Buying your teen a car probably isn’t something that you’re going to do without a lot of prior research first – however, there are a few pretty serious do’s and don’ts that you should pay attention to if you want to keep your teen safe and happy. Read on to find out what they are:
Do Let Them Go Car Shopping With You
Of course you should take your teen shopping for a car with you. However, beforehand, you should make it abundantly clear what to expect and what not to expect. Make sure you put boundaries in place so they don’t feel like they can blackmail you into buying them a car that is more than you can afford or not right for them.
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Getting your teen involved will ensure they are excited and that they take some responsibility and ownership over their car. It’ll be a nice bonding moment for you to remember, too!
Don’t Let Them Call All Of The Shots
As we mentioned in the previous point, you need to ensure you put boundaries in place so that your teen knows they can’t just tell you what car to buy for them. You can perhaps go shopping with a shortlist and then let them make the final decision, but you need to find the right balance. Your teen would probably choose a much faster car than they can realistically handle to start with. This is why doing your research before you go is key.
Do Look At Safety Ratings Before You Shop
You know that doing your research before you head to any dealership is key, so make sure you look at the safety ratings of a car you’re thinking of purchasing. Safety ratings will give you peace of mind – although they won’t stop your teen from driving recklessly. This is why making sure they know how important it is to drive safely is crucial. Otherwise, you might need a lawyer to help you. There are some really great, safe cars out there suitable for teens now, so take your time making your shortlist!
Don’t Buy Them A Vehicle That They Can’t Afford To Run
Just because you can afford the car now doesn’t mean you should buy it. Will your teen be able to run it in the future? You already know that cars can cost a fortune to run. How much is your teen earning at the moment, if anything? How much can they put towards the car once they have it on the road? Will you still be expected to put money towards the running and maintenance of the car? Think about this carefully and make sure you know things like the fuel economy before making your mind up.
Do Choose A Car That Will Ensure Minimal Distractions
You would hope that your teen already knows not to get distracted when they drive their car – this is easier said than done, however. You can help them along by choosing a car that has minimal distractions. Distractions can be a major cause for accidents, especially in younger drivers.
Features such as bluetooth capabilities and hands-free is a good idea. This will allow them to speak on the phone and control music without getting distracted. Certain cars also have special features that help to minimize distractions and increase safety. For instance, you may be able to find a stereo that won’t go above a certain volume whilst being driven. This is useful as teens may listen to the stereo so loud that they can’t hear sirens and things behind them. It could also cause them to get distracted if they want to change a song or they like to perform ‘live concerts’ in the car.
Don’t Buy Them A Car That’s Nearing The End Of Its Lifecycle
Buying a second-hand car is a smart choice. After all, your teen is basically still learning, and they will likely make a few mistakes as they get used to driving. Not only will a second-hand car be more affordable, but it’ll also be a good practice car. It won’t depreciate the second you drive it off the lot, either, like many brand new cars. However, just be sure you pay attention to mileage and the work the car has done before you agree to buy.
Do Your Due Diligence On A Car Dealer Before Purchasing