Looking at a car for your teen is not always about buying the least expensive vehicle around, or buying them the neighbor’s old station wagon. Sometimes it’s about buying something that you will like driving too. Here are a few cars that are not only low cost but fun to drive and great first time cars for your teens. 

Cars to Buy Your Teen That You’ll Enjoy Driving Too

2004-2008 Acura TL 

The third-generation Acura TL is not only a fantastic looking car that has aged well; it also has held up its reliability. Honda has always been known to be a great, long-lasting car. And since Acura is their luxury line, you know the type of safety you will be getting. This car has a 3.2L VTec engine that puts out 258 HP, which will take you from 0-60 in 5.7 seconds. 

1999-2006 BMW 3 Series 

Not all BMWs are going to break the bank. One of the best cars for $3,000 5th gen. BMW 328i series. It has a naturally aspirated inline-six-speed manual transmission with 193 horsepower that makes it an impressive drive. With regular maintenance, it’s reliability is fantastic. 

The only downside is the plastic cooling system. If you pick one up, make sure it’s been replaced or do it quickly, and you will have a great time. As a four-door sedan, you will also get better rates on insurance. 

Honda Civic Si

A Honda is always known as a reliable car with an excellent safety rating. It also has the potential to be a fun drive with a six-speed manual transmission as your only choice. The driver must be more conscious of their environment. The Civic Si 2020 has 205 horsepower and a torque of 192 lb-ft. That is more than enough to give both of your faces a smile—all for around $25,000 brand new. 

2006-2011 Toyota Corolla S

My first car was my grandmother’s 1988 Toyota Corolla. This newer updated S version is nothing like grandma used to drive unless your grandmother was pretty cool. With a sporty front end, rear spoiler, and optional manual transmission. This is a fun little car to drive. Now with a 1.8L, four-cylinder engine at 126 HP, you aren’t going to have to worry about breaking laws, and at 41 MPG, you don’t need to worry about breaking the bank either. 

2003-2007 Subaru Forester 

If you are looking for something a little more rugged, then the Subaru Forester is pretty close to perfect. It’s got a reliable 2.5L boxer motor and an all-wheel drive. 

Most Subaru owners keep their cars for a long time, and there’s a reason. They are not only fun to drive on the road but can take you off-road too. Plus, all the optional rugged aftermarket parts the cross between an SUV and a wagon is a standout favorite on this list. 

There are options for a good, reliable, fun to drive a car that you and your teen will enjoy, assuming they’re willing to share.