The feeling of holding your first driver’s licence in your hand can be a significant event for youngsters, yet it only represents one aspect of driving. After all, what use is having a valid driver’s licence if you don’t have a car to drive? Teen drivers in Austin go through a variety of emotions as they learn to operate a vehicle, and these are made worse by the uncertainty surrounding the type of car they will be given after passing their driving test.
One of the most significant decisions kids and their parents typically make jointly is buying a new car for a first-time driver. The option between a new car and a used car raises a typical conundrum: which is better for my teen? There are many factors to consider here. Questions like is your teen passionate about cars or are they simply going to drive on a need-be basis? Do they have preferences when it comes to getting their first vehicle or are they happy with anything etc.
Although the demand for used automobiles has recently overtaken that for new cars, there are a few unique factors to take into account when it comes to young drivers. Both choices have advantages and disadvantages that could influence your choice.
Purchasing a Used Car
For the majority of families, purchasing a used automobile is the right decision to make for their teenagers. After all, a lot of parents don’t even own brand-new cars.
Advantages
Lower Price
Cost is a main factor for some families when purchasing a used car. A pre-owned car is far less expensive to buy and insure. Additionally, it can be just as simple to maintain as a modern vehicle if you choose the proper make and model.
Dings and Dents Are Not as Problematic
If the car is used, parents may feel a little less concerned about it becoming damaged. Teenagers acquire vital driving experience without the stress of maintaining a spotless car.
Disadvantages
Safety Features That Are Less Advanced
There are disadvantages to buying a pre-owned car as well. Most significantly, compared to those of a new vehicle, the safety features on a used car may be outdated, deficient, or otherwise insufficient. A 5-star safety rating from a few years ago is by no means comparable to one today, especially given how frequently driver safety technology and laws are updated.
For instance, the federal regulation mandating ESC as a standard feature in all new cars was only recently passed in 2012. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration believes that this safety element might cut single-vehicle SUV crashes by 59 percent and single-vehicle crashes by 34 percent.
Purchasing a New Vehicle
For some families, getting their young driver a brand-new automobile straight from the assembly line just makes sense. A new car is equipped with the newest safety features and cutting-edge technology in addition to all the luxuries and features that make youngsters feel at ease when driving.
Advantages
There can be several benefits if the teen driver in Austin gets a new car rather than a used one. Here are some of them:
State-of-the-Art Safety Features
Teenagers’ abilities won’t be hampered by their chariot thanks to tire pressure indicators, rear-view cameras, and collision detectors. In addition, new automobiles come standard with airbags and important safety technologies like electronic stability control (ESC), which helps steady the vehicle during emergency over-steering situations and fast corners. Older cars might not come equipped with these essential features, which might spell the difference between life and death in a serious collision.
Less Need for Maintenance and Repairs
There are also a lot fewer maintenance and repair issues. Even if you do require repairs, they are typically covered under the warranty.
Disadvantages
While new cars for teen drivers in Austin have advantages, they also have some disadvantages.
Higher Prices
For other people, purchasing a new car can seem like a complete financial mistake. After all, data indicates that across all age categories, teen drivers have the highest crash risk. In addition, they are three times more likely than those 20 or older to be in a deadly collision.
This can seriously hurt many parents’ finances when coupled with the higher insurance rates for new drivers and vehicles. Some people may decide that a significant initial investment is not necessary for what appear to be minor creature comforts.
The Substitute: Recently Used
If you’re really stuck for a decision, we advise going the “sort of new” route and getting a certified pre-owned car that’s a few years old. This quickly expanding fleet of vehicles typically consists of leased automobiles in various stages of use. The manufacturers have received the automobiles back and confirmed them to be “exactly like new.”
Although technically used, certified pre-owned vehicles have undergone extensive safety checks and maintenance by the manufacturer to ensure they are safe to drive on the road. Any required repairs will also be made by the manufacturer.
Contact Us to Schedule a Test Drive and Review Financing Options
In the end, there are arguments for and against each of the three options. It depends on your own preferences and what you’re searching for in a car. The decision is ultimately yours to make because when you go out, you’ll have specific needs in mind, such as your spending limit, safety requirements, and what teen drivers in Austin want, among other things.
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