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The day has come: Your teenager has shown maturity behind the wheel, and you’ve decided that it’s time for a car of their own. But there’s a lot to consider before picking the best first car for your teen. This advice will put you on the path to an informed purchase.
When it comes to choosing the right car for a teenager, modern tech and connectivity features can be game-changers. After all, many teens are digital natives who value seamless integration with their devices. But beyond convenience, these features deliver tangible benefits that enhance both safety and the overall driving experience.
Teenagers are among the riskiest drivers, so it’s important not to skimp on safety. Features particularly helpful for teens include crash protection and avoidance features, such as automatic emergency braking and side-crash prevention systems. Note: Parents and teens need to understand that technology isn’t perfect, and it shouldn’t be relied on when there are other options. It is simply a safety measure that may help if the driver makes a mistake.
Also, consider how the size of the car impacts safety. Midsize sedans, for example, offer better crash protection than small cars, are easier to maneuver, and tend to have shorter braking distances than most SUVs.
Handing the keys for the first time can be nerve-wracking for parents. That’s where advanced safety technologies turn modern cars into co-pilots. Features like speed monitoring allow parents to set speed limits and receive alerts if the vehicle exceeds them, promoting safer driving habits. Geofencing takes safety up another notch by allowing parents to establish boundaries—if the car leaves a pre-set area, they’ll be notified immediately. These tools empower parents to supervise from afar without hovering, giving teens the freedom they crave while keeping them safe.
In addition, some of the newest models offer more sophisticated safety systems that combine seamlessly with connectivity features. For example, some cars allow parents to mute the audio system until seat belts are fastened. Additionally, smartphone apps linked to the vehicle can send notifications about maintenance or unusual driving behavior, keeping both the car and its driver in check.
If you’re thinking of buying used, keep in mind that the money you save on an older car could be spent on repairs and maintenance.
Before making a purchase, it's important to explore alternative ownership options. Instead of outright buying, you could consider leasing a vehicle for your teen. This could offer the convenience of easily upgrading the vehicle as your teen's needs change. Additionally, shared family cars can be an effective solution, reducing costs and allowing responsible sharing. Nowadays, car-sharing services are also on the rise, offering a flexible and wallet-friendly option for your teen to get around.
The car you choose can have a significant impact on the environment. Consider selecting a car with good fuel economy, which can help reduce carbon emissions. Buying used cars can also help reduce waste, as it keeps perfectly functional vehicles from ending up in landfills. Ethical considerations could include supporting local dealerships that contribute to your community's economy or choosing brands that prioritize sustainable practices.
Also, your teen may be interested in alternative-fuel vehicles, such as electric or hybrid vehicles, worth considering. They offer many benefits, such as lower fuel costs and reduced emissions. Additionally, the maintenance for electric vehicles includes unique considerations such as fewer moving parts and no oil changes. However, it's essential to address potential drawbacks like range anxiety over how far the vehicle can travel on a single charge and the availability of charging infrastructure.
While considering specifics, review joint information from the IIHS and Consumer Reports, which have released lists of top new and top used vehicles for teens. These resources can help you make an informed decision based on safety, sustainability and cost-effectiveness for your teenager's first car.
Buying your teenager their first car is not simply about the initial purchase price. It's vital to acknowledge the entire financial commitment that comes along with owning a car. This involves the cost of the car and ongoing expenses like gas, insurance, repairs and upkeep. And don't forget to factor in who will shoulder these costs. Will you foot the entire bill, or will your teenager contribute? Tip: This is the perfect opportunity to sit down and chat with your teen about financial responsibility.
Here's where budgeting comes into the picture. Sit with your teen and review all the expenses involved in owning a car, then allocate a budget for each category. This exercise will help you understand the actual cost of car ownership and instill responsibility in your teenager.
As much as we’d like to offer our teenagers every luxury possible, buying their dream car might not be financially practical or responsible. Set realistic expectations and consider compromise to find a vehicle that balances features they desire and affordability for both parties. Remember, it’s about finding the best fit for your family, not just what looks good on paper.
Don't rush into a dealership without doing your homework first. Leverage the online knowledge to investigate vehicle performance, safety and dependability reviews by professionals. With AAA, you can make finding your next car easy. We can help you locate your next new or used vehicle and even help you sell your current one.
Once you’ve done your groundwork and scrutinized your list of potential vehicles, it’s time to hit the road for a test drive. A test drive is essential to ensure your teen likes the car and is at ease with its design and controls. Remember, as a novice, your teen might not spot issues that you, as an experienced driver, might immediately notice. So, don't shy away from taking the wheel during the test drive to identify any red flags your teen might overlook.
As part of the test drive, offer a checklist of questions to probe and points to evaluate, such as seat comfort, visibility, ease of parking, and operation of the various controls.
As you decide how to pay for your teen’s car, remember that an auto loan must be in your name if you choose to finance. While your teen can’t get their name on the loan, laying the groundwork for good credit is still possible. Your teen can learn valuable lessons about budgeting and financial responsibility by contributing to monthly payments. AAA can finance your purchase and offers great rates for AAA Members.
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