This post was developed in partnership with Autotrader and Everywhere Agency but all opinions are my own.
You know as an Auto Blogger, I get to drive and check out basically one car per week and it excites me to see my son checking out the engine and vehicle specifications with my husband and sharing his opinion on things that he likes and what he doesn’t.
We had that conversation, what I wish I knew….
I told him, I wish I knew:
- My dad was car shopping and planning on surprising me by giving me a car as a graduation gift, so I could have had some input on it. I was very grateful, but I wish I had been included in the decision making process.
- Brands and differences between vehicles or had a resource like AutoTrader that would help me find out all the information.
- What I really needed in a vehicle or that somebody asked me the right questions that would help me towards the right purchase to meet my needs and budget.
A few weeks ago, we happened to have two vehicles to review and 3 vehicles of our own and he looked at the line of cars, letting us know that his search was over and which one was going to be his car when he graduated!
This week, he decided a more environment friendly vehicle with a sporty look and lower price tag was a better choice.
Which changed when he compared it with another hybrid also in our driveway this week! He said it was a more comfortable ride!
Needless to say, the experience of checking out all these vehicles is giving him a chance to compare them and make an informed decision, when the time comes! Fueling his passion, early on for the exciting experience of finding the perfect car and his enthusiasm as a future driver!
Having so many car choices can be confusing for him and for many grads. That is why Autotrader has developed an amazing list of “Great Cars for Recent College Grads, http://autotradr.co/GradsOnTheRoad that will open up a whole new world of options to get your grad super excited!
Exactly what I am doing with my son, showing him options and giving him in depth information that will guide him one day to make the right choice, by using a great service like the one Autotrader provides to grads!
How was your purchase of your first vehicle? Was it an easy process? I can’t wait to hear what you think and as usual, give us a Trendy Shout!
This is useful information as I am yet to buy my first car soon.
It is so cool to review cars….that is the best job ever
There’s so much that goes into choosing a vehicle to purchase. Resources like this are incredibly helpful!
That’s so cool that your son get’s all this information on car brands. My daughter ended up driving our car as her first so she didn’t have much say in the brand.
Having personal input into your car buying experience is so important. You want to be completely happy with your vehicle choice.
I think that having personal input in a car buying purchase is necessary. You want to be completely happy with the vehicle that you get.
Man, I need a license first before I can speak on this topic, but I will say that test-driving is very important. Every time someone in the family rents a car, my Mom likes to drive it a bit to make mental notes.
I think it’s great that you’re involving your son in this ‘milestone’ in his life. Should be right especially having your own car entails a lot of discipline & requires you to be responsible. I am excited for him – the feeling of having a new car, your own car is just wow. I bet he is more than thrilled.
How cool is it that all your car reviews gives your sin a chance to learn about different auto brands. He’s going to be one informed customer 🙂
My first car was a model year Ford Edge, but I don’t drive, LONG story! It’s great you are arming him with the skills he needs to make an INFORMED decision and to look past superficial ‘flash’ to get to what really counts. And by the way, he is getting super tall!
Omg my first car! I was silly and my parents told me they would buy me any car I want, well Neons were “cool” at the time so I said I wanted a neon. I think it was the best day of my dads life because he was probably expecting me to say something insane like an Escalade (which was hot then too) and I picked the cheapest new car someone could buy. Looking back I definitely feel silly since a neon?!?! Really?!?! Ughhhh! Lol…. Anyway… Since then I have used the Auto Trader site a few times to buy cars!
That’s good that he is making some conscious decisions when it comes to the car he wants! I don’t have a car but if I did, I’d want something that won’t cost too much in gas and has enough space for my family!
My dad purchased my first vehicle a classic car because it was reliable, and all steel lol!
I bet my son would prefer a sport looking car as well. Few more years and we’d be in that situation too. 🙂
I have 2 that are ready to drive. I will for sure keep Autotrader in mind when we start are search.
It’s so nice that you are scouting with your son nice reliable cars early. I actually talked about this subject on my blog briefly this week too as I didn’t get a chance to look up my car info before I bought my first two cars. I was such in a rush and it was a price and time thing verses quality of car. Glad it’s so much easier now for young people to make better decisions buyings cars!
I’ve bought a few cars on Autotrader. I think it’s a great way to shop for a car and see what prices are and what’s available.
