It's an exciting day when your teen receives his or her driver's license. There will be no longer dropping them off at school, sports sessions, or social gatherings. It is, nevertheless, frightening. The collision rate for 16 to 19-year-olds is over three times that of all other drivers. Fortunately, as young drivers acquire experience behind the wheel, the likelihood of a collision decreases quickly. While no car will totally shield your kid from injury, there are several safe and economical solutions if your child wants to drive. The following are the most significant factors to consider when looking for the finest cars for teenagers. What to look for in your teen's first car?
SAFETY
Check out the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Top Safety Picks list or the National Highway Administration's car safety ratings. Look for equipment such as side frontal airbags and automatic stability control, which assists the driver in maintaining control of the vehicle on slick roads. Blindspot detection, which informs drivers when a car enters their blind area, is another popular feature. Newer automobiles will contain the latest safety technology, according to Michael Harley, editorial director of Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader. However, new cars are costly. You may still install new-vehicle safety features minus breaking the budget if your teen gets an older, hand-me-down car. "There are a number of companies that provide very basic, easy-to-wire technology. Harley says, noting that such features are frequently available for less than $250. Consider installing a backup camera with parking sensors that sound an alarm if you're too close to an object. Additionally, the IIHS compiles a collection of the top used automobiles for teenagers.SIZE
The IIHS advises larger, heavier vehicles for young drivers because they provide the most protection in a crash. However, huge cars such as full-size SUVs and trucks can be costly and difficult to maneuver. Small automobiles are cheaper and difficult to find parking, but they do poorly in accident tests. Compact and midsize SUVs are sized and priced in the middle. They're heavy, so they take fewer damages in crashes, yet they're still tiny enough to drive and have good visibility. According to Colin Thomas, senior consultant at digital marketing agency Jumpstart Automotive Media, such models cost similar to compact sedans and deliver equal fuel economy."And, he adds, the benefit of sitting up higher might make parents feel safer." According to the IIHS, several vehicles have low headlamp efficiency. If you're thinking about buying one, take it for a test drive at night to see if it has this capability, and look for a version of the car with updated headlights. If you do choose a huge vehicle, help ensure your teen feels at ease behind the wheel. Consider smaller cars with higher crash-test scores and front-crash avoidance features like automatic braking if you choose a smaller vehicle.RELIABILITY
All cars require periodic maintenance, but if your teen's vehicle involves extensive repairs, it could pose a safety risk and be a huge inconvenience if they can't afford it. This information is based on Consumer Reports' automotive reliability ratings, according to Ron Montoya, the senior customer advice editor at Edmunds.com. The publication estimates dependability rates for new cars based on trends and statistics from auto owner surveys. If you're buying a used car from a private sale, make sure it's in decent shape. To begin, obtain a vehicle history report. For $30 to $50, websites like CarFax and AutoCheck can supply these for one or more autos. Before you buy, request the owner's service records and have it inspected by a mechanic you trust. Montoya advises purchasers to learn everything they can about the existing owner. He recommends asking why they are selling the car, how they loved it, and what troubles it caused them. Certified pre-owned cars from a dealership are often more expensive and more difficult to haggle, but they do not require an inspection. The standard factory warranty covers repair costs for 3 years or 36,000 miles, or more if you purchase an extended warranty.AFFORDABILITY
When purchasing a vehicle, you must first establish how much you can afford. Here are some things to consider when shopping for — or with — your teen: do you have the funds to purchase a new car, or would a used car be more cost-effective? Will you be getting a car loan to pay for it? Is your kid able to pay for a portion of the entire car? Will your teen chip in for gas, insurance, and monthly automobile payments? Is there a car in the house that your teen might share or drive? Consider the continuous costs of car ownership, especially the amount your child will have to pay on gas. Harley suggests getting a car these days around 25 miles per gallon. Remember, Harley advises, that teenagers have limited financial resources. "If you buy them a big pickup vehicle that gets 10 to 15 miles per gallon, they'll be begging you to pay your bill every other day."Car insurance for teen drivers
You'll need car insurance once you've chosen a vehicle for your adolescence. Teens can either have their own policy or be added to your existing policy, which may be less expensive. According to NerdWallet, obtaining coverage under single insurance may save kids and their families roughly $3,000 per year. While younger drivers' insurance is more expensive than older drivers' insurance, several insurers give reductions. State Farm, AARP/The Hartford, Esurance, Allstate, and Liberty Mutual, for example, give discounts to students with outstanding grades. Some insurance companies provide discounts to kids who complete certified safe-driving courses. Discounts will vary depending on your driving record, where you reside, and other criteria. So, call an agent to double-check your quote.Include your teen
It may be tempting to tackle the entire car-buying process on your own, but why not make it a learning experience? Harley suggests using it as a learning tool. It is not only transportation; it is the most significant purchase the teenager will make. It teaches children a lot about money, responsibility, and taking care of stuff.