Newer model used cars are more affordable these days, and they depreciate more slowly than a new car. They are also less expensive to insure than a brand new car, which is a big concern for parents and teens.
Follow these steps to get your teen into a safe and reliable car:
1. Choose a make and model they have driven and are familiar with, or have them test-drive the models of consideration. Avoid trucks or SUVs with a high center of gravity, which may be more difficult for less experienced drivers to control. Large, older vehicles with smaller engines, or midsize newer vehicles with the newest safety features, make good choices.
2. Don’t just check the price tag; investigate “the bigger picture.” A sports car may be your teen’s dream, but safety issues, maintenance and insurance costs could be more than you bargain for.
3. Obtain a vehicle history report, which can uncover hidden problems such as odometer rollbacks and prior accident or flood damage. In addition, make sure the car is safe and reliable. To obtain a CARFAX Vehicle History Report and a CARFAX Safety and Reliability Report, visit www.carfax.com or ask your dealer.
4. Take your time examining the car thoroughly for wear and tear as well as prior damage. Look for rust or differences in paint color. Smell for musty odors, listen for knocks in the engine, and feel for unevenness or welded spots in the body and frame. Tires, gas and brake pedals, and seats showing excessive wear, on a low-mileage car may suggest a rolled back odometer.
5. A long test drive on various road surfaces and speeds demonstrates how the car will perform. In addition, have the vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic. They can uncover problems the average consumer cannot.
Parent Tip: Enroll your child into a Defensive Driving course - they are low-cost, will teach life-saving skills behind the wheels and most insurance companies offer discounts for drivers who have completed a Defensive Driving course.
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Posted on June 28th, 2006 by Dee
Filed under: Child Safety
Please don’t forget to include safety gadgets like seatbelts, expandable steering wheel cushions, headgear like helmets to safeguard the teen’s car maneuverings.