Do your homework to find a car that keeps him or her safe
Lauren Fix, the Car Coach and co host of Do It Yourself Network's "Talk 2 DIY Automotive," says there are ways to satisfy both your teen's drive to be cool and your desire to keep him safe.
Fix knows. Her daughter Shelby turned 16 in March.
First and foremost is safety, says Fix. Automobile crashes are the leading cause of teen deaths in the United States, so be willing to spend a little extra for a safer vehicle.
"What's the price of safety?" Fix asks. "As much as you can afford."
Avoid cars made before 1998 because air bags were not standard equipment prior to that. Look for a car with as many safety features as possible. The more safety features, the more protection your teen will have in case of a crash. Newer cars have more of these features, such as anti lock brakes, dual front and side air bags, fog lights, traction control, and all wheel drive.
And make sure all the safety equipment is working properly, Fix says.
For example, the 2005 Chevy Cavalier received only one star out of five for side impact, she says.
"Imagine putting your child in that car," she says.
Avoid buying a sports car that may tempt your teen to drive too fast. Also don't buy a teenager a Hummer or a sports utility vehicle.
"Kids think SUVs are invincible," says Fix. "They think "see how much power I have.' But remember this is a 5,000 pound piece of metal. SUVs are hard to handle and kids can roll them."
If, however,
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Mid sized cars are best and provide "a little cushion room in case of a fender bender," says Fix.
Also look for all wheel or four wheel drive, especially since this is "snow country."
Expect to pay at least $5,000 for a car. Anything cheaper than that will need repairs,
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"A year old car is a great choice," she says. "Look for a certified pre owned, since it has a warranty. There are tons of good cars in that category."
Also consider leasing a car for your teen and have them help you pay the monthly payment to teach them about responsibility and handling money.
Before purchasing a vehicle, you should have an Automotive Service Excellence certified technician look at it to make sure it's safe and doesn't need repairs. Fix says the service should cost around $200.
"I'm amazed how many people e mail me with stories about how the clutch went right after they bought their $2,000 car," she says. "That's why they were getting rid of it. You don't want to put your child in a car with mechanical problems."
Don't think a current inspection sticker on the car's windshield means the car is safe.
"Inspected doesn't mean anything," Fix says. "You can buy an inspection sticker anywhere."
A technician also should check the car for flood damage, which can cause mechanical, as well as health problems, from mold and mildew.
"Flood damaged cars are all over and can easily be scammed by moving them from state to state," Fix says. She says Pennsylvania is one of the less stringent states in reporting flood damage.
Also get a Carfax vehicle history report, which can uncover hidden problems, such as salvage titles, odometer problems and reports on whether the vehicle is a lemon.
Avoid buying an odd brand, like an Isuzu, Fix says. It may be difficult to get parts.
To keep your teen happy, Fix suggests letting him or her choose the color and perhaps a pinstriping or decal kit for the car.
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