A car has become an absolute necessity for the commute; especially when it comes to teenagers. A personal vehicle to commute to school or college is essential when your kid reaches the right driving age. When you think about your kid driving his or her first car, the three things you think about are safety, reliability, and the cost-effectiveness of purchasing a car.
Choosing the Right Car for your Teenager!
Focus on the following points as you search for a car for your teenage kid.
1) Set Your Budget
Think about the car budget for your teenager before you dive right into the shopping process. While you set your budget into place, you will realize the cars that you can afford. Consider the amount that you are earning, the amount that you would require to pay each month, and different ways that you can cut off some of your expenses and pay them towards the auto loan.
Most teenagers struggle with no credit history and often require a co-signer. Make sure you or a relative are co-signing for your teenager to obtain attractive interest rates and a better car deal. If you do not know anyone with a good credit score, it is best to apply for no credit no co-signer auto loans in advance.
2) Used Car or New Car: Your Choice
Extensive research should be made before you decide on a used car or a new car. Before deciding on a car, ask yourself questions such as how much would your kid be traveling on an average, would another family member share the car, and what features or safety requirements are necessary for you. A new car is low-maintenance with superior fuel economy and advanced safety features whereas a used car is wallet-friendly with a lower loan amount.
Usually, for a first-time driver like your teenager, a new car such as the Toyota Corolla or the Honda Civic is a safer bet which will also provide a good resale value. You can shop around at your local dealership or take the help of online auto portals to search for cars.
3) Test Drive Till You Are Sold
Purchasing a car is a big investment. While many people may not give importance to a test drive, you should test drive your car until you are sold on purchasing it for your teenager. Be mindful of certain things while test driving such as measuring fuel efficiency by noting the odometer before and after the test drive.
You can also roll down the window to check if the car is making any unusual noises and check if the car gear is easy to drive for your teenager. You should clear all your doubts before you purchase the car and test driving is the best way to do it.
While you purchase a car for your teenager, make sure you are satisfied with the safety, reliability, and price point of the car. You can also get pre-approved for a first-time car buyer’s loan to get the best deal for your son/daughter.
