Not
so long ago, your child was just a toddler, reaching out their pudgy little
hand for you to hold as they crossed the road. It seems that no time at all has
gone by and now they’re suddenly old enough to not only cross the road by
themselves, but to actually drive a car!
Our
parental instincts stay with us regardless of the age of our children so when
it comes to your teenager’s first car, it’s no wonder that safety is at the top
of the list of priorities. If you’re buying a car for your child, here are the
top considerations to ensure you make the right choice:
- What will the car be
used for? Sounds like a silly question, but will they be driving younger
siblings around? If so, consider suitability for car seats and for
youngsters to safely get in and out of the car.
- Brand new or second hand?
Cost will probably come into the equation for this one, but take into
consideration the cost of any repairs on an older vehicle that may
outweigh the upfront cost of having a new car warranty.
- Not all new cars are
created equal! Be sure to research and compare safety ratings and features
of new vehicles. Look closely at items such as airbags, brake systems,
crash test results, reversing camera, electronic stability control.
- If buying a second hand
car, have a professional mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection. Although
it’s not a guarantee that the car is in perfect condition, it will point
out any weaknesses that need to be addressed and give you a realistic view
of the condition of the car. You
can come and see us at any of our service centres for a pre-purchase
inspection.
- Once you’re happy with
the car you’d like to purchase, make sure it is clear who is responsible
for the upkeep. Who will pay for petrol, insurance, repairs, service and
general maintenance?
In
their eagerness to get on the road (and look cool), your teenager may be
pushing for a little red vintage convertible, but when push comes to shove, you
can always pull out the ‘parent card’ and remind them just who is paying for it.
J
