While you’re deciding on an affordable and safe family car, you should also think about your teen who is on the verge of passing their test and getting their full license.
Choose Your Teen’s First Car
While they may be able to use the family car, they might also want some freedom, especially when you consider how difficult it can be to organize who gets the car when.
So, if you can afford it (and there’s enough space on the driveway), why not research a first car for your teen? Before you finalize any sales, though, you need to know how to choose the perfect first car.
Boring Is Good
Although your teen might want something cool to impress their friends, it’s always better to opt for boring. Why? Well, boring means reliable, reliable means safe, and safe means your kid won’t encounter too many issues as long as they drive safely. There’s nothing cool about speeding or revving a small but safe car around town and it should help your teen develop respect for the road, driving, and other vehicles that will get them out of bad habits that could be difficult to break as they get older.
Second-Hand And Save
Likewise, just as you don’t need the coolest model, you also don’t need the newest, most expensive vehicle, especially not for your teen driving their first car. Not only will this create unrealistic expectations for the types of cars they drive for the rest of their lives, but it also feels like you’re throwing money away. Instead, look for dependable second-hand vehicles that still have plenty of miles on them. With this, you know it’s reliable and don’t need to worry about the immediate value depreciation because you’re unlikely to sell it, anyway.
Easy Fixes
However, some cars can come with problems, especially if they are around ten years old or older. Even a secondhand car in good condition could experience issues later (and could be worse if your teen doesn’t drive sensibly), so think about vehicles that are easy to fix. These fixes could include replacing the brake pads or lights, which you can do and teach your teen to do, but also replacing more important parts. It’s better to pick a car that has readily available accessories, such as Ford Performance parts that you can source quickly if you need them.
Think About Tech
While you don’t want to buy a car with too many distractions, like modern center consoles full of features and tricks, it’s still worth thinking about a car that offers something. After all, your teen will want to show off their ride to friends, so buying a vehicle without a way to place music could be a big first-car mistake you don’t want to make. Furthermore, they might struggle to get around and find their way, so a built-in satellite navigation system can help them get from A to B without getting lost.
Safety First
Modern cars come with an array of reliable safety features designed to keep everyone safe, so consider these brands when selecting which car is the safest for your teen. Don’t ignore the chance to take various cars for a test drive when you go to the dealership and research essential features, such as airbags or ABS, to ensure a more secure and protective ride.
Fuel Economy
Although your child won’t be taking a country-long road trip (at least not yet), you should still think about how economical the vehicle is concerning fuel. Since your teen won’t have a full-time job, they don’t want to spend too much of their paycheck on gas. Picking a car with excellent fuel economy means they can get around, such as going to school or work, without needing to refill the tank every other day.
Easy And Automatic
Most vehicles are automatic, and most modern drivers swear by these cars as the only way to drive. It’s easy to see why, too. You don’t need to worry about changing gears or stalling, so the great automatic vs manual debate doesn’t seem like much of a debate at all. For first-time drivers, automatic is useful as it can relieve driving pressure and boost their confidence. However, remind them that manual driving can open more driving opportunities, although that could change in the future.
First Car
Your teen has a lifetime of driving ahead of them, so they don’t need the newest, fastest, or fanciest vehicle yet. Instead, you need something safe and affordable to drive. Consider this a car for them to learn how to drive. When they’re old enough (and have the money) they can buy a car of their own.
