So your teenager is now old enough to drive, and you think they need a car of their own. There are many reasons to get a teen their own car, including fostering independence and responsibility, having them help ferry younger siblings around, and needing a car because of your area’s local infrastructure favoring cars over public transport.
But what kind of car should you get your teenage driver? New or used? And how big or small? What are the best makes and models for young drivers? Don’t worry, we’ll cover all of that so you can pick the right vehicle for your new driver.
How to Choose a Good Car for Your Teenager
Decide Who Will Pay for It
Before you begin choosing a car, you need to figure out how your family will pay for it. Will you pay for the vehicle’s entire cost? Does your teenager have a job that can help them cover the cost of a car? Or do you need to split the cost between you and your teen driver? Once you figure out how you’ll pay for the car, you can begin considering other aspects of getting your teen a car.
Create Rules for Your Teenager’s Driving
Again, this is a step you should go through before you begin looking at vehicles. Think about where you’ll allow your teen to drive and whether you’ll give them a driving curfew (e.g. no driving after 10 p.m.). It’s also good to lay down rules about how you and your teen will handle tickets and accidents as well as consequences for what will happen if you catch your teen breaking these rules.
Consider Purchasing a Used Car
It may be tempting to splurge on a new car to show your teen how much you love them. However, your child is new to driving, and that increases the risk that they might get into an accident. Also, buying a teen a new car isn’t financially feasible for everyone. That’s why used cars are often great choices for teenagers’ first cars. You see, used cars have already spent some time on the road, which can be a good fit for someone who’s still getting used to being on the road and may not want to break in a brand-new vehicle. Used cars are also great for people who have tight budgets. For example, at McCarthy Chevrolet of Overland Park, we have an Under $15,000 category of used cars.
Look at Larger Vehicles
According to Kelley Blue Book, trucks and SUVs are great choices for teens because they surround your child with lots of metal, providing them with extra protection while they’re on the road. You may think getting a small car is a great idea, but they don’t offer as much protection for the off-chance that your teen gets in an accident. It’s best to think in terms of safety for now, and then let your child downsize to a small car when they get a bit older.
Chevrolet makes many trucks and SUVs, so when you start actively looking at vehicles with your teen, a Chevrolet dealership may be the best place to start.
Find Your Teen’s First Vehicle in Kansas City
If you’re looking for your teenager’s first car or truck in Overland Park, Leawood, Shawnee, or Kansas City, KS, come visit us! We’ll work with you to find the used or new vehicle that fits your teen’s and family’s needs. Reach out to us online or at 866-453-2062 to begin the purchase process.
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