How to Select the Right Car for a Teenager

If you’re like any other parent, it’s barely believable to you that your child is finally a teenager and ready to start driving. Undoubtedly, shopping for a new car for your child leaves you wondering how you can keep your child safe behind the wheel. Many of the same features that make driving easy for you will also make driving easier on your first-time driver, although you will want to seek out additional features to help make the car more friendly toward a new learner.

Is New Better Than Used?

A new car might be tempting, and if it is within your budget, then it may be a viable option. With a new car, there is less chance of underlying issues that a used vehicle might have due to disrepair or prior accidents. However, with an inspection and a tune-up, any used car can be as reliable as a new one. You should bring an inspector or a qualified friend to inspect the car with you before signing any contracts. A used car is more affordable and within reach for teenagers who are contributing to their own car payments.

Consider Buying a Clunker

Large cars such as bulky sedans are a popular choice for young drivers. This is rarely by their own choice, of course. Bigger vehicles sustain less damage in accidents and protect the driver and passengers more thoroughly in the event of a collision. More injuries are associated with crashing in a small car. For your own peace of mind, you may want to steer your teenage driver toward a stately sedan. Additionally, bigger cars are easier to handle and steer, which is a bonus for an inexperienced driver.

Prioritize Safety Features

When you have a choice, choose a car with more airbags in more locations. A car with six airbags will protect your child from the front, sides and top of the vehicle, rather than a single or duo airbag that protects only from one direction. Your teenager’s car should have front impact and side impact air bags at the very least, which will protect the chest and head—the two most vital areas to protect in a car accident.

Let Your Teenager Test Drive

If you think you have the right car, let your teenager go on a short drive to see how it feels. The right car from your point of view might not be so good if some design feature or flaw makes it uncomfortable for your teenager to drive. On the other hand, any driving experience might be a little uncomfortable at this point, since your teen is still learning. Encourage your child to choose a car with you together, offer your advice, and support him or her in this new adventure.

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Created on Dec 31st 1969 18:00. Viewed 0 times.

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