Purchasing a first car for your teen can be a thrilling yet stressful experience. Teens get excited about the freedom to drive themselves, while parents get nervous about the potential for issues.
Although you and your teen are coming at the event from different points of view, that doesn’t mean it has to be difficult. With the right amount of homework, you can help your teenager get on the road safely.
Keep the below tips in mind when shopping for your teen’s first car.
Doing Your Research
First and foremost, it’s vital to understand what kind of vehicle your teen needs. Consider the distance he or she is driving and how often. This can help you determine whether to buy something new or used. A live online auto auction can be a great substitute for a used-car lot. Be sure to do your homework on more than one place when shopping and ask to have an independent mechanic inspect a used vehicle before buying.
Staying Safe After the Purchase
Setting up a regular maintenance schedule is crucial for your teen’s safety while driving. This includes making sure he or she checks the tire pressure and takes the vehicle into the shop whenever it needs maintenance. From an insurance perspective, it’s generally less complicated and cheaper to add a new driver to your existing policy than to buy separate coverage — but this can vary by state.
Make sure to also factor in emphasizing safe driving habits. Safe behaviors are important for avoiding accidents as well as to prolong the life of the vehicle. Aggressive driving puts excessive wear and tear on the brakes of the vehicle. It may also increase maintenance costs and the chances your teen is in a potentially severe crash. Wearing seat belts and avoiding texting while driving also are critical safety laws that your young driver should follow at all times.
For more information about navigating this significant moment in your teen’s life, take a look at the resource below.
Courtesy of Capital Auto Auction