First car for my teen daughter?

Question

My daughter just passed her road test yesturday and me and my husband are planning to get her a car soon for her birthday/christmas present, she's my first child to buy a car for so i'm not really sure how much would be a reasonable amount to spend on her first car?

Answer 1

Don't go overboard. For one, teenagers are not careful drivers, so if you spent a ton of money, you're going to regret it.

Also, she might get arrogant if she's given an expensive car right after getting her license.

I think getting a car that is reliable but not too expensive would be a good way to go. And getting her to help with insurance, etc., will help build character.

Answer 2

There is an inherent problem when buying a car for a teenage because there are so many kids that have brand new as opposed to an used one.

But I agree with Dodge Man, and it really does come down to buying the car with the least likely maintenance problems. Toyota does have a good track record and still can look good enough to satisfy the need for looks and not break the bank. $1500 to $2000 is about what you can expect to pay unless you get a lucky break.

Just make sure you impress on her the responsibilities that go with owning a vehicle.

Answer 3

Spend within your budget! Most teenager's want a Ferrari budget, when all they need is a Toyota Corolla, ha! But seriously, this is a learning car, might get a few DINGs, some her fault, some not. But if you buy some old beater, or some mom and pop car, she'll be embarressed in front of her friends You're on the web, so perhaps you should base your decision on the different auto sites out there, as for dependability, maintenance cost, availibility of parts, and warranty's. Yes I know you love her,but please use your judgement here. Good luck!

Answer 4

it depends, my first car was an 600$ beater with 150,000 miles on it. 4door sedans are usually the best bet, for safety and insurance. they might not look really cool, but thats the trade-off. If you have any friends who have alot of car knowladge, ask them, or take the car to a local shop for a pre purchase inspection. I would hover around 2000$, if ya go out and buy a really nice expensive car, then someone hits it in the school parking lot..... i like to stick to "form fits function"

Answer 5

i own a repair shop,in Tennessee,and a real good choice for a first car is a good used Toyota corolla,their very reliable and cheap to operate also,and the insurance is cheap on them because their not considered to be a sports car,but im in the repair business,and i don't get a lot of these cars to work on,,so this tells me there good cars ,because i see a lot of them out on the roads ,and they all seem to be doing real good,so you might want to consider this as a choice anyway and teen-age-rs love the little corollas because they look neat so you might want to go look at a few ,and see what you think about them,,good luck,i hope this help,s.,,a good price for a good used corolla can be any where from 1500 to 2500 for real nice one ,,good luck.

Answer 6

i bought my first car..and every car since then. i would have her get a job and maybe offer to match whatever she is able to save....that way she at least takes a little pride in the ownership of it. i have heard this alot, "i dont care, i didnt buy it"...of course she would never say that to you. if you are going to buy it for her....its all up to you on what you want to spend...i would get a reliable used one..but if you have to get her new....get the cheapest one you can find with a warranty...

Answer 7

Cheap car deffinitelly and preferably US made.Cheap cars require some maitnance and US made cars are cheaper to fix.

Answer 8

Honda Civic. Inexpensive, reliable, safe.

Answer 9

She gets to stress a motor vehicle superb AFTER she gets a job, strikes OUT, and buys her very own motor vehicle. She is GROUNDED for six months: NO television, No laptop, NO visits with pals, No after college events.