Should My Kid Get the Hand-Me-Down Car?

My son turned 12 this summer — right around the time my husband’s car turned 14, which means the end is nigh (for my husband’s car, of course, not my husband). It raised an interesting question: Will whatever we buy as a replacement — our next “second car” — go to my son once he’s old enough to drive? If so, my son would push for a Dodge Challenger or Ford Mustang as the replacement for my husband’s older car, but what should parents be thinking about when considering whether their next vehicle will become a kid’s car somewhere down the line?

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It’s National Teen Driver Safety Week, so we’re on the case.

Related: Top 10 Used Cars for $10K

Parents first need to decide whether they will pass their current, aging car down to their teen driver or buy a new (or new to them) car for the teen.

Whatever you choose, there are good reasons to buy a brand-new car:

• You get the newest safety features
• There are no questions about the car’s history
• You get a full warranty
• You can choose which features are important (to you, the parent) and which features you should skip for a teen driver (premium stereo, sport-tuned engine — I’m looking at you)

If you’re getting a new car you will drive for a few years before it goes to your kid, it’s easier to justify the cost. Likewise, if you’re going to be driving the car first, insurance will likely be a bit lower by the time the kid gets it, after miles and years have been piled on.

Of course, one of the main reasons to buy a used car is the reduced cost versus a new model. (Bear in mind that the cost of insurance on an older car is usually less than it is for a new car, too.) But take note of Cars.com executive editor Joe Wiesenfelder’s tips about used cars:

“Two things happen as a vehicle ages: Warranties run out, and the need for repairs increases,” Joe says. “Because cost is important to both parents and young drivers, we must note that if an inexpensive older car breaks down frequently, it’s not really an inexpensive car. If you or your child are mechanically inclined and can handle some of the repairs, though, an older car can be an affordable choice.”

Money isn’t the only factor when considering a car for you and your teen driver, though. Parents need to investigate a car’s crash-test ratings and its safety features.

It can ease a parent’s troubled mind to know that their kid is behind the wheel of a vehicle with six standard airbags, antilock brakes, an electronic stability system and traction control.

This is where it’s your job to do your homework, especially with a used car. Not all safety features are included standard, so be sure you know what your (and your kids’) future car has onboard to keep everyone safe.

This is also where you may have to compromise, Mom and Dad, as drivers. It’s probably not the best idea to buy a car with a twin-turbo V-6 that allows you to turn off the traction control system if it’s a car that’s going to wind up in Junior’s hands. But if you just have to buy that speed demon — well, break the news to Junior gently.

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