The teenage years are a transitional time between childhood and adulthood. Your young adult is making decisions on more serious matters and there is more pressure for teens to make mature choices. One stressful choice is purchasing your teen’s first car. When it comes to purchasing a vehicle for your teenager, chances are your highest priority is safety for them on the road. Here a few primary considerations that may influence what car you decide on:
1. Safety: Young adults typically do not have the experience to handle every unique situation with other drivers. Keep in mind their experience typically includes driving school and other practices being instructed by another driver such as a parent or guardian. A car’s interior and exterior condition, vehicle history, and other safety features are all important to consider for parents and young drivers.
2. Dependability: Many salespeople are committed to reaching a goal and will try to sell parents expensive cars for their new driver based on the gadgets and technology. Don’t be swindled: Ask about previous accidents, maintenance history, and the likelihood of the make and model to get an idea of how dependable a car will be. This especially applies if you are looking at buying used.
3. Value: You might find a vehicle at a great rate but take into account the cost of any repairs and ongoing maintenance costs. Some car brands require more expensive parts or repairs. Once you factor in the future costs, it may change your idea on a certain model.
While teenagers might prefer sports cars or a vehicle that is focused on aesthetics, a practical car purchase can help keep them safe and costs low. As car insurance is more expensive for teenagers and new drivers, an emphasis on safe practices could help prevent more accidents in the future. For more information and tips for buying and maintaining a car for your teen, check out the accompanying infographic below.
Infographic created by Capital Auto Auction, a vehicle auctions company
