How do I pick a safe first car for a teenager?
Teen Drivers in Wisconsin · Barron, WI
How do I pick a safe first car for a teenager?
Reviewed by Cory Gunderson, Internet Sales & Finance Manager · Last checked October 27, 2026
Short answer
Start with the list IIHS and Consumer Reports publish together. It sorts used vehicles into Best Choices and Good Choices, with starting prices from under $5,000 to nearly $20,000, and keeps a separate list of new vehicles. Check open recalls on the VIN before you buy.
The details
How we'd use that list on a Barron-area budget:
- Shortlist from the IIHS/CR picks, then match them to what's actually for sale nearby.
- Run the VIN at NHTSA for open recalls. IIHS recommends this before you buy any used vehicle.
- Read the Wisconsin Buyers Guide on the window. It shows the warranty and any known problems.
- Get an insurance quote first. Premiums for young drivers vary widely by vehicle.
Eligible used vehicles at Swant Graber, 10 model years or newer with under 150,000 miles, include a 45-day/5,000-mile powertrain warranty. The warranty document spells out the coverage.
Questions? Talk to a real person in Barron.
Call or message us and we'll give you a straight answer, or point you to the right office if it's not ours to answer.
More Teen Drivers in Wisconsin answers
- Teen Drivers in Wisconsin: Licenses, Rules and Safe First Cars
- What does a Wisconsin teen need to get a driver license?
- What are the rules for a new teen driver in Wisconsin?
- What is Wisconsin's car seat and booster seat law?
Helpful Swant Graber pages
- Used vehicles under $15,000
- How to check recalls by VIN
- Wisconsin Buyers Guide explained
- First-time car buyer guide
- Car insurance questions
- Ask Swant Graber: car-buying questions
More buyer and owner answers
- Wisconsin Title & Registration Questions, Answered
- Hit a Deer in Wisconsin? What to Do, Who to Call, What Is Covered
- Wisconsin Road Rules Drivers Ask About
- Car Care Questions: Warning Lights, Tires, Batteries, Oil and Warranty
- Ask Swant Graber: car-buying questions
3 brands. 2 rooftops. 1 Swant Graber.
Chevrolet, Dodge, Ram, and Ford on one Highway 8 campus in Barron, with Swant Graber roots here since 1959. Swant Graber Motors and Swant Graber Ford sit directly across Highway 8 from each other.
Swant Graber Motors
Chevrolet · Dodge · Ram
1690 E Division Ave (Highway 8)Barron, WI 54812
Phone
715-537-5657Sales: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. · Service: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Swant Graber Ford
Ford · across Highway 8
1697 E Division Ave (Highway 8)Barron, WI 54812
Phone
715-537-9500Sales: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. · Service: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Questions
Where can I find a list of safe cars for teens?
IIHS and Consumer Reports publish one at iihs.org, linked below, updated in May 2026.
How much do safe used cars for teens cost?
IIHS says starting prices for its recommended used models range from under $5,000 to nearly $20,000.
Should I check recalls on a used car for my teen?
Yes. IIHS recommends checking the VIN for open recalls before you buy.
Questions? Talk to a real person
Call or stop in at either store on Highway 8 in Barron. We are happy to help, even if you are not buying today.
Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet, Ram, Dodge)
1690 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812
715-537-5657
Swant Graber Ford
1697 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812
715-537-9500