Car shopping for a teenager is hard. Thankfully, you’re spoiled for choice despite how difficult the task can be. However, there are some vehicles that are absolutely the worst car you can buy your teen. They’re loud, impractical, and expensive to maintain. Ideally, you’ll want a car for your teen that is the exact opposite of those things. Frankly, that’s exactly what you should be looking for. Unfortunately, however, these vehicles are not smart choices if you want a great car for your kids.

The Mclaren 720s is a terrible car for your teen

You can’t argue with a Mclaren. Well, except for right now. The British brand is one of the most storied in automotive history, and the new Mclaren 720s is objectively a fantastic car. Just maybe not for a teenager. Presently, Mclaren says that the 720s is capable of 0-60 MPH in a stunning 2.8 seconds. Honestly, that just isn’t something a 16-year-old driver needs. What a teen does need is a car with a big trunk, which the Mclaren does not have. However, it has to be said, your teen will certainly never be late for school again.

It’s not just the 0-60 time that makes the Mclaren a poor choice for your teen. A new 2021 720s produces 710 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque. That torque would in theory help out your teen on a snowy day, but the car is likely too low for that to matter. Thankfully, the carbon fiber monocoque chassis is extremely safe, so that’s plus one for the Macca in the safety department. In summary, it’s best to look for another option given the car’s retail price of $299,000.

A Porsche 911 Turbo S isn’t a very good choice either

However, the Porsche 911 Turbo S boasts some advantages over the Mclaren for teen drivers. First, the car’s rear-engine layout means the front trunk and back seats are roomy enough for your teen’s backpack, and maybe some of their skinnier friends. Add to that Porsche’s excellent all-wheel-drive system and you’ve got yourself a car any teen can drive every day.

There’s only more positives from there. The 911 features a little more ground clearance than the 720s, and it’s noticeably less flashy, making it less likely to be stolen. However, Car and Driver found that the 2021 model flew to 60 in 2.2 seconds, miles faster than the Mclaren. Again, speed isn’t something your teen needs. Despite its daily usability, the Porsche is perhaps a hair too expensive for a first car at $216,050. That’s without even mentioning the maintenance costs on an engine that makes 640 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque.

The Honda Fit scores poorly in crash safety

Thankfully, the 2013 Honda Fit solves the price issue presented by the other two cars at a competitive $16,225. However, it is hampered by its low crash safety ratings. Additionally, the Honda only produces 117 hp, which could make large hills a struggle for your teen. That said, the Fit promises to be more practical than the other two, though the looks could be something bemoaned by your child. All in all, you’re best looking for something a little more reasonable for your teen, like a gently used Toyota RAV4, an excellent SUV in all regards, and certainly not something like these cars.