One of the greatest joys of parenthood is watching your child grow from the cute, adorable toddler who is totally dependent on you into a self-sufficient teenager. Soon enough, your teen will reach the age where he or she wants to drive and this will surely make you a little nervous. However, you can minimize the stress of purchasing your teen’s first car by keeping a few things in mind.
Type of Car
Sport-utility vehicles are popular among young people, but this is not to suggest you should head to a dealership and purchase the largest vehicle you can find for your teenager. There are many things to consider when considering the vehicle type and size for your teenager. Larger vehicles offer more protection than compact cars but are often more difficult to drive for inexperienced drivers. It’s important to consider the benefits of a standard size car, it you think something in the middle would be a better fit for your teen. You should also keep in mind your teen’s lifestyle. A teenager involved in sports or other activities that requires hauling a lot of equipment might need a slightly larger vehicle than other kids their age.
Cost
The cost of a vehicle is another extremely important issue for parents who are looking to purchase a vehicle for their teen. Cars are expensive purchases, but there is no need to break the bank when searching for one for your son or daughter. Once a budget is established, you and your child can sit down and discuss cars that can be purchased for this price. Just remember not to skimp on safety just to save a dollar or two. This mistake could be a costly one later down the road.
Distractions
Young drivers are easily distracted. For this reason, it is a good idea to purchase a vehicle that helps to minimize these distractions. For example, a car with hands-free capabilities will help to prevent your teen from texting while driving or taking his or her eyes off the road to change the radio station. Cars can also come with built-in safety features like sound limits for music whenever the ignition is activated.
Reaching the legal age to drive is an exciting time for teens but can be stressful for parents. There are many things to consider when finding a car that fits the needs of your teen, and you will no doubt be determined to make the correct decision. The three considerations above are a great place to start when choosing your young driver’s first car.
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