Choosing the Right Car for your Teen

You have been putting off this decision for quite a while, but finally you have decided to buy your teenager a car. What kind of car do you buy?

There are several things to consider. Newer models, even relatively inexpensive ones, often have the latest safety features like side air bags, traction control and antilock brakes. Although a new vehicle may be the best choice, it may not be the most practical one. The family car as a hand-me-down may be a good option if it is well maintained. But, if your family car has outlived its usefulness for you, it may not a good choice for your teenager.

A late-model, mid-sized, front-wheel-drive sedan is generally a good bet for a used car. Although your teen may balk at a “boring” car, these are generally driven by more mature owners who tend to maintain their cars well. Look for a car whose mileage matches its age — about 12,000 to 15,000 miles per year.

An SUV may give the driver a better view of the road and provide better traction in poor weather conditions, but it is not without faults. SUVs generally get poor fuel economy, handle worse than a passenger car and have a higher propensity to roll over during evasive maneuvers. One other issue: Some drivers feel so confident in their ability to go anywhere in an SUV that they take unnecessary chances.

Also, many car crashes happen as a result of driver distraction. By avoiding the purchase of a van or SUV with multiple rows of seats, you can reduce the chance of this. Studies have shown the more passengers you put in a car the more likely a teen is to crash.

And of course, high performance sports cars and novice drivers are never a good combination. Fast, powerful cars are more likely to be driven recklessly.

You should also invest in a few more items. Every car should have a roadside emergency kit (flares, flashlight, tools etc.) A good spare tire and working jack are mandatory, as is a lesson on how to change a flat tire. And, of course, don’t forget to get your teen his or her own AAA membership card.
— John Paul