A teenager’s first car has a different job than yours: it needs to be safe, reliable, easy to drive, and affordable to insure — without being too big or too fast. Here’s what to prioritize for a new Brevard County driver navigating school runs, A1A, and I-95.

What matters most in a first car

• Safety. Look for good crash-test ratings and modern features. Electronic Stability Control has been standard on all new cars since the 2012 model year, and backup cameras since 2018 — both are worth having for a new driver.
• Reliability. A dependable car means fewer breakdowns and roadside worries for a young driver.
• Right-sized power. A sensible engine is easier (and safer) for a teen than something fast.
• Affordability. A lower price and modest value also help keep insurance in check.

Good first-car choices

Compact and midsize sedans and small SUVs hit the sweet spot. Models with strong reliability and safety reputations include the Honda Civic and Accord, Toyota Corolla and Camry, Mazda3, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, and small SUVs like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The right pick depends on your budget and your teen’s needs.

Keeping teen insurance affordable

Teens are expensive to insure, and Florida is already a pricey insurance state. A modest, safe, lower-value car usually costs less to cover than a flashy or high-powered one. Ask your insurer about good-student and safety-feature discounts, and see our Florida used-car insurance guide for more ways to save.

Buy it right

Whatever you choose, get a pre-purchase inspection and review the history report so there are no surprises. We’re happy to walk you and your new driver through a car’s condition in person or on video — because a first car should be one you both feel good about.

Frequently asked questions

When your car is your income, the math is different. A great rideshare vehicle sips fuel, rarely breaks down, and keeps passengers comfortable — because every mile and every repair comes straight out of your earnings. Here’s how to choose one, and which used cars fit the bill.

What rideshare drivers should prioritize

• Fuel efficiency. You’ll rack up miles fast, so high mpg directly grows your take-home pay.
• Reliability and low upkeep. Downtime means lost income; a dependable car keeps you earning.
• Passenger comfort. A roomy, quiet back seat earns better ratings and tips.
• Reasonable insurance. An efficient, modest car keeps your costs down — and remember rideshare driving needs the right coverage (more below).

Smart used cars for rideshare

Hybrids are the classic choice — a Toyota Prius or Camry Hybrid can dramatically cut your fuel cost. Efficient, comfortable sedans like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, and Hyundai Elantra are also popular for their reliability and back-seat room. If you want to run UberXL or carry larger groups, a roomy SUV or minivan opens up higher-paying rides.

Does your car qualify?

Uber and Lyft set their own vehicle requirements, and they vary by city and change over time. Generally they want a four-door vehicle in good condition within a certain age range. Before you buy specifically to drive, check the current requirements for your market on the Uber and Lyft websites so you know the vehicle qualifies.

Don’t forget rideshare insurance

A standard personal auto policy may not fully cover you while you’re driving for hire. Uber and Lyft provide some coverage during trips, but many drivers add a rideshare endorsement or commercial policy to fill the gaps. Talk to your insurer before you start driving — and see our Florida used-car insurance guide for context.

Frequently asked questions

Buying a used car from a dealer in another state is more common than ever — but the taxes, title, and transport can feel confusing. Here’s a plain-English walkthrough so you know what to expect, whether you’re a Floridian buying from afar or an out-of-state buyer purchasing from us here in Melbourne.

Where do you pay sales tax?

As a general rule, you pay sales tax to the state where you’ll title and register the vehicle — usually your home state, not necessarily the state where the dealer is located. Most states have reciprocal agreements so you aren’t taxed twice. Depending on the states involved, the dealer may collect your home-state tax at the point of sale, or you’ll pay it when you register at home.

Because the exact rules vary by state, it’s always smart to confirm with your home state’s motor-vehicle agency before you buy. If you’re a Florida resident buying from a Florida dealer, the dealer collects Florida’s 6% state sales tax plus any county surtax at the point of sale.

The title and paperwork

The dealer provides the signed title and a bill of sale, plus an odometer disclosure. You’ll use those documents to title and register the car in your home state. A reputable dealer will make sure the paperwork is complete and correct so your local tag office doesn’t bounce it back.

Getting the car home

• Have it shipped. The simplest option — an auto-transport carrier brings it to your door or a nearby terminal. No temporary tag needed.
• Drive it home. You’ll typically need a temporary tag or transit permit, plus at least your home state’s minimum insurance in place before you hit the road.

