Choosing Your Teen's First Vehicle

We all know that buying a car is a major financial commitment. But it also involves major safety issues, especially if the vehicle is being purchased for a new teen driver. The fact is that nearly half the deaths among 15- to 17-year-olds result from car crashes.

In addition to cost and safety, other factors, including reliability and responsibility, should also be considered in the vehicle-buying equation. But where do you begin?

“It’s important that parents do their homework,” said Linda Gorman, public affairs manager for AAA Arizona. “Looming deadlines like graduations should not compromise the thoroughness of your car-buying decision.”

AAA recommends that parents consider the following before buying their new teen driver a car:

• Affordability - While a new car is desirable for reliability and the latest safety

features, it’s not always in the budget. Consider buying a certified used car. Study the used-car market to avoid paying too much. Also, research insurance costs, which can vary greatly for different vehicles.

• Safety — Driving is probably the most dangerous thing your teen does. Teen

fatality rates are more than double those of adult licensed drivers. For this reason, parents should consider a car with features like electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes, which have been found effective in reducing the risk of a crash. Also, look for features that will help reduce the likelihood of injury, should a crash occur — front and side airbags and adjustable head restraints are two such features. To learn the crash-worthiness of a vehicle you are considering for your teen, AAA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration produce the Buying a Safer Car brochure, which provides crash-test ratings for numerous makes and models.

• Reliability — Finding a reliable vehicle is important not only for driver safety, but for your peace of mind. Avoid vehicles with excessive mileage, and have any vehicle you’re considering inspected by a certified facility to ensure it’s rust-free, mechanically sound, and that all safety components are operable. You can review a specific vehicle’s history by ordering a vehicle history report from CARFAX. AAA members are eligible for a discount.

• Responsibility — Consider entering into a “contract” or agreement with your teen on expected behavior behind the wheel. AAA offers a parent-teen driving agreement that helps set rules for night driving, driving with passengers, speeding, distractions, and other safety issues for parents and their new teen driver.

“How your teen drives is as important as what your teen drives,” said Gorman. “Making a smart vehicle choice is one more step that parents can take to help keep their young drivers safe.”