Classic Kia’s First-Time Car Buying Guide for Teen Drivers and Their Families

Aug 30, 2022

School is starting and many young drivers are taking their first steps to independence by driving to their classes and after school jobs, social events, sports games, etc. If you’ve got multiple teens in your household, the car swap shuffle can get a bit tiring and hectic! As a result, you may be considering buying an additional vehicle for the family, or for your young driver to have to themselves.

Like any other big family decision relating to your teen exploring the world, this can be a little overwhelming if you’re new to the process! That’s why we’re here to help break it down into several easy-to-digest steps for wading through the waters of purchasing a first car for your teens. Check it out and let us know if there are any other helpful hints and tricks your family has used, and we may included it in an updated column in the future!

A Helpful First Time Car Buying Guide for Teens & Their Families

Decide on your budget.
Many families will share cars with new drivers, or will pass down an older model as parents upgrade their ride, and as a result will want a budget friendly option.
- Shop around and test-drive multiple models, and see what type of vehicle that suits your needs is available at different price points.
- If you need a loan, younger drivers will require a co-signer due to lack of credit history and less stable employment history. Be sure to talk this out as a family, and decide the best course of action ahead of loan applications. Many loans also come with title fees, a down payment requirement, and other costs, so be sure to do your research on that.
- Paying for a car up front can save you a lot of money in the long run. Set a budget that you can comfortably afford to pay via cash or check, and avoid costly interest fees on loans. Remember to include title fees/transfers, registration costs, and initial insurance payments in that budget.
  Figure out your daily mileage (home to school and back, school to work and back, average weekend visits with friends) and determine your average gas costs. Choose a car that fits your monthly budget with good gas mileage or higher electric charge mileage.
- Research average insurance coverage costs and payments for the make/model of cars you’re looking at, and best coverage that ensures your safety and fits within your budget. This can be a monthly, quarterly, or yearly expense depending on payment plan selection.

Decide whether you’re going for a new or used car. Most new drivers opt for budget-friendly used cars, but there are pros and cons to each. Weigh both as a family and decide which you prefer.
- Newer cars are the most advanced options, and have lower associated repair costs, but they do require financing or leasing and more expensive insurance.
- Older used cars can be a more economical option up front, you’ll have a wider variety of makes/models to choose from, but there is always a higher risk for repairs and maintenance.
- Used cars from 2013 and higher will fit most any budget and will have ideal safety features such as Anti-Lock Brakes, Traction control, and stability control.
- Newer cars within the last 3-5 years may also be equipped with Forward-Collision warning, Blind-spot monitoring, Heads-Up Displays, voice activated infotainment systems, and other driver-assist technologies.
- With the onset of COVID19 pandemic, both New and Used vehicle sales have been impacted, so plan ahead for potential wait times on specific models and features, and consider a flexible shopping plan with multiple selections in case your first choice is out of stock.

Do thorough research on your options. After you’ve reached a budget plan, it’s time to consider a few things, such as what will be your daily usage, what features do you need, are you the sole driver or sharing, etc.
- Think about what kind of car you’ll need: will it be comfortable for long distances, a vehicle with room for multiple passengers, lots of room for athletic equipment, etc. Make sure all of your car searches factor in the following: safety features, reliability and longevity, fuel economy, tech and digital features, vehicle resale value.
- Choose a vehicle that has a Good Crash-Test Rating via Kelley Blue Book verified sources (IIHS and NHTSA); these test for roof strength, head restraints and seats, front and side impact damage, roller damage, etc.
- Read all financial paperwork and sales agreements very carefully. If you’re a younger driver, be sure to bring along a parent or guardian who can help you navigate the agreements and negotiate your best deals.
- Decide what features are must-haves and what you can do without. Each make and model year of car has different features and amenities. It’s up to you and your lifestyle to find the right match of indispensable electronic and convenience features. Consider things like: Do you need a GPS? Can you do without satellite radio or do you require digital interfaces? Will a hybrid, all electric, or gas vehicle be best for your daily driving needs? Do you need room for equipment such as sports gear, bikes, luggage, school supplies, etc?