What to Look for When Shopping for Your Teen’s First Car

Earning a driver’s license is likely one of the most exciting days of your teen’s life. They gain independence from not relying on you or their friends for transportation. They now can drive themselves to and from where they want to go. 

As a parent, this day can be more stressful than exciting. While your teen celebrates their newfound freedom, you are left worrying about all the minor details. Some aspects, such as keeping them on your car insurance, could be an easy decision. After all, car insurance under parents is cheaper than an independent policy for your teen.

Some choices may be more difficult. You will have to determine rules while they are behind the wheel, such as curfew times and distance limits. You may also have to decide if you will purchase your teen their own vehicle.

Many parents choose to purchase their child a car of their own, so they aren’t giving up their personal vehicle. Teens may want to go out frequently, and leaving yourself without a vehicle can cause difficulty. 

If you decide to purchase your teen a car of their own, there are some key factors to consider when shopping. 

Consider the Safety of Your Teen’s Car

The number one factor to consider when shopping for a first car is safety. Since your teen is new to the road, keeping them safe is a high priority. 

Teens don’t have the skills and experience on the road as more seasoned drivers, leaving them open to accidents. Because of this high-risk factor, a safe vehicle is essential. You’ll want to consider many aspects of what makes a vehicle safe before deciding what’s best.

You don’t have to purchase a brand new car for it to be considered safe for your teen. There are many used vehicles you can easily research. Looking into these safety aspects can ensure your teen is as protected as possible on the road. 

Check Crash-Test Ratings

Crash-test ratings are a crucial part of determining a vehicle’s overall safety. These tests will determine how likely a car is to roll over after an accident and how much the car can withstand if it is in a collision.

These ratings are fundamental to how safe a vehicle is for your teen. Purchasing a well-rated car will allow you to feel better about your teen being alone on the road. 

Look Into Safety Features

Newer vehicles come with a wide range of safety features that can help your teen during their time on the road. These features range from blind-spot detection to automatic emergency brakes (AEB). You can also get a vehicle recovery tracking system that will both track down a stolen car and net you insurance savings.

These safety features can make a huge difference for a new driver. With more intelligent technology comes fewer chances for your child to find themselves in a collision. Since these features think for themselves, in a way, they can help your teen have better control of their car while driving. 

Test Visibility for Your Teen

Just as certain types of vehicles are less comfortable for you to drive, your teen also needs a car that suits their needs. Variations in height can mean a big difference in how well your child can see out of the vehicle you choose. 

You want to ensure your teen has strong visibility in their car. Test driving can be a great way to determine if your child can see well through their windshield, side mirrors, and back window. 

There are already many factors that can cause lower visibility while your child drives, such as rain, sun glare, fog, and darkness. You want to be sure you are not adding to their low visibility by choosing a vehicle that doesn’t adequately meet their needs.

Without good visibility, your teen increases their risk of being in an accident on the road. Better visibility means more safety while they drive. 

Make Sure Your Teen’s Car Is Reliable

Beyond safety features comes reliability. A reliable vehicle not only keeps your teen out of potentially dangerous situations but also saves you money in the long run.

Though you may pay a little more for a reliable vehicle, you will also know you won’t be spending an arm and a leg on repairs, replacements, and basic car maintenance. 

On top of saving money, a reliable car also helps your teen avoid potentially harmful situations. An unreliable vehicle can leave your teen stranded in an unfamiliar location or broken down on the side of the road with heavy traffic. As a new driver, these scenarios can be terrifying.

Determine a Price Range 

Before you begin going out and looking for your teen’s vehicle, you’ll want to determine a price point for the purchase. Depending on your income, the cost will likely vary. 

Finding a reasonably priced vehicle that still offers plenty of safety and reliability for your child is crucial. You likely won’t want to drain your savings to purchase their first car, but you also don’t want to spend too little and leave them with a vehicle that doesn’t keep them safe while driving. 

If there is a particular vehicle your teen seems to be set on, see if some older models are available that meet your price point. Just ensure models from previous years still offer the safety features you are looking for.

Remember that your price range needs to include the cost of monthly payments and insurance. You may be able to get better rates by bundling home and auto insurance; compare average insurance bundle costs and the rates typically given to young drivers.

Search for Fuel Efficiency 

If your teen will be responsible for filling up their own gas tank, it’s essential to consider a fuel-efficient vehicle. With newer models, this doesn’t necessarily mean your child has to give up the size of their car, either. 

Many recent models of SUVs and trucks are more eco-friendly than their earlier counterparts. Some offer hybrid options, allowing your teen to utilize electricity and gas while driving. 

Fuel-efficient vehicles aren’t only a benefit to your teen. Better gas mileage means your teen won’t overspend and ask you for extra money to fill up their tank. Plus, these vehicles may also offer you a tax break.

Determining Key Factors for Your Teen’s First Car

The thought of your child out on the road without you can seem a little overwhelming. As a parent, your instinct is to keep them safe. However, when they drive off on their own, that becomes harder to do.

Even if you can’t be with them for every turn, you can still ensure their safety on the road by purchasing the right car. Choosing a car that is safe, reliable, well-priced, and fuel-efficient can help your teen stay protected while they drive. 

Image by Jace Turner from Pixabay