Having a car means more responsibilities. I was young when I had mine. I called it “Moto moto”
My first car costs $500.00 I was just blessed to have a car. I named it ‘tank’.
I bought my uncles car for 500 bucks when I first started driving. I wanted something that was cheap in case I wrecked it. I drove it until I graduated high school. Then I bought my other uncles car after I graduated. It lasted me for several years and then I traded it off.
Autotrader sounds like a great place to get a car. I will have to share this with my niece.
We actually use Auto Trader for all of our car research, they’re awesome!
Looks like Autotrader is doing good with their services and it’s an efficient way to select a car of your choice. Your kid mentioned the three distinct features that I would have said as well when it comes to car decisions!
AutoTrader is a great resource when you are looking for a new car. It is always the first place i look.
This looks like an awesome car. It is good to get him involved. That way he’ll know what to do when it’s time for him to get a car.
My first car was purchased at an auction. To say the least I had about an inch of water on my floor boards every time it rained/
My first car was a gift from my dad. My first purchase car was my favorite and I’m sure it was because I earned it, paying my bill on time every month, making sure to have the oil changed right on time and other check-ups for it, and that made it more special for some odd reason.
That looks like a really nice vehicle. My husband and I are going to be in need of another soon. I still have the first car I bought. I’ve had it for about eight years now. It still works great!
My first car was one that my then boyfriend (now husband) picked up from a guy for $1.00. Trust me, the price tag fit. But, it taught me to be responsible and I had pride in my ride even though ol’ betsy was a clunker. Now I am on my 3rd Vehicle and we are starting to think about trading it in for something more suited to my needs. The research is part of the fun though that’s for sure!
Autotraders list of great cars for college graduates is indeed an awesome thing for kids to check out and get the information they need to make an informed decision. I will have to share this with my college student. Thanks for sharing the information.
I have never driven before and don’t have a car but I think this is a great way of trying before you buy which helps make informed decisions!
Good job involving your son in the decision process. I really wanted a Ford truck, a 4 wheel drive, something I can take anywhere. But my dad got me a “girly” car. I loved it though it wasn’t my dream vehicle.
It’s really nice to get involved when you’re buying a car for yourself or when someone is giving it as a gift. It’s nice to be able to check out and test drive these cars, I’m sure it helped a lot with the decision making!
I had absolutely zero say in my first vehicle and while I was appreciative to my parents I HATED the vehicle itself. 🙁
Guess who is car shopping right now? This girl. Great post and helping him make the decision and guiding him, too.
My first car was a bad choice. Got a clunker. i wish I saved more and was more prepared.
There is so much involved with choosing a car. It’s always a fun but anxiety-causing experience. It sounds like he’s putting a lot of thought into it which is important. So many kids just want to go for whatever is ‘in’ at that moment but it might not be the best car for them long term.
I am so particular about my cars I told my husband never surprise me with one unless I already put it in writing lol
I have yet to purchase a car, but I have helped assist friends in doing so and getting as much clarification about your options is a must. Having buyers remorse is such a hassle.
My son is only 13 but already my heart is pounding with the thought of him driving!!
hahaha! such a lucky kid. I didn’t get these kinds of choices.
But I totally get where you’re coming from. Choosing a car involves alot of information digging & thought.
You’re such an awesome parent
This is very smart! It sounds like he’s already got such a good head on his shoulders thanks to you! Awesome post. Drive safe!
Mine was a piece of cake. I had zero input. Dad asked me to go put something in the garage freezer and sitting there was a 10 year old GMC Jimmy. 100% paid for, 100% mine. Prior to that I drove his truck.
I didn’t know a lot either when I purchased my first car. I have learned SO much since then and I only hope my kids remember all the stuff we have told them about their first purchase too. You have done a great job discussing this with your teen!
Nice post, it really shows how fast kids grow up, cherish their childhood while you can!
My son would totally love to do it! He is a little young to review cars, but my hubby would love to do this too! I think this is a great way to connect with kids and they learn how to take car of their cars too.
My first car was easy to buy. I bought it for $500 from the guy down the street.
What a great, responsible kid! It sounds like he really thought things through with this decision. I am so excited for him!
What a great post! Kids grow up so fast. It’s awesome that he had such great input into the decision making process. This will teach him so much when he’s on his own.