The NJ Parent’s Guide To Dealing With Teenage drivers

Summer isn’t just a season for vacations and BBQs, it’s also a season for learning.  There are thousands of parents that are using their time this summer to teach their teenagers how to drive before the beginning of the school year, and it isn’t an easy job.  New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the country, and we have some of the most crowded roads in the U.S. 

It takes a lot of practice to be able to drive, and teens need to demonstrate a lot of skill before their parents will even think about letting them out on the road.  Your teen may feel like they’re ready to head to the DMV and may already be looking for used car dealers in NJ for their first car, but that doesn’t mean that you’re ready to let them.  If you want to ensure that you’re giving your teen the best driving education possible, make sure that you follow these tips. 

Be a good example

If you want your teen to be a safe driver, you need to set a good example for them by driving the way you’d want them to drive.  You won’t be able to drive home the point that texting and talking while driving is dangerous if your teen sees you constantly talking and texting behind the wheel. Actions speak a lot louder than words, and your good example shows them that safe driving is important.  Stay off of your phone when you drive, always use your turn signal when you switch lanes, and obey the speed limit when you’re with your teen.

Prepare them for driving in New Jersey (and beyond)

If your teen is going to be driving in the Garden State, they’re going to need to learn how to handle typical driving conditions.  Make sure they know what to do when its raining, snowing, or sleeting. Take them out driving during a light shower or after it rains so that you can see how the handle their car on wet roads.  The allure of Philadelphia and New York City will be strong for your teens, so make sure that they’re prepared to drive in cities.

Prepare them for problems

Ideally we want our kids to always drive safely, but sometimes problems do occur.  Speeding tickets can happen to your teens, and so could minor auto accidents.  Even though you don’t want them to be in one, your teen needs to be prepared to handle an emergency situation as a driver.  Teach them what they should do when/if they encounter a police officer, and how they should handle themselves if they’re in an accident.

3 Tips for Buying Your First Car

When you are buying your very first car, you might be feeling quite a bit of excitement. After all, driving offers a ton of freedom – something that everyone values. Even if you are getting your first car later on in life, there is no denying how sensational it is to finally be able to drive without having to rely on friends, family, or public transport. However, if you are still a little unsure of how to go about buying a vehicle, this guide can help you out.

Tip 1: Save, Save, and Save Some More

If you work, then that puts you ahead of the game already. However, what you do and how much you get paid have a big impact on what type of car you can afford. It can be difficult to save up for a car if you are only working part-time, so try to ask for more hours or any overtime. If neither option is available, then consider getting a second job for the time being. If you make enough at your current job, then determine how much you want to set aside from each paycheck. Keep in mind that there will be financing options available for many cars, if you don't think that you will be able to save enough for a whole vehicle in a timely fashion. In this case, focus on coming up with the money for the down payment.

Tip 2: Set Up a Budget

So, with your current job position and title, how much can you spend on a car and how long would it take you to set aside enough money to reach this goal? Setting up a budget—as well as determining how long it will take you to pay for a car within a reasonable price range—is essential. It will organize your efforts and keep you from opting for a car that you really can't afford.

Tip 3: Look into Cars that You Are Actually Interested in Purchasing

Don't settle for a car you will despise down the line. Look for something that is reasonably affordable and that you actually like. What cars do you frequently find yourself staring at with longing? Once you have determined the model of car you want (and you have conducted the necessary research on that car), head to our NJ Toyota dealership and give it a test drive. Don't ever buy a car that you merely like the look of – you need to like the feel of it, too. While you are in there, check out the standard features and/or accessories and ensure that the vehicle is equipped with everything you need.

These are three very simple ways to start the process of buying your first car. There are obviously many other tips and tricks, but they'll have to wait for another post!

How to Set Aside Money for a New Car

Whether you are purchasing your very first car or your current vehicle has finally broken down—or maybe you have even gotten into a car accident—one thing is for sure: owning a car is crucial. Without a car, you have limited means of getting from one place to another, regardless of whether or not you live in a city where public transportation is readily available. Having a car and license are critical elements of being an adult, allowing you the freedom to go anywhere you want, when you need to.

However, when money is a little tight, the car-purchasing process can be a huge hassle. In order to make purchasing a car less difficult, this guide is here to help you out:

1. Do as Much Saving as Possible

Do you enjoy going out on the weekends? Do you find yourself eating out for lunch and dinner a little more than you should? Are you always buying clothes that you don't need? Do you drink or smoke a lot? These are unnecessary costs that drive up your bills and sap your available funds. Try cutting down on these costs by packing your own food or simply cooking homemade meals, limiting your outings and shopping sprees to special occasions, and reducing your indulgence in certain habits. The amount of money you can save will shock you.

2. Work Two Jobs

If, after cutting down on unnecessary expenses, you still don't have enough income to purchase a car, there's always the possibility of a second job. Even if the job doesn't pay particularly well, the extra money can often be the boost you need to afford that car. You could opt for anything from a retail job on the weekends to a bartending gig at night. Sure, you might be a little more exhausted than usual, but it beats not having a car at all.

3. Ask for Help

There is no shame in asking for help when you need a new car. In fact, asking for money as a birthday or Holiday present is the perfect opportunity to get that extra cash. If you know someone (a parent, say) who might be able to lend you enough to afford a vehicle, you can always pay them back in installments.

If you are trying to set money aside for a new car, remember that you have several options that can make things affordable for you. Financing, leasing, and buying used are all options that can help you save. Once you feel financially capable of taking on the challenge, you can visit our local Toyota dealers in NJ and get yourself on the road.  

The 2014 Toyota Yaris: One of the Most Affordable Cars on the Market

 

When it comes to driving, one thing is for sure: it isn’t cheap. Driving is definitely a luxury and a privilege, one that can help you to relax on a joy ride and can take you to your day job, to your children’s daycare center, or to drop off your friend back home. No matter what the purpose is of driving, it is a definite necessity in most cases; not being able to drive limits you from doing basic things, such as going to the grocery store, to pick up new clothes, or to go to your job (unless you live in a city or a location which has all of these important locations close together.) When you are driving, making affordable choices is highly crucial. In order to make owning a car a more financially intelligent decision, there are brand new models available which are extremely affordable. 

Luckily, one of the most affordable cars on the market right now is the 2014 Toyota Yaris. Perfect for Toyota fans, this model is reasonably priced and is also stylish.

This gorgeous car, which comes in a multitude of different colors (such as super white, classic silver metallic, magnetic gray metallic, black sand pearl, absolutely red, lagoon blue mica, wave line pearl, and blazing blue pearl) is perfect for anyone on a budget. The starting price for this car is $14,430, which is a very reasonable price. 

Another exciting feature about this car is that it is modern in style and technology. The technology for this vehicle will truly impress you; there is an HD Radio to accompany you during your drive, whether you are going to a delicious pizza restaurant or you are going through the usual gridlock of your daily commute. In addition, there is even Bluetooth® hands-free phone and music streaming. Imagine using this to get to work; it could transform any rough drive into a pleasant one with your favorite tunes playing. There is also an AM/FM radio with a CD player so you can play your favorite tracks. 

If you want a Toyota Yaris, there are multiple places to go to. Car dealers in NJ can help you to find this exceptional model with remarkable ease. Make sure that you take it for a test drive, because that ride alone will leave you hooked. The hardest part about purchasing this car is finding the right color!