As a parent, it’s normal to feel excited and concerned about your teenager getting behind the wheel. While your teen may want a flashy or sporty vehicle as a first car, you may envision a more practical and safer option. Before investing in a new set of wheels, consider these crucial tips.
Set a strict budget that accounts for gas, maintenance and insurance. Once you have a budget in mind, be sure to shop around. Explore the new and used cars at auto auctions, licensed dealerships and even those from private sellers. Consider making a list of practical vehicles that you want to check out.
Choose a car that’s safe and reliable. Look for one that has safety features including air bags, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist and forward collision warning. These can give you and your teen peace of mind. Additionally, if you’re buying a used vehicle, consider having it inspected by a certified mechanic to ensure it’s in good condition.
Have your teen test drive the car. He or she should feel comfortable behind the wheel and know how to work all the controls. As an experienced driver, you may want to test drive the vehicle yourself to check for blind spots or any red flags.
For more tips on buying your teen’s first car, see the accompanying resource.
Infographic created by Capital Auto Auction.
