for a teen driver can be risky. Between safety concerns and reckless driving habits, parents and insurance companies alike are loath to let teens behind the wheel of a high-performance vehicle.

Still, some sports cars manage to blend practicality with the thrill and glamour that so many teen drivers long for. These are cars that can reach high speeds, but that are also equipped with advanced safety features and are easy to maneuver.

Most parents are likely looking for affordability and safety when it comes to buying a sports car for their teen. Luckily, there are several options that are safe and affordable (at least relatively so), and we’ve outlined some of the best sports cars for teens below.

The Mazda Miata performance car is fun, fast and sure to please younger drivers.

Best sports cars for teens: Safety

According to

Hot Cars

, there are several solid options for safe, practical sports cars perfect for teen drivers. These models offer speed and safety, excitement and practicality—all at once.

One such car is the Mazda Miata, a performance car that’s fun and fast and sure to please any teen. However, it’s also easy to drive, lightweight, easy to repair and not very powerful, making it a safe pick. The cherry on top: a used Mazda Miata can come at super cheap prices, sometimes selling for under $1,000.

Another high-performance car suitable for teens is the Chevrolet Cobalt SS, a zesty coupe with strong horsepower and torque.

Teen drivers should also consider the Volkswagen Golf GTI, which offers a lot of punch and power as well as built-in launch control and slower top speeds. These extra safety features make a big difference—and give parents and insurers some peace of mind.

The Toyota MR2 is considered one of the best sports cars for teens. This jaunty sports car was produced for nearly 25 years, offering drivers a dose of reliability alongside a smooth ride and plenty of style. Nowadays, these easy-to-drive cars can be bought pretty cheap. Plus, MR2s offer an added bonus that teens will love: they can double as convertibles.

Other top performance cars for teen drivers include the Honda Civic, the Subaru Impreza, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, the MazdaSpeed 3, and the Dodge Neon SRT-4.

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Best sports cars for teens: Price

Another major consideration when buying a sports car for a teen driver is price. After all, teens have a reputation for recklessness and may not take optimal care of an expensive vehicle.

U.S. News

has compiled a list of affordable sports cars under $20,000 that are on sale this year and that may be worth considering. Topping the list is the 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata, which starts at around $7,300.

Next is the 2010 Ford Mustang, starting at around $10,000. Other cheap sports cars on sale in 2021 include the 2009 Ford Mustang, which starts at around $7,700; the 2010 Nissan 370Z, which starts at around $10,000; the 2010 Chevrolet Camara, which starts at around $11,000; and the 2009 Nissan 370Z, which starts at around $12,500.

Check out the full list for even more low-priced sports cars on offer now.

Sports cars can be risky for teen drivers

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All this being said, it’s important to note that even the best sports cars for teens can be risky for younger drivers and may not always be a good choice. It’s important to know your teen driver well, and for them to understand the risks and responsibilities associated with driving a sports car.

According to the

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

, teen drivers are more likely than older drivers to choose less safe car types, such as sports carts. This is bad news considering that, according to the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), teen drivers are at a higher risk of car accidents—and that this risk is exacerbated when they drive a sports car.

This risk factor can be attributed to the high speed and horsepower levels offered by sports cars, which enable teens to drive quickly and recklessly.

According to an IIHS survey that looked at the responses of 500 parents of teen drivers, safety is the number one consideration when buying a car for a teen. This explains why very few parents of teen drivers—only around 1-2%—opt to buy their kid a sports car.

Ultimately, it’s important to consider the safety of the vehicle, the teen’s driving habits, and your own personal comfort levels before choosing to buy a sports car for your teen.

Car Buying