By Sladen West
When choosing your teenager’s first car a number of factors must be considered. The car you eventually purchase should reduce their chances of getting into accidents while also offering optimal protection in the event that one does occur.
Safety
The top priority when it comes to purchasing a car for your teen is their personal safety. The car you decide upon should be equipped with modern safety features such as airbags and anti-lock brakes, as some older vehicles do not come with such conveniences. A safe car will have a structure that also provides protection for other occupants.
When inspecting potential vehicles test the tires, lights and safety features. Check the tire pressure and ensure signals are in good working order. For additional safety information check government results on crash-testing data. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety recommends late model cars such as:
- Ford Taurus
- Honda Accord
- Subaru Legacy
- Toyota Camry
- Volkswagen Passat
Fuel Efficiency
The miles gained per gallon of fuel affect how much money you or your teen must shell out to keep the car going each day. If your teen drives frequently or their school or place of work are far away, fuel efficiency will be very important. Many teens want sporty cars or large gas guzzlers because of the status or esthetics they provide.
The ideal car should achieve a minimum of 20 miles per gallon of fuel. Heavier cars and large trucks will have lower fuel economies than their smaller counterparts.
Size
Your teen’s environment and activities will determine what size automobile is best suited for his or her needs. If they are just starting out mastering the road, it may be best to purchase a vehicle that can be easily maneuvered, such as a compact size car. If your driveway or garage is already packed with a number of cars, a smaller car may be best to spare room.
There are benefits to driving larger vehicles as well. Larger vehicles offer more protection in the event of a collision. The higher a vehicle sits, the more the frame and chassis of the car will absorb an impact.
Space
Another feature to consider is the available space within the cabin and/or trunk. Shorter teens may be more comfortable with cars that are smaller inside as they can easily reach controls, pedals and the steering wheel. If your child participates in an activity that involves lugging around extra items such as sports equipment or musical instruments, it may be better to consider a car with a larger trunk.
Space should be limited to your child’s individual maturity level, however. When the car has excess room, he or she may be likely to cruise around with a pack of friends. This unsafe driving habit creates a number of unnecessary distractions when your teen is behind the wheel. Some states even have laws against the number of teens that can occupy a car at one time in the absence of an adult.
Budget
A huge priority for many parents buying cars for their teens is fitting the purchase into their budget. When leasing, most parents have set limits when it comes to how much they are willing to spend, thus they eventually opt to refinance the car. Refinancing may help save money on monthly car payments, but if you have a limited credit history it may not help as much. As this method allows you to extend the payment period for the car, it should be considered carefully.
It should also be remembered that the purchase of the vehicle is only part of the expense. Keeping the car fueled, insured and maintained will also affect how much is invested into it over time.
Determine which issues are most important to you and your family’s needs. Even if it’s not your teen’s first choice, you will have made a sound decision based on your mature and experienced perspective.