Talking Points for Families: How To Budget for and Select the Right Car for Your Younger Driver

Jul 29, 2023

Is your teen ready to hit the road in their very first car? Your recent graduate heading off to college on their own and in need of a reliable vehicle? Let the experts here at Classic guide you on your journey to selecting the perfect car for your teen driver.

We’re here to help you navigate the ins-and-outs of selecting a car, by highlighting three easy talking points for families to jumpstart your shopping. When you’re ready to buy, just head on into our dealerships and our trusted, experienced sales staff will have your teen behind the wheel of the safest, budget friendly vehicle in no time!

Easy Car Buying Guide for Teens and Families

Many families will share cars with new drivers, or will pass down an older model as parents upgrade their ride. But if you’re buying your first car outright, make sure you settle on a comfortable price point.

Decide on your budget.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.

Most new drivers opt for budget-friendly used cars, but there are pros and cons to each. Sit down together and list out the potential costs and benefits of new versus pre-owned, and it will give you some perspective on operating costs.

Decide whether you’re going for a new or used car.
- 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.
- Weigh both as a family and decide which you prefer. 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.

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.

Do thorough research on your options.
- 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?
- 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.

Do you have a first-time car buying tip that helped your family find the right fit financially and practically for their young drivers? Let us know in the comments of our social media post for this blog.