Three Essential Tips for Helping Your Teen Buy Their First Car
Buying your teen’s first car can be both exciting and overwhelming — for both parents and the young driver. Between balancing safety, budget, and reliability, there’s a lot to consider to ensure your teen’s first set of wheels is a smart investment (and not just a source of future headaches).
To help make the process smoother, RACV’s General Manager of Motoring, Jeff Ames, shares three key tips to guide you through this important milestone.
1. Safety Comes First — Size Isn’t Everything
It’s easy to assume that smaller cars are the best option for new drivers because they’re easier to park and maneuver. However, bigger doesn’t always mean safer — and smaller doesn’t always mean safer either.
The best way to judge a car’s safety is through its safety rating. Websites like ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program) offer independent crash test results and safety ratings, giving you a clear picture of how well a car protects its occupants in an accident.
“RACV recommends comparing current market vehicles’ safety ratings, as they may surprise you,” says Ames.
Taking the time to research and compare safety ratings ensures your teen is not just driving a car they love — but one that will help protect them when it matters most.
2. Do Your Homework on Used Cars
For many families — especially during a cost-of-living crisis — a second-hand car is the most affordable choice for a teen’s first vehicle.
But buying used means being prepared and doing your homework. Understanding the car’s history, roadworthiness, and potential risks can save you from expensive surprises down the track.
Jeff Ames recommends using VicRoads’ Vehicle Report tool if you’re buying a used car in Victoria. It provides a detailed history of the car, including:
- Registration and transfer history
- Roadworthiness certificate status
- Any outstanding finance
- Written-off or stolen history
This comprehensive report helps you spot red flags and ensures you know exactly what you’re buying — giving you peace of mind that your teen’s new ride is safe and legally sound.
3. Don’t Forget the Extras — Especially Insurance
The cost of the car itself is just the first expense — there’s also insurance, fuel, servicing, and potential roadside assistance to consider.
Insurance is especially important for young drivers, who are statistically at higher risk of accidents. Ames warns that if a car is insured under a parent’s name but the teen is the primary driver, some insurance policies may not cover any accidents they’re involved in.
That’s why it’s critical to check the fine print and ensure the insurance policy covers your teen correctly — potentially saving you from a huge financial hit if something goes wrong.
And don’t forget to factor in running costs like fuel efficiency, regular servicing, and even parking permits, as these can quickly add up.
Bonus Tip: Consider Roadside Assistance
Even the most reliable car can break down unexpectedly — sometimes in the least convenient locations. Having roadside assistance is a smart investment, offering peace of mind that help is just a phone call away.
If you’re the proud parent of a teen driver (or soon to be), these simple steps will help you navigate the car-buying process with confidence — ensuring your teen’s first car is safe, reliable, and affordable.
Looking for a Safe and Reliable First Car?
At Tynan Motors, we have a wide selection of new and quality used vehicles, perfect for first-time drivers. Our friendly team can help you find the ideal car to suit your budget, lifestyle, and — most importantly — safety needs.
Ensure you search the Tynan stock through our link here.
Credit: CarSales.com.au