It’s a familiar scene for families across the country – your teen has passed their test with flying colours and is now eagerly hunting for their first car. Whether they are buying it themselves or you are helping out, one thing you know for sure is that you want their first car to be safe, reliable and economical.
Safety
This will be high on every parent’s list when buying a car for their child so make sure you know the history of your purchase by getting hold of the log book. New cars won’t need quite so much consideration but most first cars are second-hand so make sure you know what you’re buying before you hand any money over. If you can, get a mechanic to take a look as well and see if there are any problems that need to be rectified before you buy.
Economy
Getting a first car is an expensive business. Once you’ve paid for the lessons and passed your test, you then have to consider insurance, tax and the car itself. Plus, there is the constant cost of petrol to think about. Both parents and teens want a car that is cheap to run and won’t cost the earth every time you fill up. Gas guzzlers should be avoided in favour of cars with smaller engines and make sure your teen knows the importance of sensible driving. Over-revving, harsh braking and speeding will end up costing more in fuel and repairs.
Quality
You may be buying second hand to save some money but if you don’t do your research, a first car could end up costing twice as much in repairs. Do thorough checks before you buy and if possible, have a test drive. Smaller things such as paintwork scratches can be fixed fairly cheaply at a later date but any damage to the tyres, mirrors, headlights and the engine should be sorted out before you sign on the dotted line.
Style
This may not be at the top of the parent’s list but it will certainly feature high for your teenager. Style isn’t the most vital thing when searching for a first car but it’s still worth thinking about. Your child should be proud of their new car and one that is scratched, dented and rusted can be quite depressing, not to mention costly to fix. Why not contact Richmond DriveTime and ask about their best cars for first time drivers? By using a dealership, you know that the car you buy will look clean and stylish, as well as be safe and reliable.
Buying your teen’s first car shouldn’t be a nightmare as long as you keep this guide in mind. Put safety and reliability at the top of your list, followed by economy and style and you can’t go wrong. Eventually your child will want to get out on the open road so isn’t it worth doing your research and getting a first car that you can feel happy about them driving, wherever they may go?
