10 of the Best and Worst States for Teen Drivers

by Gabrielle DeSantis

As a teenager, getting your driver’s license is one of the most triumphant occasions as motoring freedom is finally at hand. You can finally drive around without your parents in tow and have a nice taste of adulthood everywhere you go. However, that joyous occasion can easily be met with tragedy as the CDC reported that almost 2,400 teens, ages 16-19, were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2019 alone.

WalletHub recently released a report on the best and worst states for teen drivers based on a few different metrics. Where does your state rank among all 50 of them?

The method used to rank all 50 states

In order to get an accurate ranking for all 50 states, WalletHub analyzed each state using three main factors: safety, economic environment, and driving laws. They then evaluated each state using 23 key metrics such as teen driver fatalities per 100,000 teens, maximum cost of a speeding ticket, and leniency of DUI violations. There are many more factors for each category and all three of them were weighted to equal a total of 100.

With the scores tallied up, you could be surprised at the results.

The 10 best overall states for teen drivers

Source: WalletHub

The top 10 states in the nation for teen drivers are quite a mixed bag. However, keep in mind that just because a state is listed at the top of this list, it doesn’t mean that’s completely safe for teen drivers as accidents can happen at any time. However, the data is quite interesting:

  1. New York
  2. Oregon
  3. Connecticut
  4. Alaska
  5. Massachusetts
  6. Michigan
  7. Minnesota
  8. Texas
  9. Maryland
  10. New Jersey

Is this list exactly how you thought it would be? Probably not. But the list of the trailing 10 is just as interesting.

The 10 worst states for teen drivers

Traffic travels on Interstate 80 in El Cerrito, California. | Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images

When it comes to the 10 worst states for teen drivers, the ratings skewed a little more toward the middle of the country. Here are WalletHub rankings:

  1. South Carolina
  2. New Hampshire
  3. Arkansas
  4. Nebraska
  5. Mississippi
  6. Missouri
  7. Montana
  8. South Dakota
  9. Idaho
  10. Wyoming

WalletHub pointed out that those last five states have the most teen fatalities per teen population. They also have the highest number of teen DUIs, so we can see why they ranked lower on the list. According to the study’s scale, driving safety has the highest weight in the rankings so those factors had a major effect on the ranking for those particular states.

What can parents do to keep their teens safe?

Whether your state ranked high or low on this list, it’s important to stress the virtues of safe driving to your newly licensed teen. According to Daniel McGehee, professor and director of the University of Iowa National Advanced Driving Simulator, “The most important thing that parents of teens can do is drive, drive, and drive with their teens. And in all conditions, even the most challenging ones.”

He’s definitely not wrong as having experience in the harshest of conditions can help anyone get better at driving and increase overall awareness, especially for teens. A teenager obtaining their driver’s license may be a joyous occasion, but having the right experience and education can prevent that happy occasion from turning into a tragedy.

RELATED: The Top 10 U.S. Cities That Overspend On Cars

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Wait to Buy a Toyota Tundra- Used Models Are Worth More Than New

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The absurdity of the recent changes in the auto market has struck once again. This time, Toyota Tundra owners stand to benefit. The global semiconductor shortage has pushed values in all different directions, creating waitlists for new models and rabid demand for just about anything else. The Tundra is a perfect example of this, per a study by iSeeCars. In light of this recent spike in values, you may want to wait to buy that Japanese pickup you’ve been eyeing; it could cost you an arm and a leg.

A spike in used Toyota Tundra values

2019 Toyota Tundra | Toyota

The average price of a vehicle, both new and used, has been on the rise for quite some time now. The cost of the average new car, truck or SUV is now well above $35,000. Recent auto market volatility pushes used values ever higher. Owners of popular models stand to benefit the most, especially owners of newer used models. The 2018-2020 model year range seems to see where most of the appreciation in values is concentrated.

As for the Toyota Tundra itself, recently manufactured used models are selling at a 3.7% premium over new models on average. The Japanese brand’s full-size pickup usually does well in this regard thanks to its popularity and reliability, but this is still an extraordinary circumstance. This is due largely to demand for new vehicles. Rather than wait for a new model, consumers would rather pay for the next closest thing and be done with it.

Should you sell?

The interior of the 2019 Tundra
2019 Toyota Tundra interior | Toyota

This is great news for owners of Toyota Tundra models, of course. It’s not often you’ll buy a new car and see it appreciate almost immediately after the purchase. Historically, values of vehicles drop over time. So, if you’re looking to sell that 2019 Toyota Tundra, now is certainly a good time to do so. Moreover, some dealers have halted incentives on new car purchases due to a lack of new inventory.

This is great news for existing owners. If you own a used Tundra, dealers are practically forcing potential customers into your waiting arms by removing these incentives. As long as you’re not price gouging, you stand to make a neat little pile of cash by selling right now. Additionally, demand is high across the board as parts of the U.S recover economically from the Coronavirus pandemic and restrictions ease.

These circumstances may not last much longer

A Toyota badge on the back of a Tundra pickup
The Toyota logo | Dhiraj Singh via Getty Images

This circumstance is all about timing. The combination of the supercapacitor shortage, the gradual lifting of pandemic restrictions, and fewer dealer incentives have all contributed to this appreciation in used Toyota Tundra values. The market right now belongs very much to sellers, so if you want to sell move quickly, as the auto market shows signs of stabilizing soon. However, if you’re a buyer, it is of course best to wait. Values could stay high just as easily as they could plummet.

RELATED: The 2022 Toyota Tundra’s Infotainment Gets a Big Update

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How an 11-Year-Old Bought and Renovated a Camper for Only $800

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Even before the pandemic, influencers have always played up the appeal of RV living and #vanlife. Many people appreciate the freedom of being able to visit beautiful places from the comfort of a camper. An RV is also a great place to stay when you’re camping in the wilderness, especially when bad weather hits.

