Buying your first car is an exciting milestone for any teenager. While it is tempting to gravitate toward cars that are flashy and fun, it is more important to put the image of your vehicle aside and focus on other factors. When looking for your first vehicle, you will want to consider that you are an inexperienced driver. Here are three things that teens should look for in a starter car.
The Cost
This is not the time in life to go after your dream car. Your budget should be the primary consideration when shopping for a vehicle. Before heading out to test drive cars, make sure that you have a firm budget in mind so that you are not tempted to spend more than you have. When figuring out your budget, be sure to look beyond the initial purchase of the vehicle. You also need to consider annual registration, maintenance costs, gas mileage, and average repair costs. Lastly, you need to factor in insurance premiums. Vehicles that are more expensive are also going to cost significantly more to insure, adding to the total cost of ownership.
Safety
Taking your hard-earned money and purchasing a lemon of a vehicle would be a huge disappointment. There are more than a few things to consider when it comes to evaluating how safe the model is. In addition to the age of the vehicle, you need to look for signs of damage that would indicate that it has been involved in a serious collision. There are two major vehicle safety rating services that can help you to ascertain how safe your options are compared to each other.
Practicality
As a teenager, you need a practical vehicle that will get you from point A to point B. What you do not need is a sports car, large family SUV, or any other kind of vehicle that does not suit your current lifestyle. While you do not necessarily want the smallest car on the roads, you also do not need the biggest. A safe commuter car or a small SUV is your best bet when looking for a vehicle to fit your needs as a teenager.
By doing your research and choosing carefully, you can ensure that you select the best vehicle to meet your personal preferences and needs. Purchasing the right vehicle will help you to enjoy this special season in life.
If you enjoyed this article, check out this other article on how to deal with insurance if you get into a car accident!