5 Tips for Buying Your Teen's First Car

If there's one moment every parent dreads, it's when their teen becomes old enough to drive a car. Naturally, parents worry about their children getting behind the wheel – after all, they are inexperienced drivers and accidents happen. They may also dread having to pay for the teen's car. Cars can be very expensive and few teens will make enough at their part-time jobs to pay for them. However, with these 5 tips, you can buy your teen a great first car that is safe and affordable.

[Image Credits: State Farm]

• Don't get the most powerful engine – Of course your teen is going to be interested in driving fast and they may request a car that has a powerful engine. That doesn't mean you have to give it to them! Look for a vehicle that has a less powerful engine; it will get them where they need to go with less risk of them losing control of the vehicle. Your teen may be a bit disappointed at first, but they'll thank you when they don't get in an accident. Some of the safest cars to look for are the Ford Taurus, Honda Civic, Scion xB, and both the Toyota  Corolla and Camry.

• Don't choose the most advanced vehicle – Nowadays, vehicles come equipped with everything from DVD players to surround sound stereo systems and everything in between. However, when it comes to you teen's first car, less is more. Teens may be easily distracted while driving. Don't give them more things to become distracted by! Opt for a vehicle that has minimal features. They can always add onto it down the road when they become more comfortable with driving.

• Buy a used vehicle – Sure, every teen dreams of having a brand new set of wheels. But purchasing a used vehicle as your teen's first car is a much more practical option. Look for used good, reputable used car dealers in NJ or your nearest location. By purchasing used, you can save a significant amount of money on upfront costs, monthly payments, insurance, and more. This is important to because your teen may not have a job, and if they do, chances are good that it only pays minimal wage. A used car will be much more affordable for you and your teen. Plus, if a fender bender should happen, the insurance hike and cost of repair won't be as drastic.

• Get a warranty – Regardless of whether your car is new or used, you'll want to get a warranty. New cars almost always include a warranty and, while some used cars may not have one, you can look for certified pre-owned vehicles that offer the same general advantages that a new car warranty would have. A warranty is crucial for new drivers, as it will help save money on the cost of maintenance and repairs.

• Check the safety features – It's always important to have a safe vehicle, especially when your child is a new driver. Make sure that the car you choose to purchase is safe for your teen, and has good working seatbelts, airbags, and brakes. If buying used, ask for a CARFAX report so you'll be aware of any issues the previous owner may have had. Check how many miles are on the vehicle and avoid any with more than 100,000 miles on them. These cars may be more prone to breakdowns because they have been worn out. Always be sure to test drive a vehicle before purchasing it so you can see how it runs ahead of time.

Are you looking to buy your teen's first car in the near future? What features do you consider to be essential? Is there anything you're looking to avoid? With these 5 tips you'll be guaranteed to have a safe and happy teen on the road.