Don’t Get Taken for a Ride: Your Teen’s First Car

Every parent suffers a momentary bout of anxiety when handing a set of car keys to a newly-licensed teenage driver. To add to your stress, at some point your young charge may want or need a car to drive to jobs or for social travels. Help them find the right vehicle by actively taking part in the search process.

Look at Used

Your choice should prioritize safety. If funds limit you to a used car, look for the newest, largest model you can afford to increase the odds of getting a safe and reliable car. Research crash-test safety ratings and reliability history. Also, just as you would have a home inspected before making an offer, take your prospective car purchase to a repair shop, such as auto electric Virginia Beach VA, so that certified mechanics can assess its condition and fix issues as necessary.

Stretch to New

Manufacturers add safety features to every new generation of a model lineup. What was once optional becomes standard. Those that have been around the longest – seat belts, safety glass, airbags – are passive features that lower your risk of injury in a crash. The newer, active safety systems work to prevent accidents. These include lane-departure warning, automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring and many other devices that may help keep distracted drivers in line. Buying a new car with the most possible safety add-ons can help restore your peace-of-mind.

Handle With Care

Every car company produces cars with different ranges of handling characteristics. You and your teen can each test-drive prospective purchases to assess this factor. The car’s interior should allow for a comfortable driving position, and the car should respond quickly to driver input; a large, cumbersome truck or SUV may not be the best-handling vehicle. Remember, accident-prevention trumps all else.

While the younger driver may want a car with a certain style, as a parent, you certainly want a car that will provide the most protection. Research cars as if your child’s life depends on it before buying; you can be certain to find a car that meets both of your desires.