How to Choose a Teen's First Car

Choosing your teen's first car can be a rocky process, especially when your child wants the latest, coolest car and you were thinking more along the lines of safety. Learn how to choose a first car that will please you and your teen.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Speak to your teen about driving. Enroll them in driving school and accompany them for drives with their learner's permit. The more involved you are in your teenager's driving experience, the more likely they are to heed your advice when the topic shifts to their dream car.
2. Make your child work for the car. Require her to take on more chores, bring home straight A's or tutor a sibling.
3. Research automobile resources, such as Vehix, Edmunds, and Cars Direct. These websites provide safety ratings, automobile reviews, pricing, car quotes and insurance information.
4. Communicate with your teenager. Learn what colors and models he likes, but let them know that you have the final say in which car is picked.
5. Go for a reliable model. Honda Civics are affordable and dependable cars that last a long time. Sure, your child may crave the newest BMW, but go for affordability and safety. Luxury can come later.
6. Speak with your insurance company. Find out the costs of adding a new driver to your policy and research which cars will cost you how much. Obviously, a sports car will cost more to insure than a sedan. Try to find a balance that will appease both your teen and your wallet.

Tips & Warnings

• Enroll your teens in a driver safety course and give them plenty of practice on the road.