Is buying your child a car the correct decision?
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Children heavily rely on their parents for transportation during their early years. Whether going to school, attending social gatherings, or running errands, kids depend on adults to safely drive them to and from various destinations. Once an individual has reached the legal driving age, many parents decide to purchase their teenager a car of their own. However, making such a decision should not be taken lightly. Remaining cognizant of a few basic things may be beneficial when comparing the pros and cons.
Evaluate existing financial obligations
Cars are often associated with hefty price tags. Although there are often different ways to pay off the initial cost, it is essential to remember that you will most likely need to make additional recurring payments in most cases. Not to mention driver’s insurance, auto maintenance, and gas can quickly add up and create more financial responsibilities. Looking at your current financial obligations can help you identify what money if any, can be put aside for the purchase or lease of a car. Monthly expenses may not seem daunting when looked at individually, but they can be overwhelming when added to existing bills. Once you’ve determined your budget and decided you’re going to move forward with a car purchase for your child, a Car Bow can be an added touch to relay your elation when providing them with such a gift.
Consider driving abilities
Not every individual will make a good driver despite driver’s education courses, certified instructors, and practice. Some may have slower reaction times and difficulty maneuvering through heavy traffic, while others may tend to speed and disregard the road rules. For those teenagers who exhibit exceptional driving skills and can remain calm and level-headed during troublesome situations, one may consider them safe to properly manage a vehicle. On the other hand, individuals with subpar experience can pose a danger to themselves and other travelers.
Determine the level of responsibility
For a car to run correctly, it should be regularly checked and taken in for maintenance. You should periodically schedule visits to the dealership or the auto repair shop to ensure that the vehicle and its parts are functioning correctly. Even though it might not be your child’s responsibility to pay for any maintenance and repairs, it should be up to them to monitor the car and alert you to the presence of any warning signs. Teach them what to look for and how often to check the car so they can help stay on top of maintenance.
It may also be advantageous for you to consider the level of trust that you have in your child. Providing them with a car will grant them a newfound sense of freedom, so you’ll want to be sure that they abide by any rules you have set in place. Whether it only be driving at certain times of the day or limiting the number of passengers in the car, you should feel comfortable knowing that you can trust them.
Think about future needs
Families with multiple children may benefit from having an extra car. Parents may no longer need to spend time driving in opposite directions all over town to drop kids off for various activities. Teenagers with a vehicle can help transport younger siblings and aid parents in completing any chores. This scenario may be ideal for those with hectic or conflicting schedules; having an extra car means having another helping hand.
A car might also be an excellent way for your child to start making some money and adding some more responsibility. They could use their new vehicle to start a lawn maintenance business, a delivery business, or even join in on the rideshare business. However, you should make these decisions using the same scrutiny you used when purchasing your child a vehicle.
Explore alternatives
There are many other ways for teenagers to get around even if they don’t have access to a car. Walking or bicycling may be ideal when traveling to places within close proximity, while city buses and cabs can be helpful for farther destinations. The subway may also be an excellent alternative for those who live within large metropolitan areas.