Basic Guidelines for Buying Your Child's First Vehicle

It is a rite of passage for adults as much as for young drivers: Buying that first vehicle for your new driver. The question is, what type of vehicle should you get them and more importantly, how should you go about it? If you are considering buying your new driver a vehicle and looking at used Chevy truck dealers in Floresville, TX, the following is a brief guide on how to go about it.

Give them the Mom (or Dad) Test

Your teen will be sure they are ready to tackle everything driving-wise but they have a lot to learn and some learn quicker and more than others. Before you make the decision to invest in a vehicle for your new driver, honestly and objectively assess their skills.

If your assessment is “yes” or “mostly” they are, proceed. If it is less than that, maybe take a step back until they have more supervised experience.

Decide What You Want

After they pass your assessment, set your budget. Figure out what you can afford if you bought the vehicle outright if that's possible, versus payments over time. Always opt for a used vehicle over a new one, mainly because your teen will beat on it; it is inevitable.

Your kid will want “flashy.” Even if you can afford it, you should avoid that and opt for “practicality and need.” The reasons for this are simple:

• Practical vehicles are less tempting to abuse
• By defining it by need, you are setting a level of responsibility for them as a driver
• Practical vehicles are easier, in general, to keep on the road
• Practical vehicles will always be cheaper to insure.

Keep those reasons and your budget in mind every step from this point on out.

Telling Them

Make it clear what your budget is and any stipulations you have for getting and keeping the vehicle. Provide incentives to them for keeping it. One suggestion is to tie use of the vehicle to grades or academic achievement. Also, make it clear that while you are sensitive to their desires for a trendsetting set of wheels, you are buying them a vehicle based on practicality and need.

Telling your kid you're getting them a set of wheels will be one of the most thrilling moments you will have as a parent. As you look at used Chevy truck dealers in Floresville, TX, stick to these guidelines and you'll ensure you get the right vehicle for both them and your wallet.