How to Choose the Right Car for Your Teen

Keep these considerations in mind to select the best car for your teen.

Want to surprise your teen with their very own car this holiday season?  Itâ's important that you choose the best car for your teen.  If you arenâ't sure where to start in your search, here are some of the considerations you should make before you buy. New vs. Used One of the major decisions you will have to make is whether you should buy your teen a new or used car.  New cars are an attractive option because they offer the newest safety features, are reliable, and generally do not require much maintenance.  However, new cars are expensive and they also tend to be more costly to insure.  A used vehicle presents a more affordable option for your teen.  Additionally, many newer used cars offer safety features that are comparable to brand-new cars.  However, used cars can run into problems with dependability and may require expensive maintenance. Safety Features When looking for a car for your teen, safety should be your biggest concern.  Thatâ's why you should narrow your search to vehicles that have the best safety features and ratings.  Some of the safety features you should look out for include Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS).  Additionally, you should look for cars that offer side and curtain airbags in addition to standard airbags.  Features such as automatic seatbelt alerts are also worth considering. Size While big, heavy cars tend to hold up better structurally in a crash, trucks and SUVs have a higher chance of rolling over than a smaller car.  Additionally, bigger cars tend to be less gas efficient and can be difficult for inexperienced drivers to maneuver.  One the other hand, smaller cars are fuel efficient and easy to drive.  However, smaller cars might not offer as much crash protection as a big car.  These are the considerations you will have to weigh when deciding whether your teen will be better off in a large or small car. Keep these considerations in mind as you look for the best car for your teen.  Once you choose the perfect car, make sure it has the auto insurance it needs.  For help finding the right policies, contact the professionals at Cook, Disharoon & Greathouse, Inc.  Located in Oakland & Pleasant Hill, California, we serve all your personal and commercial insurance needs.