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Last Updated: Mar 26th, 2006 - 13:41:45 |
(NAPS)-Dear Auto Andy:
My 17-year-old daughter recently got her license. In addition to her part-time job, she will be involved in several school activities, which involve early arrival and late afternoons at school. Since she has proven she's careful and responsible, we'd like to reward her with her own car. Are there special things we should look for in a used car for a young driver?
Thanks
E.K. in Illinois
Dear E.K.:
I am glad to see that your teen waited until she was 17 to get her license. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 16-year-old drivers are 12 times more likely to be involved in vehicle crashes than any other age group. Experts say that holding off just that one year can save the life of a teen.
To answer your question, I consulted the experts at the Carfax Teen Resource Center (www.carfax.com, and click on the "Safe Teen Driving Resource Center" link), a place where parents and teens can go to learn about safe teen driving as well as pick up a few tips about buying safe used cars for teens.
Their experts say:
Old, Large and Solid: When buying for a new, young driver, buy "Old, Large and Solid." A classic station wagon or a full-size sedan (with a small engine) is good for teens.
Know Your Compacts: The wrong compact model can spell disaster. Compact cars with a wheelbase of 100 inches or less are involved in twice as many fatal crashes as are larger vehicles. Lack of weight is the biggest drawback in smaller cars.
Vehicle History: As always, check the vehicle's history to assure that it is a safe, reliable vehicle with no hidden problems from its past. A Carfax Vehicle History Report can uncover odometer rollback, salvage records and accident records-things that will seriously affect your decision to put your teen in that car.
This is a great resource center because it also allows you to see the driving laws in the state, interact with various experts in the safe driving arena, and even sign up for a free e-mail service that delivers safe driving tips straight to your e-mailbox each week. For parents with teens-a place like this can be invaluable. Good luck, E.K., and happy safe driving to you and your teen.
Andy
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