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Is it time for your first car?

Think about the decision carefully. My advice is the longer you can hold out the better. Why take on the added responsibility if its not yet necessary. Yes, its more freedom and who doesn't want that. Just remember that cars are expensive. Cars need gas. Cars need insurance. Cars need repairs and maintenence. All of which means you need more money. That means you need to work more and that means less time with friends and less time for school, sports and fun. If you're in high school and can push back all the extra work that comes with owning a car why not wait a little longer if possible.

If you thought your decision out and decided you're ready for you first car try and start practical. When you're older and have more experience and you want the sports car, then by all means go for it. For your first car look for a nice car you can beat on a little. Its a learning experience. Accidents do happen and there will be fender benders here and there. My recommendation is a nice used smaller sedan like a Civic or another similar small compact. They get great mileage and shouldn't be too expensive to insure. A great place to do a little research is Kelly Blue Book. You definitely don't want to get buried in car payments if you're purchasing and this is a great site to go to make sure you're getting a good deal. Never be afraid to take whatever used car you're interested in to a local garage to have it checked out by a good mechanic. Yes, some garages may charge a small fee, but its better to know you're getting a quality deal versus getting a car that's going to need a lot more money put into it.

You want something that won't be always busting down and something that gets good gas mileage. You don't want every paycheck going into the gas tank. Remember just because you have a car now, that doesn't make you a taxi for your friends. Every one is going to want rides. You're going have to learn to say no sometimes unless they're offering to pay the gas for some of their trips.

Remember a first car should be a practical choice. This is for getting to school or to work. Yes its also for picking up a few friends and heading to the mall or the beach too. Of course you want to keep it clean and be proud of it. There are so many teens that pour money into rims, ground effects, stereos etc. Of course its your choice, but why get in debt for such materialistic items. Why put hours into working to pay for them if they're not really necessary. The flashier and louder your car is the more it becomes a magnet for cops. Tickets mean fines, higher insurance premiums and could even lead to an arrest. Nobody wants to deal with that.

Teenagers sometimes do dumb things behind the wheel. Its part of learning from mistakes. Try and drive safe and don't speed. When your young you think speed is cool. Its not. Yes getting in an accident can cost a lot of money for repairs and raise your insurance. Even worse you could get hurt or hurt someone else. You can also lose your license and then no more car. Don't let anyone without a license drive your car and don't loan your car to anyone if you can avoid it. You may think someone is responsible but when they're not with you who knows what could happen. Maybe they are responsible, but the person that crashes into them might not be. The most important and obvious rule of course is don't ever drink and drive!!! Call another friend to pick you up or stay where you are. If you don't have any ride call your parents. Yes you may be in trouble but you'll be in a lot less trouble than getting arrested or in an accident. It's better to be honest and deal with the consequences then be arrested or dead.

Just try to always think responsibly. If you have thought over your decision and your ready to get that first car then good luck and save driving.