When children reach driving age, the aching concern of parents grows from the day they get their license. Your concern for safety and cost can be overwhelming, especially if your teen wants a brand new car.
Most teens have his or her own long list of preferences on which car to get, and safety typically isn’t their top priority. But luckily, it is yours.
Most teens have his or her own long list of preferences on which car to get, and safety typically isn’t their top priority. But luckily, it is yours.
Whether you buy a new or used car, you must be well aware of its condition, reliability track record and safety features.
Here are few things to consider when buying a new or used car for your teen:
1. Size of the vehicle
When choosing the size of the car, it’s best to choose a midsize vehicle. Big SUVs and trucks can be difficult to maneuver, and small vehicles won’t provide as much collision protection.
According to “The Best Cars For Teen” by Warren Clarke of Edmunds.com, AAA highly recommends that parents avoid SUVs because these vehicles are prone to roll over in extreme driving condition. Plus large pickups and SUVs also have high centers of gravity making them even more prone to roll over than smaller cars. These cars also have high gas mileage, which not only burns more gas but also burns through your wallet.
2. Crash test and safety ratings
It’s important to do your research, and take careful considerations when buying a car for your children. Be sure to check for the best crash test ratings from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Make sure the car is in good condition with updated key safety features such as electronic stability control, airbags etc.
3. Car’s Age
The age of the car is not as important that its features. Age has less of an impact on reliability. If you’re considering buying a cheap or pass down old family car, go to CarsMD’s Vehicle Health Index. It compares the dependability of new and used models and even ranks manufacturers and vehicle reliability based on real life repairs.
4. Advance technology safety features
What’s great about getting a new car is the cutting-edge technology it offers, such as crash avoidance technology. It features forward collision warning, automatic braking, lane departure warning and blind zone detection.
5. Consider All Cost
Adding a new teen driver to your plan will increase your monthly auto insurance rates - so be sure to request for the best auto insurance rate to keep expenses manageable. Choosing a car with lower accident risk can lower down your monthly payments.
In addition, there's a tool you can use called True Cost to Own or TCO. It estimates a model’s buying, ownership and operating costs. It factors in depreciation, interest on financing, taxes and fees, insurance premiums, fuel, maintenance and even federal tax credit.
For more car buying tips, read “A Woman’s Guide in Choosing the Right Car.”
6. Establishing Rules
Now that you know how to choose a car for your teen, be sure to also educate them on the safety rules and guidelines: no texting and driving, limit the number of passengers, what to do in case of emergency, car maintenance and DIY auto detailing.
If you have any more questions regarding replacing parts on your new or used vehicle, call the friendly and knowledgeable staff at Meyers Auto Parts (702 431 8000).
Here are few things to consider when buying a new or used car for your teen:
1. Size of the vehicle
When choosing the size of the car, it’s best to choose a midsize vehicle. Big SUVs and trucks can be difficult to maneuver, and small vehicles won’t provide as much collision protection.
According to “The Best Cars For Teen” by Warren Clarke of Edmunds.com, AAA highly recommends that parents avoid SUVs because these vehicles are prone to roll over in extreme driving condition. Plus large pickups and SUVs also have high centers of gravity making them even more prone to roll over than smaller cars. These cars also have high gas mileage, which not only burns more gas but also burns through your wallet.
2. Crash test and safety ratings
It’s important to do your research, and take careful considerations when buying a car for your children. Be sure to check for the best crash test ratings from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Make sure the car is in good condition with updated key safety features such as electronic stability control, airbags etc.
3. Car’s Age
The age of the car is not as important that its features. Age has less of an impact on reliability. If you’re considering buying a cheap or pass down old family car, go to CarsMD’s Vehicle Health Index. It compares the dependability of new and used models and even ranks manufacturers and vehicle reliability based on real life repairs.
4. Advance technology safety features
What’s great about getting a new car is the cutting-edge technology it offers, such as crash avoidance technology. It features forward collision warning, automatic braking, lane departure warning and blind zone detection.
5. Consider All Cost
Adding a new teen driver to your plan will increase your monthly auto insurance rates - so be sure to request for the best auto insurance rate to keep expenses manageable. Choosing a car with lower accident risk can lower down your monthly payments.
In addition, there's a tool you can use called True Cost to Own or TCO. It estimates a model’s buying, ownership and operating costs. It factors in depreciation, interest on financing, taxes and fees, insurance premiums, fuel, maintenance and even federal tax credit.
For more car buying tips, read “A Woman’s Guide in Choosing the Right Car.”
6. Establishing Rules
Now that you know how to choose a car for your teen, be sure to also educate them on the safety rules and guidelines: no texting and driving, limit the number of passengers, what to do in case of emergency, car maintenance and DIY auto detailing.
If you have any more questions regarding replacing parts on your new or used vehicle, call the friendly and knowledgeable staff at Meyers Auto Parts (702 431 8000).
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