That day is here, your kid has reached the age to get behind a wheel, and you’ve decided to get them their first car. But you have no idea where to start from. You know that your top priority should be safety because adolescent drivers experience three times more fatal accidents than all other drivers. However, the market provides you with a wide range of options, from old and new models to cheap and expensive, and it mostly comes to the education your teen has at home and behind the wheel. If they know the potential danger a car represents and how important it’s to drive it safely, you can consider getting them a powerful vehicle, but if they’re tempted to drive at high speed and get distracted, then you need to teach them a couple more lessons before getting them their first car.
Here are some recommendations to check in your path to buying your kid’s first car.
Safety is crucial
Adolescents are the riskiest drivers, and you shouldn’t neglect to check the safety features the car they drive includes. Make a list of models that include features crafted for teens like crash protection and avoidance capabilities, automatic emergency braking system, and side-crash prevention system. The car’s size also determines how safe a car is on the road, and even if they don’t want to drive a sedan, these models offer better crash protection than smaller models, and they’re easier to handle on the road, so you should first check this category. Sedans are also great vehicles for adolescents because they have shorter braking distances than regular vehicles, which are vital for an adolescent driver.
Compare the benefits new and used vehicles provide
Over 80% of the parents who purchase a car for their teenagers prefer used models because they’re more affordable. Supposing you consider this option, keep in mind that the money you save may end up being spent on maintenance and repairs. Get in touch with an expert from a car dealership lees summit and ask their opinion on the car model suitable for your teenagers’ driving style. Before buying a used car, you should also consider that not all include crash-avoidance technologies that can make a difference in an accident.
You may be worried that the car will get a little banged up because your kid has no parking experience and drinking it. This is part of the experience that will help your child improve their performance.
Understand the associated costs each model has
Regardless of the type of car you purchase, used or new, your kid’s first car can be a serious budget shift, and you need to determine if you afford to spare the money. Whether you decide to pay for the entire sum, or your teenager can contribute with a portion, don’t forget to consider the associated costs that include maintenance, repairs, insurance, and fuel. The expenses don’t stop at purchasing the car, the vehicle will become a monthly expense. Talk with your child to determine who will pay for the associated costs.
Use online tools to search for the right car
Before you visit the local dealership, use online tools to search for reviews for reliability, safety, and performance. Auto directories allow you to search automakers online and compare models to determine which one is the right model for your kid. These resources can help you cut down the list of options, so when you head to the showroom, to know exactly what you’re looking for.
Figure out what your financial game plan is
When you pay for your child’s first car, the auto loan is in your name. So, you should get in touch with your financial advisor to figure out if you can get another loan. Your adolescent may not be able to get the loan on their name, but they can lay the groundwork for good credit. Your child can also have a part-time job to help you with the monthly payments, especially if they want a more expensive car than you can afford.
Don’t get a car with high horsepower
Do you remember what you felt the first time you got behind the wheel of your first car? You felt like you can rule the world, and you drove it at maximum speed. Even if now you’re a responsible driver, don’t expect your teenage child to do the same, especially if they have a vehicle with a high horsepower because these models encourage adolescents to drive fast. Their friends will definitely encourage them to test the car’s limits. But if you get a car with low horsepower you encourage your kid to drive slower and safer.
Speeding is responsible for one in three accidents, including teenagers, so it’s in your adolescent’s interest to have a slower first car. Vehicles with less power are handles less aggressively and keep their drivers safer.
Take the car for a test
After you drive the car, ensure that your kid also feels comfortable and at ease to handle it on the road. Ask them to try multiple potential cars in different situations to determine which one they prefer. Talk about their impressions after testing each vehicle, and give them time to compare the experiences and figure out on their own, which one they were more comfortable to drive.
Once they decide upon a particular model, you should test the car again, and if possible, as a mechanic to check it because there may be concerns you missed the first time you saw it.
Get a pre-purchase inspection
When you decide to get a used car, it’s advisable to have a visual inspection and test to identify possible issues. However, if you’re not a mechanic, you may miss some of the red flags, and it’s best to hire an expert to have a look. It’s worth paying for a pre-purchase examination because the mechanic can estimate how much the repairs and upgrades costs. When buying from a local dealership, the pre-purchase inspection can lower the purchase price if red flags are detected.