Choose the Best Car for Your Teenager
Congratulations! Your teenager got their driver's license and is now ready to hit the road independently. If you don't want them to use a vehicle you already own and are willing to invest in a new car for them, here is how to choose the best car for your teenage driver.
Contents
Steps
- Have a discussion with your teen. Ask them, what kind of car do you feel would be the most practical fit for your needs? Try to have them focus on small, compact cars (but not too small). Sure, they may want to start with the fancy convertible or the huge pickup truck, but make it clear to your teen that they should be fairly open minded. This is their first car!
- Look through pictures, brochures, and models online. Consider the most durable and reliable car brands before your favorites, as these types of vehicles have a wide variety of capabilities so your teen can handle any situation that may arise. Thoroughly read car reviews posted by real drivers (not paid car enthusiasts) to get the most accurate impressions.
- Visit a used car dealership and browse for something close to what you saw online. Usually, you'll be able to find a similar model from a different year, which will generally look almost the same and may only be missing a few negligible features. Of course, you can visit any auto dealership if you want your teenager to have a brand-new car, but the best deals are on used cars.
- Choose between an automatic or manual. Some parents prefer that their teenage drivers know how to work both types, but remember, there are good and bad aspects to both. With a manual, you have to take the time to learn how to shift gears, and they have to take their hands off the wheel to shift. Are you going to teach them? Also, it's easy for a new driver to burn out the clutch, and, depending on the car, that could cost you $1,500 or more.
- Decide on a car once you've narrowed down the options. Make sure to involve not just you and your teenage driver, but the whole family for their collective input. If it helps, write down a list of the pros and cons of each car on your list and go over each one.
- Go and buy the car. Make your teen happy! Remember, this means that now, they get to pay for the insurance and gas. Your part is done. Oh, and, say goodbye to late night driving them home from parties or friend's houses!
Tips
- Avoid promising more than you can spend. In other words, don't get your teen excited about all the possible add-on features like Bluetooth, GPS, back-up camera, iPod adapter, etc. if you do not intend on paying extra for them.
- If you can, offer to look for a car in whatever color your teen wants. This can usually cost quite a bit, but it can also make your teen settle for a cheaper type of car. Do not repaint a car unless absolutely necessary. The factory paint job is applied under carefully controlled conditions and is baked for much higher durability.
- Don't get your teen excited about buying a NEW car (unless you have the money) because when they see the used car, they will be less than impressed. If buying a new car, make sure the teen has some experience driving an older car because the teen will inevitably cause a few scuffs when starting out.
- Teens may drive over-exuberantly. The car should have just enough power to merge and pass safely; a modern four or smallish six cylinder engine is generally enough.
- Remember to tell your teen, "You are now responsible for gas, and insurance." (or, depending on your financial situation, one or neither) Make sure that s/he understands the cost of these expenses. If they don't have a job, suggest and help them to get one.
- If your teen has been saving up, ask them to pay half, or 1/3 of the cost. Make a deal. Remember, it's their car.
Warnings
- Do not let your teen expect a new car unless you are absolutely able to provide that for them. This will make both of you upset. Make sure that they know exactly what kind of car you can afford.
- Do not get too many add-ons in the car. They're sensible for more experienced drivers, but can be distracting and unnecessary for new drivers.
- Make sure that you trust your teen as a driver. Don't send them out on the road unless you are completely confident of their abilities. If you are still nervous, consider hiring a driving instructor for additional lessons.
