Familiarizing with cars and learning how to drive them is one of almost every American teenager’s life goals. You may have grasped that idea by now by simply giving your child permission to use yours, and soon enough you’ll have to consider purchasing them their own vehicle.
They have different needs from yours though, and your car might not be able to provide them what they want. Not to mention that their need for independence will require them to learn to be responsible with their own belongings and learn to care for their property as well.
With that said; look out for these important factors in your search for the perfect car for your teenager.
Value
One of the first decisions that parents tend to think about a lot is whether they should get a brand-new or pre-loved vehicle. Used cars have the advantage of a lower purchase price in general, but they might not have the safety features and other conveniences that new ones do.
Try considering any other related costs that you might have to pay for, as well as how long the vehicle will likely last with your teenager’s handling. You might want to do some shopping around with the local dealers or hire a car buying service in Utah to get the best deal either way.
Safety Features
As mentioned in the previous point, the vehicle you’re going to get must have the necessary safety equipment and features. You wouldn’t want to endanger your teenager’s life by giving them a car that’s faulty, right?
In general, newer models have these features still intact, while older ones would need a more thorough checking to see if they’re at par with today’s standards. The effectiveness of safety equipment can also vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific model that you’re looking at. To be sure, have all possible vehicles inspected before you decide on which to purchase.
Vehicle Reliability
If your teenager needs to travel often, then they cannot afford to have their vehicle break down on them when they need it the most. Because of this, it’s important that you choose and purchase a car that’s reliable.
If you, friends, or family members have a trusted brand, you could start with that and research on possible models that strike a balance between durability and price. You can also ask nearby dealers or a purchasing service to get an idea on which ones will best fit your requirements.
Other than those discussed here, there are many more factors that you have to take into account. For example, you would also have to consider purchasing auto insurance and determining whether the vehicle comes from a reputable source or not.
You could use this time of selection as an opportunity to talk to your teenager about their future responsibilities and how the two of you will split the bill when it comes to the car. Until the time comes when they finally acquire the vehicle, let them practice driving yours under your supervision. They’ll need the experience as well as the trust that you’re placing on them.