How to buy out of state with confidence

The biggest worry with an out-of-state purchase is buying a car you’ve only seen in photos. That’s why we do a video walk-around of the actual vehicle on request — engine start, undercarriage, interior, and any cosmetic blemishes called out — before you commit. Ask us anything you want to see, and we’ll show it on camera. We’d rather over-disclose up front than have you surprised at delivery.

This article is general information, not tax or legal advice — confirm the specifics with your home state’s DMV or tax authority.

Frequently asked questions

Sales tax is one of those costs that’s easy to underestimate until you’re at the signing table. Here’s exactly how used-car sales tax works in Florida and Brevard County, what’s taxable, and who collects it — so there are no surprises.

The rate: 6% state + county surtax

Florida charges 6% state sales tax on a used-vehicle purchase. Your county then adds a discretionary sales surtax — but only on the first $5,000 of the price. In Brevard County the surtax is currently 1%, so it adds about $50 maximum per vehicle. (Brevard’s surtax is scheduled to expire December 31, 2026 unless renewed by voters, so confirm the current rate when you buy.)

What’s taxable — and what isn’t

Sales tax applies to the vehicle’s price including most dealer charges (like prep or dealer fees). Separately-stated, state-mandated fees — such as the title and registration fees themselves — generally aren’t taxed. The Florida Department of Revenue’s motor-vehicle guidance (GT-800030) spells this out.

A trade-in lowers your taxable amount

When you trade a vehicle in at a dealer, Florida figures tax on the price after your trade-in allowance — not the full price (§212.09, Florida Statutes). On a $20,000 car with an $8,000 trade, you’d be taxed on $12,000, saving about $480. Our trade-in tax credit guide breaks down the math.

Who collects it: dealer vs. private sale

Buy from a licensed Florida dealer and the dealer collects the state tax and county surtax at the point of sale and remits it for you. Buy in a private sale and no one collects it at the time — you pay the 6% (plus surtax) yourself when you title and register the car at the tax collector’s office.

A note on financing

If you finance, Florida also charges a documentary stamp tax on the loan — 35 cents per $100 financed (about $3.50 per $1,000), applied to the amount you borrow, not the car’s price. It’s a small line item, but worth knowing about so your out-the-door number makes sense. This article is general information, not tax advice — confirm current rates with the Florida Department of Revenue or the Brevard County Tax Collector.

Frequently asked questions

Between Space Coast commutes, errands, and the occasional Orlando run, fuel adds up fast. A used hybrid can cut that bill in half or more — and the best ones have earned strong reputations for going the distance. Here’s what to look for and which models are worth a close look on the used market.

Why a hybrid makes sense in Florida

Hybrids shine in exactly the kind of driving Florida is full of: stop-and-go traffic, red lights, and short trips, where the electric motor does a lot of the work. You get the fuel savings without ever plugging in, and the air conditioning works just like any other car — no range anxiety on a hot day.

Proven used hybrids to consider

• Toyota Prius — the original hybrid icon, EPA-rated around 57 mpg combined on recent models (fueleconomy.gov). Toyota’s hybrid system has a 25-plus-year track record.
• Toyota RAV4 Hybrid — a roomy, efficient SUV that often returns around 40 mpg combined, depending on year and trim.
• Toyota Camry Hybrid — a comfortable midsize sedan with excellent combined economy, frequently in the high-40s mpg.
• Honda Accord Hybrid — a refined, spacious sedan well-regarded for efficiency and reliability.

Always confirm a specific vehicle’s EPA rating at fueleconomy.gov, since numbers vary by model year and trim. Consumer Reports regularly features Toyota and Honda hybrids among its reliable used-car picks.

What to check on a used hybrid

• Hybrid battery condition. Ask about the battery’s health and any prior replacement; a healthy hybrid battery still holds strong charge.
• Service history. Regular maintenance is a good sign the car was cared for.
• Remaining warranty. Hybrid components often carry longer warranties — check what’s left.
• The usual basics. Tires, brakes, and a clean history report still matter.

Hybrid vs. full EV

A hybrid never needs to be plugged in, which makes it the easiest way to save fuel without changing your routine. If you’re curious about going fully electric, see our used EV buying guide and our guide to owning a Tesla on the Space Coast.

Frequently asked questions