Whether
it’s your first child, or you’ve already sent a few down the road, getting your
teen ready for the driver’s seat can be a little overwhelming. If you’re getting ready to buy your teen’s
first car, read through this checklist to make sure you are getting your son or
daughter the safest and most affordable vehicle possible.
Car Choice
Midsize sedans tend to be the safest for new drivers. The
higher mass of a midsize sedan provides your teen with more protection in a
crash, and their relatively low center of gravity makes them less likely to
roll over. Purchasing a vehicle with a smaller engine will also be more
economical.
Use a website such as Edmunds.com, Kelley
Blue Book, IntelliChoice.com or TrueCar.com to help you determine
a fair price for a vehicle. Another source you can use is Consumer Reports, as they publish used car guides
with rankings on reliability and price. A few scratches and door dings will also
help you negotiate for a lower purchase price; chances are your teen might add
a few more to the car, too.
Another option is to look for certified, pre-owned models
that are two or three years old. These cars are often from an expired lease and
cost more than other used cars, but have been examined for wear and tear. With
a certified pre-owned vehicle, you may be able to get a limited warranty and better
financing rates.
For a small fee, you can pay for a service like
Carfax or AutoCheck to tell you if a vehicle has been in an accident. These reports aren’t always foolproof
though, so it’s a good idea to have an expert you know and trust give you an
opinion about the car’s condition before you buys. Also have them check for
items such as: radial tires for safer
road handling, power steering for quick reaction control, and high quality brakes
for better handling of spin-outs in the rain or snow.
Insurance Choice
Make sure your car insurance, credit card company, or auto dealer includes road-side coverage. The last thing you’ll want is for your teen to be stranded or for you to receive a hefty tow bill.
Make sure your car insurance, credit card company, or auto dealer includes road-side coverage. The last thing you’ll want is for your teen to be stranded or for you to receive a hefty tow bill.
Communication
With Your New Driver
Regularly review with your teen their knowledge of how to handle their car in a
variety of driving situations, like dealing with sudden stops or being on the
road with another car that is spinning out of control.
Finally,
be sure the communication you have with your teen about driving is strong and
open enough that if they find themselves in an accident, ditch, or other
situation where they can’t drive home, they feel comfortable calling you for
advice or for a ride.
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