Have you got a teenager? Are they ready to start driving? Who is headed out to buy a car? Get ready for the potential resulting disagreement of what you want to purchase versus what they want and get ready to go back to your days of ‘sticking to your guns’ when you make a decision.

Used car shopping is not as bad as many make it, but you have to have a few things working on your side before you head out to car shop for a used car. After a few car nightmares, and purchases by our friends for their teens, we learned that there are a few tips to follow. 

Let’s take a look at 4 tips for used car shopping with teens and then make sure you bookmark this page for reference when you just might not have the strength to go on!

4 Tips For Used Car Shopping with Teens

Used car shopping with teens can be enjoyable, but you have to get organized ahead of shopping. No matter how much you love your kids, don’t get sucked in to purchasing things your budget won’t allow.

Your teen needs a simple car to get from point A to Point B.  Let’s see how to accomplish the task of shopping for a used car for your teen.

Limited Seats

Limiting the capacity of a vehicle limits the number of passengers. While it might be good that your son or daughter can help you with a few errands or be running one of your other children to an event, remember, more seats equals more passengers and more distractions.  Limiting seating by purchasing a car that is not huge is a win.

Write a List & Set A Price

Work on a list of things the car must have, from air conditioning to whatever amenities you are willing to buy. Stick to that list when you shop as this is how to show how to stay on the budget.

If something extra is available without an up charge, consider that a win (perhaps a moonroof was built in, etc) Also, remember this, there are add-ons you can do at home. 

Set a price and stick with the price. Figure out how much the teen has to pay into it and how much you are paying into it. Make a firm decision before you go with your teen and stick to it.

Don’t forget to see if you can secure outside financing to buy the car or if the dealer offers great options for financing.

Shop At A  New & Used Dealership

Don’t even think about stopping at a Mom & Pop shop for used cars. Trouble starts at that stop and just carries on along the way. Shop at a local car dealership that offers both new and used cars. Thank me later! Shop at a dealership, not an RV set up along the side of the road with cars. 

In fact, you might even find a better deal on a newer car stripped of amenities with financing than on a used car loaded with amenities, so shop and learn. 

Car dealerships  that sells both NEW and USED cars, will surprise you when you really look at the price,  and the ‘extras’ you might get. Let us not forget they are reputable, unlike the side lot sales person that might be a hit or a miss. 

Last, a dealer knows their own brands best, so stick to truth, no tales of the sharp shooter side lot car salesman. 

High Performance

Don’t let your heartstrings make a decision for you. Your ‘good old days’ do not matter, your budget does. It does not matter that you loved your high performance vehicle in your days gone by. Do not put your child in a high-performance car. 

Your teen will feel the need for speed. Guess what? You will reap the punishment through fines, police charges. Further, increased speed and fun driving, leads to possible accidents for not driving the car in a controlled manner. It’s like putting candy in front of a child, they will use it all and then some.

Stick to the 4 tips for used car shopping with teens and you will have a pleasant shopping journey.