Very few things will brighten up a teenager’s eyes on the morning of her sixteenth birthday that getting a gift of a car. While most of the time that’s not going to be a brand new Mercedes, that teenager will nevertheless remember that particular gift forever. For this reason, it’s important to put some serious thought into the used car you buy for your child.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
- The first thing you need to think about is price. Set your budget and stick to it. It can be tempting to want to buy more vehicle than what you can afford, but try to resist this urge.
- You also need to think about the cost of insurance. Check with your insurance agent, as there can be quite a variance in the cost of your insurance from one used car to the next.
- Safety is, of course, another concern. You want the safest used car you can find for the money. Look for cars with important safety features like side airbags.
- Finally, you want to get your teenager a car that runs well. Consider a certified vehicle, or hire a mechanic to inspect the used car before you drive it off the lot.