AAA Advises Parents on How to Choose the Right Vehicle for Their Teen Driver

Parents need to consider a vehicle's safety features, affordability and reliability

WASHINGTON, June 11, 2008; Summer is the prime time for parents to purchase vehicles for their teens, with graduation, summer jobs and college looming. AAA encourages parents to factor safety, affordability and reliability into picking the best vehicle for their teen.

"Helping their teenager make a smart vehicle choice is an important way that parents need to be involved in their young driver's development," said AAA President and CEO Robert L. Darbelnet. "Making a wise choice can more than just save the teen some money and repair headaches -- it can save lives."

Selecting the right vehicle can prove challenging for parents as they balance safety concerns, financial constraints, the teen's preferences and their own emotions. Prior to choosing a vehicle, parents must determine if their teen needs a vehicle of their own.

"Parents should assess the maturity level and actual driving needs of their teen before beginning the search for a vehicle," Darbelnet added. "Once a teen is ready for and needs a vehicle, buying that car presents a golden opportunity for parents to actively engage the teen in making a smart, safe vehicle decision."

AAA's So Your Teen Wants a Car? A Parent's Guide to Choosing a Vehicle brochure provides parents and teens with important details to consider when in the market for a vehicle. This car buying brochure will be distributed by AAA clubs across the country. AAA emphasizes three categories for parents to consider during the vehicle selection process: safety, affordability and reliability.

Safety -- Automobile crashes are the leading cause of death for teens, and teens are more than twice as likely to be involved in a crash as adult licensed drivers. Parents should consider vehicles with the latest safety features that can reduce the risk of a crash and the likelihood of injury should a crash occur. Such features include antilock braking systems (ABS), daytime running lights, electronic stability control (ESC), airbags and adjustable/lockable head restraints.

Affordability -- Parents are encouraged to work with their teen to determine the best investment. A new vehicle may exceed the family budget, so a previously-owned model with good safety features might be the best option. Insurance, fuel and maintenance costs should all factor into the decision making process as well.

Reliability -- Selecting a vehicle with a warranty, purchasing an extended warranty, checking the vehicle's maintenance and crash histories, conducting a pre-purchase inspection and avoiding vehicles with excessive mileage are steps parents can take to ensure the purchase of a roadworthy and mechanically sound vehicle for their teen.