When your teen learns how to drive, it’s both exciting and nerve-wracking. On the one hand, you can look forward to fewer drop-offs and pickups; on the other, you might worry about the unknowns they’ll face on the road. One way to protect your teen is to invest in a quality used or new vehicle. Below are a few features you should consider in your search.

What Should You Consider When Choosing a Car for Your Teen?

1. Safety

To gauge how safe a car is, search the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration with the make, model, and year of the vehicle you’re interested in. You can read about the overall rating, complaints, and recalls. Investing in a used or new car with a high safety rating will provide extra defense against reckless drivers or inclement weather.

Nowadays, cars have many safety features. Look for vehicles that have rear cameras and blind spot monitoring, as both will help your teen detect obstacles they may not see normally. Even if your teen is getting an older used car, you can add many many of these features affordably.

2. Size

According to studies, bigger cars are safer for teenagers. Data shows that teens are less likely to crash bigger cars. If they still get into an accident, larger cars offer more protection. Although small vehicles might be easier to maneuver, they don’t score as high in crash tests.

If you disagree about the right size car, compromise with a midsize or small SUV. For cost and safety, they fall between a small and large vehicle. These cars are heavy enough to be safe and small enough to drive easily. 

3. Cost

The cost of a used or new vehicle includes not only what you pay upfront, but also maintenance. Whether you’re buying a car for your teen, or helping them buy it, make sure to account for insurance, gas, and monthly payments. Fueling a car adds up, especially if your teen is on a budget. Look for a vehicle that gets around 25 mpg for the best cost-efficiency.

If you want to buy a used car, opt for a certified pre-owned one from a dealership. They require inspections and maintenance, and thus the car won’t require costly repairs.

Keep your teen safe on the road ahead with a used or new vehicle from Jack Kain Ford Inc., in Versailles, KY. They’re a family-owned Ford® dealership that serves all customers with honesty and integrity. Their extensive inventory includes used and new trucks, coupes, hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs, and vans. Through their virtual test drive videos, you can get behind the wheel of a vehicle you like from the comfort of your home. Visit their service center for auto services like tire care or oil changes. For attentive and affordable service, call (888) 685-1211. Browse their inventory online.