The experts say if you can, buy a new car. Although its value will depreciate when you drive it off the lot, it will have a warranty and other perks. If you just can’t afford it, purchase yourself a new car smell air freshener to hang in that dank, used vehicle that you’re about to buy. A three or four-year-old car with low mileage and hopefully a few months left on the original warranty. This way, the original owner already took the hit on depreciation. And you can get it inspected by your personal mechanic before you purchase it, so they will address those issues at the dealership. If you purchase it from an individual, you’re kind of on your own.

The Federal Trade Commission has devised tips for purchasing a used car. In addition to having it inspected by your own mechanic, they also recommend that you research a car’s history using its vehicle identification number (VIN). Reports from CarFax, Experian Automotive, the National Insurance Crime Bureau and the Department of Justice’s National Motor Vehicle Title Information System may alert you to prior accident damage and odometer fraud. I test drove a car once that had odd “rusty” seat belt hardware. I looked for any prior owner information in the glove compartment and found that the original owner was from New Orleans. And this car had likely survived Hurricane Katrina. Glad we thought to look.

A list of issues will need to be addressed, such as faulty Takata airbags. And be sure that any “promises” made regarding repairs and warranties are in writing before you drive off. Just gather enough information about the vehicle as possible. And for crying out loud, don’t buy a bright colored car, unless you want to buy mine because it’s definitely for sale.

Until next week….

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

Buying a Used Car – Comedy Defensive Driving

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My parents parented by trial and error as all parents do. With each daughter, they learned what worked and what didn’t. When the oldest turned 16, my father bought her a new convertible sports car. Looking back, the one smart thing that he did, was to buy her a five speed. It’s nearly impossible to multitask while shifting gears. And, as sweet as that ride was, she would drink and take out parked cars on weekends. When the second oldest became old enough to drive, he bought her a used sports car. She was a decent driver. He probably spent more time with her driver education. When it came to me, the youngest, he gave me a $60 gold, four-door Delta88 Oldsmobile (a minivan would have been cooler). Although I was too embarrassed to be seen in it, and hardly drove it, when it went to the junk yard that car was smashed in on all four sides. It was like a Mini when I got done with it. I’m sure it was more compact and easier to park. So, what are the best tips when choosing a vehicle for your teen?

High safety ratings are imperative when choosing a car. Bigger, heavier vehicles, although not the best choice for fuel economy, are said to protect better in a crash. Assuring that the car has key safety features, such as electronic stability control, is especially beneficial for teenage drivers. So, something more along the lines of a family vehicle with low horsepower, will not only keep them from speeding, but will also prevent them from wanting to drive at all, as was my experience.

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

Choosing a Vehicle for Your Teen – Comedy Defensive Driving

The post Choosing a Vehicle for Your Teen appeared first on Comedy Defensive Driving®.

Apparently the safest vehicle for a new driver would be a midsized car with a four-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, ABS, and high crash test scores. The logic is that a midsized car is big enough to protect occupants in a crash, but small enough for a novice driver to easily handle. The four-cylinder engine limits acceleration capabilities of the car, and generally provides better fuel economy (and thus improves the car’s “carbon footprint”). My little hippie chick will be concerned about that aspect, for certain. And automatic transmissions are easier to drive. ABS also makes braking easier, especially for a novice driver. Oh, these teen drivers…

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration publication, “Buying a Safer Car” has a selection that meet the above criteria, as well as pricing issues. It was very helpful for me. And, here’s the great part, since their website has issues from previous model years available, it is helpful for comparing used cars (which is all I can afford right now). Plus, I truly believe that the first car should be a practice car. There will surely be some scratches and dings (hopefully minor ones).  My first car was like a boat…and when it went to the junk yard, crushed on all four sides, it was about the size of a Mini Cooper. The NHTSA selects vehicles that scored the maximum five stars for frontal collisions and front side impacts, and had at least four stars for rear side impact. All cars also scored at least four stars in the rollover evaluation. In viewing the recommended list, there is no doubt that none of these cars listed are vehicles my daughter wants to own. But I will remind her that she is getting a car and with that comes independence!

And a few more suggestions to add to your list when searching for that teen machine, AWD (all wheel drive), if available, is desirable to improve traction in poor weather conditions. Try to stay away from too many optional electronic gadgets in the car, as teens can be easily distracted and need to focus on the important task of …driving! … duh!

Until next week…keep your teen safe…and do your research when choosing their ride.

Daun Thompson

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