Buying your first car is a big deal for a newly-licensed teenage driver. It's also a big deal for the parents, but usually, their excitement is tempered with great deal of concern.
Are you a parent planning to buy a car for your new teen driver? Are you a teen planning to purchase your first car? Here are some important things to consider.
1. Safety
According to the CDC, car accidents are the leading cause of death for teens in our country. You may suppose that a tank-like 4x4 would best protect an inexperienced driver. Yes, occupants of a large vehicle fare better in a collision. But experts also warn that powerful motors can make an adolescent more likely to speed. Also, some larger vehicles are harder to handle or more liable to roll over—so keep those things in mind.
Most of us don't have unlimited funds for a teen car. Luckily, many used vehicles have advanced safety features. Look for front and side airbags, inertia-reel safety belts, ABS, and electronic stability control. There are even some used cars under 15k now with backup cams, lane-departure alert, and blind spot monitoring. Research crash-test ratings before you buy.
2. Reliability
A twenty-year-old car with 250k miles on it may be cheap. But if it requires $300 a month in repairs, you might as well buy a new automobile. Used autos are less likely to have a warranty, so reliability is indispensable. When car shopping, research the cost to own. Online model-specific forums contain information from actual owners. When you think you have the right car, call 716-665-2501 to schedule a used-car inspection at I-86 Truck & Auto Repair.
3. Cost to Own
This is related to reliability since repairs figure into the total cost to own. Consider gas mileage, the cost of routine maintenance, car insurance rates, and depreciation. Some cars even qualify for tax credits. Your service advisor at I-86 Truck & Auto Repair can give you information on the cost of scheduled maintenance for any vehicle.
Thanks for checking out our blog. We wish you and your teen happy traveling.
http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicles-for-teens