It may be hard to believe that your teenager is already old enough to drive, but finding the ideal first car can be even more of a challenge. As a parent, ensuring your child’s safety is your number one priority. Their first car should be as safe, reliable, and budget-friendly as possible, so you’ll have to do a bit of research and shop around to find the best deals and options.
Of course, buying your teen’s first car isn’t just about picking the one that looks best on paper. You’ll have to work with your teen to find an option that suits their needs and instill the responsibility that driving requires. While these are awfully big tasks, the following tips will help you get through the process with ease.
Determine Your Budget
For you and for your teen, funds are the biggest limitation in this car search. Before you start browsing for options, you need to sit down together and talk about your budget. How much are you willing to spend? If your teen works, will they be required to pay for a portion of the car? Explain your thoughts, feelings, and available resources so you can all work together to find a car that fits the bill. Talking to your kids at this age can be tough, but it’s important to include them in big decisions and teach them how to handle their money.
Consider the Size
While your teenager already has ambitious ideas in mind for the make and model of their first car, it’s important to be realistic and choose a safe and responsible option. One important factor to consider is car size. Your teen may be dreaming of a big vehicle that can transport all of their friends or a small, flashy sports car, but the ideal size is probably somewhere in the middle.
Smaller cars offer less protection in the event of an accident, while large vehicles can be difficult to maneuver. A mid-size car should serve your teen well and offer the right balance of safety and accessibility for new drivers.
Decide Between New or Used
Further, you’ll need to decide whether or not you will be choosing a new car or a used one.
Your teen will most likely push for newer options with updated tech features and designs or with the best performance parts such as exhaust systems, but they are much more expensive than older used vehicles. That said, older vehicles can develop problems that necessitate more repairs and maintenance over time. Those bills can pile up and make them less cost-effective than you might think.
Once again, it’s wise to look for an in-between option. Used cars that have fewer miles and years on them are good choices for new drivers. This way, they can start out with a reliable car that has some newer features without breaking the bank on a vehicle they likely won’t keep forever.
Have a Talk About Expenses
Finally, it’s important to discuss the financial responsibilities of owning a car. The initial car purchase is already a big deal for your teen, but they may not fully grasp the fact that there will be ongoing expenses for maintenance, fuel, repairs, and the right kind of insurance for new drivers like them.
To ensure that your teen understands what they are getting into, teach them about car upkeep and give them an idea of how much each expense will cost. Sit down with them and help them research insurance rates, total up monthly gas expenses, and look up how much average repairs and maintenance services cost in your area. If they have a solid idea of how much their new car truly costs, they’re far more likely to treat it with respect and work hard to afford what they need.
Follow these tips to help your teen find the perfect first car and start their driving experience off the right way. If your child understands the value of big purchases, good safety practices, and the responsibilities of car ownership before hitting the road, they’re sure to become an excellent driver!
Additional reading:
- FVF Law recommends that you should educate your teens about their rights in case of a road accident
- When to contact a car accident lawyer in 2021?
- How to choose the best car accident lawyer for your needs?
