don’t lose sight of the important safety factors and make an emotional decision.  Automobile crashes are the leading cause of death amoung teenagers.  So choose wisely and drive down that statistic. 

Happy Motoring!

Auto Theft – A Costly Crime for All

The Federal Bureau of Investigation Uniform Crime Reports disclosed that in 2006, a vehicle was stolen every 26.4 seconds in the United States (based on the data for the 1,192,809 stolen vehicles reported).  How much did that total in losses to the insurance companies and the vehicle owners?  Estimates exceed $7.9 billion.  That’s Billion with a “B”.   

Besides the emotional feeling of violation, anger, frustration, the total inconvenience and time loss of filing reports with police and insurance agencies, arranging for a temporary rental and the likelihood of having to purchase another vehicle, there is sometimes the surprise that the insurance coverage was not appropriate for the value of the vehicle or the event.  Now you are looking at a large, unplanned cash outlay. 

First, take a look at your current vehicle insurance policy.  Does it cover the cost of a rental car until your vehicle is either found or the insurance check is issued to purchase another vehicle? This coverage is included in the comprehensive section of your policy, but is not automatic.  Often it is an option that usually costs a few dollars per month.  The total annual cost of this coverage is about the same as a one or two day rental cost. 

If you have dropped comprehensive coverage to save money you are likely not covered for theft.  Many owners of older cars believe that they will not be target for theft as their older vehicles are not as desirable to thieves.  Think again.  In 2006, the top five model years stolen were 1995, 1991, 1989, 1997 and 2005 respectively, according to the National Crime Information Center.  Many older vehicles are stolen for parts which are no longer available and are too difficult or expensive to obtain.  Many go to “chop shops” and the parts are sent overseas to countries with large populations of older vehicles in service.  Almost one-half of stolen vehicles were not recovered at all and only 12.6% of thefts were cleared by arrests in 2006.  Those that are recovered usually have significant damage or are completely totaled. Weigh the replacement cost of a vehicle with both the deductible you have chosen and the annual cost of the comprehensive coverage.   

New cars with limited production and several months’ waiting list for delivery are also high on the vehicle theft list for their limited availability.  

 So what can you do to reduce the chances of being a victim?      

1)       The obvious first step is roll up the windows, lock the doors, and don’t leave anything of value in plain view through the window.  This means purses, cell phones, laptops, IPODs, mail, bank statements, tools, etc.  This not only prevents the car theft, but unnecessary break-ins which result in other uninsured losses and the inconvenience of repairs and replacements.  Sounds ridiculously simple, but surprisingly not a sound practice widely followed.  A recent rash of vehicle break-ins in South Florida revealed that valuable personal and electronic items were taken from vehicles parked in driveways and residential streets, during evening hours, from unlocked cars! How much effort does it take to push the lock button vs the potential loss of your personal items, data, and even the entire vehicle?  Only 79% of people surveyed said that they lock their vehicles(!)  Oh – and don’t leave your car running while you dash up to the ATM.

2)       Use a visible theft deterrent such as a steering wheel locking device or alarm (usually flashing red light in view).  While these types of devices are not fool proof, they will certainly discourage the thief looking for a “fast” target. Steering wheel locks also deter Airbag theft, a prolific crime which costs the owner about $1,000 to replace the airbag.  If you are driving a car on the “hot” list for stolen cars, and you are targeted by a professional, these devices will naturally be less effective.  But by consistently using them, you have already decreased your likelihood of becoming a victim. 

3)       Anti-theft devices are complicated mainly due to the complexity of today’s computerized vehicles.  Don’t look to save pennies and ignore the big costs of car theft.  Go to a professional for installation, and look for certified technicians (Mobile Electronics Certification Program).  Make sure that you will receive a written warranty and ask for training on how your system works to use it effectively.  Many after-market systems are usually more sophisticated than the manufacturer-installed system, making them less vulnerable. Ask your insurance agent about discounts for having various anti-theft and tracking/recovery devices installed. That discount may offset part of the cost of the system. 

4)       Park in well-lit areas, and give preference to shopping centers and parking garages with security cameras installed on light poles and building exteriors.  While it may seem more convenient to you to park closer to the exit of a lot or garage, these are higher-targeted theft areas for the same reason you parked there – ease of exiting quickly.  Is being first into traffic at rush hour more important than knowing your vehicle will still be there at the end of the day?

5)       Don’t leave your registration and insurance information in the glove-box – keep it in your wallet (make photocopies for other drivers in your house).  It is essential to notify police immediately with as much information as possible, including license plate number and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).  This extra step helps you to assist in your vehicle recovery. 

6)       Roadside assistance – if your vehicle is broken into, how much will it cost you to get a tow truck to a repair shop? Again, check your insurance policy and shop the other vendors’ services available for roadside assistance, including AAA.

  

General safety tips for walking to your vehicle: 

• Put away the cell phone/IPOD and pay attention to your surroundings – is anyone loitering near your car? Is the same car “cruising” around the lot? If so, walk back to the store or office fast.  Ask security to escort you.
• Have your key and alarm button in your hand – don’t fumble around in your purse or pockets searching while you are standing at the car door.
• Moms (and Dads, too) – children are distracting.  Hold their hand in the parking lot but still be aware of your surroundings.  Keep lookout while strapping the child in the car seat or loading packages in the trunk.
• Don’t get out of your car and THEN put your purse or laptop in the trunk (a typical move at the gym) – put it there before you leave the house or office.  Thieves just saw that action and you created a reason for the theft.
• Give up the keys or purse if confronted – it is NOT worth your life. 

  For your own peace of mind, safety and financial security, take the time to safeguard your large investment and yourself.  Don’t be a victim.