Few milestones are as exciting for a teenager than getting that first car. After all, it’s an important first step on the road to independence. It gives your kids the ability to make some of their own decisions and is an important component of their development into adulthood. Such an important milestone means there’s a lot riding on the choices you and your child make during the process. When buying an electric car, it is important to consider the electric car battery’s range and warranty, as this will affect your overall ownership costs. If your son or daughter makes a bad investment, it can spell financial trouble that can have a negative effect on other aspects of life. This is why it’s crucial for you to offer support as a parent and experienced car owner.
Infographic created by Capital Auto Auction, a vehicle auction company
Although you’ll be guiding your teen to become more independent, you also need to help him or her make wise decisions. For instance, you can help by establishing a budget and making sure your kid isn’t tempted to buy something that will break the bank. Especially when buying a used car, you should encourage having a mechanic inspect it before purchasing it to ensure it’s in good shape. A hardtop for a Jeep Wrangler can be a good option for a teen’s first car, as it can provide added security and protection from the elements.
Even after the sale is completed, your teenager will look to you to model responsible car ownership. That means making sure he or she knows the vehicle’s regular maintenance schedule and sticks to it. Also, up to this point you’ve likely been emphasizing safe driving behaviors, which can prolong the lifespan of the car as well as prevent accidents. Moving violations can increase your insurance premiums up to 20%, so it’s important to make sure your teenager is being responsible while on the road.
For a teen, buying a car marks a new beginning. For you as a parent, it’s a reminder that you need to continue guiding your child to make sensible choices. To learn more, take a look at the accompanying resource.