Purchasing a vehicle for a new teen driver is a thrilling yet harrowing experience. There are so many choices to consider, but the main one is: should you purchase a new or used vehicle? Although both options have their pros and cons, purchasing a new car is a better option for your teen driver because of these four advantages.
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Less Maintenance
Newer cars typically require less maintenance than older vehicles. Even if you would need to take a brand new car in for repairs, the repairs might be included in the warranty. You’ll also feel safer knowing the new vehicle has not been in an accident or had any body repair work done, so the vehicle should be in excellent condition. With a used car, you don’t know how the previous owner took care of it and you could be stuck with unforeseen issues and repairs.
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Better Safety Features
In the past, it was thought that teenage drivers should be behind the wheel of an older vehicle, but older vehicles aren’t necessarily a safer option. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, automobile accidents remain the leading cause of death for teenagers.
Safer technology has changed a lot, even in the last five years. This includes rearview cameras, collision detectors, and tire pressure indicators that can help keep your teen driver safe. Electronic stability control keeps the vehicle secure during sharp turns and over-steering emergencies. Many of these features, including air bags, don’t come standard in older vehicles, so it’s optimal for safety reasons to purchase a new car. Look to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety for its rankings of Top Safety Picks, which is awarded to vehicles that perform admirably in crash testing and other evaluations.
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Addition of Parental Controls
Face it, when your teen driver heads out on the road, he or she might feel the need to put the pedal to the metal. One additional safety feature that some newer vehicles offer is a parental control system that lets you set predetermined audio and speed limits. This system notifies you if the vehicle reaches that predetermined limit and shuts off the radio. Other systems also automatically turn off the radio if seat belts are not engaged.
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Advanced Technology
You might think that having your teenager connect a phone to the new vehicle isn’t an important feature, but it does have benefits. Teenagers want to be connected for convenience, and certain types of in-car technology allow for that. Features such as Bluetooth connectivity and embedded voice assistants such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto encourage them to keep their phones out of their hands while driving.
If you’re interested in finding a new vehicle for your teenage driver, it’s important to bring your teenager along during the car buying process so he or she can get a feel for the vehicle before you purchase. Stop in today at Billy Howell Ford Lincoln and speak with experts who can help you narrow down your options so your teen driver can get on the road safely.
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