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Shopping for Your Teen's First Vehicle
A safety guide for parents By Sharon Waldrop
Szarek recommends that special attention be paid to a vehicle's tires, transmission, motor and suspension. "In short, all drive components should be intact," says Szarek, who frequently provides good used vehicles for private parties with a thorough 100-point diagnostic inspection for safety.
- front and side air bags
- head air bags
- anti-lock braking systems (ABS)
- four-wheel drive with traction control
- automatically dimming rear-view mirrors (reducing glare of highbeams in traffic)
- daytime running lights
The NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program, NCAP, reports test results in a range of one to five stars, with five stars indicating the best crash protection. This information and the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards are available on the Web site, too.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports crash test results from frontal, head restraint and side impact tests.
Does the vehicle have a spare tire and jack? Do the windshield wipers and all electronic devices work? If possible, drive the vehicle at night to ensure the headlamps give adequate light.
The vehicle you choose will carry precious cargo: your teen. Its purchase shouldn't be taken lightly. Do your homework and involve your teen in the decision-making process. It will be a learning experience for you both, as well as a memorable event.