Buying Your Teen’s First Car
The minimum driving age for a vehicle is 17 in the Philippines, a full year younger than in some European countries. Teens also start college early, at the average age of 16 (compared to around 18 in Europe) and that means that for many parents, buying a car for their child is an earlier consideration. Is a car really necessary at such a young age, bearing in mind the mammoth traffic sessions from areas like Alabang to Makati or Quezon City? The answer differs according to each family. For some, distances mean that public transport would be unreasonable. For those with drivers, competing needs of different children in the home can mean that the sooner older teens are able to get to college on their own, the better. If you have decided to fork out on a vehicle for your child, make sure you take the following considerations into account.
Don’t Go the Luxury Car Route
Try to find a favorable price for your first vehicle. Bear in mind that first time drivers have many lessons to learn, including negotiating crowded parking spaces without scratching their car. Statistics in the Philippines for accidents are similar in terms of age to the rest of the world. Those aged 20 to 24 are the most frequent victims of accidents, but, alongside senior drivers, young drivers also tend to indulge in distracted or risky driving, more frequently than drivers from their parents’ generation.
Opting for Safety
Check out crash safety statistics for different vehicle brands. One worldwide test drivers look to with zeal is The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which publishes a list of safest cars every year. In April 2018, they published this year’s list, which included 12 cars and three SUVs from Hyundai, Kia, Subaru, Toyota, and higher-end marques such as Mercedes-Benz or BMW. While a first car should definitely be on the affordable side, if you are impressed with the statistics of one particular car, check out its availability on the second-hand market. So long as the kilometer count is relatively low and the motor in good condition, a second-hand buy may be your best bet. A used car aged around two years is ideal, since older cars can have fewer safety features.
Size Matters
Vehicles adhere to the laws of physics, meaning that when two cars collide, the smaller vehicle tends to take the greater brunt of the impact. The odds of dying in a car accident between and a SUV are 7.6 higher for a person driving a car than one driving an SUV. Small vehicles tend to ‘fold over’, especially when impacted from the side. Although many small cars have excellent safety features, it is vital to check safety scores provided by ASEAN NCAP, South East Asia’s official safety tester for vehicles, before making your choice.
Vehicles are a powerful thing, and it is only logical that parents should aim to buy the safest, best car they can for their children. Affordability and safety are key, so make sure to check out both international and local vehicle safety testing results. Bigger cars are generally safer, but you can also opt for a compact with high tech safety features and a solid, resistant chassis.
