You remember getting your first car as one of the most exciting moments of your life. It gave you the freedom to branch out on your own and take a final step toward adulthood. But as a parent, you might wonder what to look for in a new car for your own teen. There are so many options available, and you want to find a combination of safety and value. Here are three tips for buying your teenager their first car—a great choice could benefit their lives a long way down the road. 

Advice for Buying the Perfect Teen Car

1. Look for Safety Features

A flashy paint job and chrome wheels will stand out, but those features won’t do much to keep your precious cargo safe behind the wheel. When you start shopping for cars, look for safety features that will help prevent serious injury, such as airbags, automatic braking systems, and rear-view cameras. Vehicles manufactured after 2018 are required to include backup cameras, so consider looking at newer cars to take advantage of these policy changes. 

2. Consider Your Total Budget

Whether you’ll be footing the bill for the entire vehicle or asking your teen to chip in on the cost, be sure to settle on a budget before you start shopping. Don’t forget to calculate in additional expenses, such as repairs, maintenance, and insurance. 

3. Think About the Future 

To make that first vehicle as versatile as possible, consider how the car will be used in the future. Will your child be taking it off to college with them, or will they need to carpool other teens to and from school and extracurricular activities? Think about how the vehicle will be used, and make sure it has enough cargo and passenger space for what your teen needs. 

When you’re ready to start shopping for that first special car, turn to Kia Country of Savannah. With several makes and models situated well within that first car price point, your teen can find a car they’ll love for a price you’re both comfortable managing. Explore their current inventory by visiting their website or Facebook page. Let one of their car specialists walk you through the process by calling (912) 629-4906.