It’s no secret that RVs can also be more expensive than most other passenger vehicles. Still, it’s possible to renovate an old model for a relatively low price. Take it from an 11-year-old New York girl who fixed up an old travel trailer for under $1,000.

So simple a kid could do it

Lauren Nelson was inspired to buy her own travel trailer after seeing a toy VW Bus in an American Girl brochure, WBKW Buffalo reports. Rather than spend hundreds of dollars on the toy, Nelson’s parents suggested she buy her own camper. She saved up $400 and, with her parents’ help, bought a travel trailer from a neighbor.

Nelson spent an additional $400 for the RV’s renovations on her own. She continues to use the trailer as her own private hideaway five days a week. Skeptical? Blogger Proverbs 31 Girl also proved it’s possible to spend only $500 on TV renovations.

How much do used campers cost?

According to Cruise America, a used Class C trailer usually costs around $40,000. Class B and A RVs are larger, so expect their prices to climb from there. Additionally, you’ll have to pay taxes on your camper purchase and vehicle registration fees.

Depending upon the kind of RV you need, a new model might be less expensive. Camper Report says you can find a decent travel trailer for around $20,000. Class A motorhomes are the most expensive, with some costing nearly $300,000. 

Some buyers have found used RVs for excellent deals, as low as $1,900. Keep in mind that the lower the price, the more renovations it will likely need. Still, renovations costs will likely be small compared to a new RV’s price.

The cost of renovating an old camper

The All Things With Purpose blog notes that the cost of camper renovations depends upon what needs fixing. Paint is cheap and can easily fix peeling wallpaper or other outdated decor elements. Painting an entire RV might cost as little as $300. Fixing old flooring or toilets might be more time-consuming, but these are both inexpensive tasks.

Any problem that requires a specialist’s intervention, such as wiring and mechanical issues, will be more expensive. Engine problems are the priciest hurdle when trying to renovate an RV. If it has too many miles on it and not enough accrued maintenance, it might need to be replaced.

Water damage can also be a nightmare to fix if you can’t locate the source. RVs with damaged frames are both unsafe and almost impossible to fix.

Tires can also be expensive to replace, but at least they’re relatively easy to find. If you have a bigger trailer, you’ll probably also want to replace furniture and appliances. Fortunately, you might also be able to find these items from local online marketplaces at low prices.

Making RV renovations on a tight budget

Go Travel Trailers shows a few real-life examples of successfully renovated campers. In addition to a little cash, you’ll also need patience and dedication for an extensive project. Although it might seem daunting at first, camper renovations for under $1,000 are definitely doable. 

RELATED: Don’t Miss Out on These Dark-Sky RV Campgrounds

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The Ford Bronco Pickup Truck Is Lightyears Away

by Gabrielle DeSantis

We have some good news and some disappointing news! First of all, the Ford Bronco pickup truck looks like it’s going to happen! The Ford Maverick didn’t take it off the table. However, the Bronco Pickup truck might not come out until 2025. 

The 2025 Ford Bronco pickup truck is coming 

2025 Ford Bronco Pickup rendering | Ford Authority

Many exciting things are on the way, including the 2022 Bronco Raptor and Ford Bronco pickup truck. However, according to MotorTrend, we have to wait. The Bronco truck isn’t expected to arrive until the middle of 2024 as a 2025 model. 

The Bronco is trying to rival the Jeep. The two-door and four-door models are pretty capable matches against the Wrangler, and the Bronco Sport is a lighter version. It’s similar to the less off-roading-oriented Jeep Cherokee and Renegade. 

But now the Bronco needs a truck to take on the Jeep Gladiator, and they’re already a few years behind the competition. The new Gladiator went on sale in 2019 and already has a hybrid model in the works. 

What to expect for the Bronco truck 

The Ford Bronco launched with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 275 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. You can also upgrade to the 2.7-liter V6 engine with 310 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. But by 2025, the new Ford Bronco pickup truck should gain something with a little more muscle. 

It could get the Ford 3.0-liter EcoBoost turbo V6 that offers 355 to 647 hp and up to 630 lb-ft of torque. Rumors also suggest that it could get the 5.0-liter V8 with 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. There’s been no mention of a hybrid variant yet. 

With the Jeep Gladiator, you get a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The 3.0-liter V6 diesel provides 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. The Bronco can tow up to 3,500 lbs, and the Gladiator can tow up to 7,650 lbs. So, the Bronco truck will need to be beefier. 

Also, rumors suggest that we could see the 2022 Jeep Gladiator 4xe debut soon. The wrangler 4xe has a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine that’s paired with two electric motors to provide 375 hp and 770 lb-ft of torque. Rumors about the Jeep Gladiator 392 with a 6.7-liter V8 are also starting to emerge. 

What will the Bronco Truck’s features be like? 

The 2022 Ford Bronco pickup truck could be offered with two-door and four-door body styles. Recently spy shots revealed a single cab Ford Ranger covered in camouflage, so Ford is working on two-door trucks. 

It’s safe to expect similar trim levels and equipment that the Bronco SUV already has, like the Blandlands, Big Bend, and Wildtrak models. The Bronco Sasquatch package will add extra off-roading goodies. 

It could have a special First Edition package when it launches too. Pricing for this model with all the bells and whistles could start around $60,000. The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon begins at about $43,875. The base model Bronco truck could start at around $30,000, and the Gladiator begins at $34,040. 

The Ford Bronco truck would serve as a more rugged and durable model compared to the Ford Ranger. It would provide a midsize truck option to compete against the off-roading Gladiator. We will keep you updated as we learn more!

RELATED: The Jeep Wrangler 4xe Dominates the Ford Bronco

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