New or Used Cars for First Time Teen Drivers?

I remember getting my first new car as a teen driver, I was 17 and it was a brand new red 2008 Audi A3. It took me all of three hours to get into an accident and total very first car. Surprisingly my parents weren't upset as they simply chalked this event up to be a learning experience for me. Now, this could be because my mom worked for the company and the best new vehicles came pretty easy, but that didn't stop others from ridiculing her for not giving me a used car.

Now, I'm a little older with a one-year-old daughter and when I look back I do wonder if I would have been better off with a slightly used car as a teen driver instead. Most will probably say yes, because how else would I possibly learn the value and sacrifice that my parents put forth to give me such an opportunity. I can't really argue with that kind of reasoning, but there are plenty of teenagers who get brand new cars and never get into an accident.

There are also those who get one of the best used cars for teen drivers and abuse them with the hope of getting something new faster. So which decision is the best for parents like myself who will one day have to choose between a new or used vehicle for a first time driver?

Choosing Between New and Used Cars for Teens

I have a possible theory that could help us all when we find ourselves in this dreaded situation, and it may sound crazy but try to stick with me. I propose that we leave it up to our children. Sound crazy right? We all know that a 16-year-old with a fresh license is going to choose a new car everytime, which is why you give them the best ultimatum any teen has ever seen.

Car Stipulations for New Teen Drivers

If they take the predictable route and say a new car simply inform them that it can be done, but that choosing the best cars for sale will result in a few stipulations. This includes the following:

1. Base Models Only: Let's face it the more features they have the less they will pay attention to the road.  Not to mention it will cost you less when you finance the vehicle.
2. No Sports Cars: The less horsepower they have the less likely they are to pick up unnecessary speeding tickets. Also, if they do get a speeding ticket have them pay it. 
3. They Make All Payments: Explain that you will cosign on their loan, which will help them build credit, but that they must make the payments. This can include the down payment, insurance, and gas which means if your kid doesn't have a job they have to go the used car route. 
4. Rules of the Road: Setting up curfews and places they can drive may sound controlling, but it helps reduce the chance of accidents or any other issues on the road. 
5. You Get to Drive the Car: It would be odd if you help them get a new car and never get to take it out on the road on occasion.

If your teen driver can't agree to these terms it allows you to go the used car route if you choose, but remember this all depends on your child. My parents trusted me at a young age with new cars and I understood the value of them prior to my accident, but that didn't stop it from happening. The same could be said for your kids, but once again everything depends on your financial situation and how comfortable you fell with a teen driver on the road.