Be warned - Beetles are relatively unsafe, especially if you're a new driver and/or live somewhere with snow, or bad weather. They're easy to roll because of their round and slightly top-heavy build, and believe me, you do NOT want to be involved in a rollover accident. A wider, front-wheel drive car that's a little lower to the ground will give you more grip and more control for slippery weather. If your state/city tends to flood, however, you might WANT a taller type of car. Take your usual weather into account.

I agree with Abby about Hondas - they really do (seem to) last forever (I think they were actually named as one of the top 10 longest lasting cars).
As far as my experience goes, Hondas and Nissans from the 1990s are the longest-lasting, and safest. My parents both had Accords, both of the cars were in BAD accidents, and my parents were fine. I can honestly say Hondas are probably some of the safest cars on the market. They're just built REALLY well. They're like little tanks.
All together, if you're looking for a durable car that lasts a long time, that isn't easy to crash, take a look at Hondas and other cars from the 1990's.
Most cars from that decade allow the driver to really feel the road - that is, you'll quickly know when the road is slippery, etc. They'll give you a good, solid feel for driving, which is SO important for your first car. Cars from the 2000s, I think, are too cushy, and you can't really tell what's going on under your wheels. While I'm all for control, however, I also suggest you look for an automatic. That way you'll have less to think about, unless you've been doing a lot of practice driving on a manual shifter.

Now, I drive a car that I got from a volunteer car lot (more on that in a sec). I actually don't recommend my car, though, unless you're ready to spring for repairs. These have a tendency to devour transmissions, I'm told. I do, however, drive about 340 miles on one tank of gas, which is great (close to 30mpg). I love it because it handles rough driving and weaving, and...uh, all sorts of illegal things that you shouldn't do with your car. (Avoid bright colors, you might get pulled over more often)^^

Anyway, a used car is a fantastic idea. If you can find a friend (or a parent) who knows a lot about cars, you can even check out a volunteer lot (Google Volunteers of America). They sell donated cars that often need a couple of minor repairs, and they make great fixer-uppers (I got my car for $1500, including tax, title, and registration). Their goal is to provide people with cars who need them, and that includes teenagers. I don't suggest going to one of those places without a knowledgeable acquaintance, though.

When you get to the test-driving step, check for locking seat belts, and an Anti-lock Break System. Ask about the gas mileage in the city versus on the highway - you wanna aim for like, 25mpg+. I also suggest, after you've decided on a couple of cars to look into a little more, checking www.kbb.com (Kelly Blue Book). That way you can check the value of the car to make sure you're not getting ripped off. (Be wary of this, be suspicious, and be prepared to try to talk the price down.) Take a mental note of the mileage of the car you're looking at. Aim for below 100,000. Anywhere above hat, depending on the car, it's probably nearing the end of its vehicular life.

NEVER put the money down the day you see the car. Take some time, do your research, check out the Carfax report, if you can get it, etc.

I know this is kind of a lot to take note of, but keep it in mind.

Good luck on finding your new car! (and congrats for when you get it)

Siren

THanks SO much!!! That really helped a lot! Definitely looking into Honda :)

I'm a laid-back 26 year old with a Psychology BA, starting my MA program, and working my way into the field as quickly as I can. It took me an extra Bachelor's degree (in vocal performance and creative writing) to figure it out, but I was put on this Earth to help, to heal, and to love.

I have made the decision to dedicate my life and career to helping others. I am here to do just that.

I've been a member since 2004, and since I signed up, I've gone through quite a lot and learned quite a lot from it. I'm here to give guidance where I had none; no one should have to go through the difficulties I went through alone.

Feel free to visit my website/blog, if you want to read my experience with domestic violence and my thoughts on it.

***While I do tend to answer mental health and other health-related or medicine-related questions, I am by NO MEANS a licensed physician or practitioner of any sort. Any and all advice I give for these questions is from my own experience or studies.***

If you need to get a hold of me quickly, my screen name on AIM is SirenCytherea. Just let me know you found me here.

I'm a strong believer in the idea that there are no stupid questions except the ones left unasked, so, please, keep an open mind, heart, and mouth.

Siren

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