KARE-TV recently asked me to appear on the "Whatever Show," which addresses issues of interest to teenagers. Our topic was shopping for a teenager's first car. That's a good subject; since some readers won't catch the show, let's talk about it here this week.
When a teenager, someone with limited resources, approaches the idea of buying a car, the first question is, do you really need a car? A running automobile that will serve you well, bought for market value - not a killer deal from a relative, if you're lucky enough to get that - will cost several thousand dollars. Then you have to keep gas in it, perform routine maintenance, and you have to insure it. If the family has a car you can use, or you don't need a car to get to school and work and activities, why invest thousands of dollars? Sure, a car sounds cool or fun or keeps up with jet-setter classmates, but imagine where else a teenager could spend that money.
Four years of college is already challenging home prices, particularly at private schools. The money could go there. Maybe a teenager really loves music or is thinking about a career with video or graphic design. If there's a car at home for the teen's use, maybe a powerful computer, creative software, a guitar, recording equipment, etc., would play a bigger role in shaping a young life. How about a trip for enrichment before college and the real world come calling?
If a vehicle is a must, e.g., for a summer job, next ask what you need. Lots of driving by yourself suggests something economical. No sense putting all of a summer's earnings into the gas tank. But if that job demands something else, for example hauling lawn mowers around for a summer landscaping business, you can't haul heavy, sharp-edged equipment or gas tanks in a coupe; you need a pickup truck (do not haul gasoline or other noxious materials inside an SUV).
Once the teenager has chosen a vehicle that suits the needs presented, you want something dependable. Go for a well maintained vehicle with a regular service history. It should start right up, idle smoothly, not blow blue or black smoke and track straight down the road without wandering or bouncing or making strange sounds. Have a qualified mechanic check it. You may have to pay for this, so ask them what checks they'll perform. Your family's mechanic is a good choice because you presumably trust this shop and they will be doing the work once you buy it. (If they tell you it's good and a month later you need new struts, radiator, brake pads, tires and exhaust system, they'll have some explaining to do.)
Finally, know your price range. This newspaper and its website will have plenty of ads for comparison. You can also look at Kelley Blue Book values. Remember to drive the actual car you're considering, not just one like it. Used cars have different levels of wear and maintenance, so not every vehicle is of equal condition and value. Drive it, listen to it and have it checked out.
Here is a follow-up on the fiberglass vs. aluminum topper question from a few weeks back.
In the April 12 column, we looked at considerations for buying a pickup truck topper. In deciding between a heavier fiberglass one or a light aluminum one, I suggested considering how often you may need to take it off and put it on each year. Reader Virgil P. wrote in to mention an innovation that minimizes both removal and storage concerns: a topper lift that mounts to the garage ceiling and holds the topper while it's off the truck. This removes the issues of injuring your back, finding a helper to lift it off, and of finding a place to set the topper when it isn't on your truck. Pretty smart.
