IT’S DRIVE TIME

PURCHASING A CAR FOR YOUR TEEN

BY PETE ALFANO

The time many parents stress about has arrived. When their auto insurance rates rise like the temperature during a Texas summer, and they long for the days when their child was safely tucked away in a crib. Yes, it’s time to get that teenager a car.

First things first — can you afford to buy your teen a car? Will they contribute to the purchase price, insurance, maintenance, and gas? Do they even need a car, or is this a case of, “but all my friends are getting cars?” A teenager shouldn’t be expecting their first car to be a luxury ride. Look for a used car and find a make and model that is low maintenance and fuel-efficient. And ask for maintenance records and whether it has been in any accidents. Also, take it for an extended test drive, not just once around the dealership. Car experts recommend at least 30 minutes. This means a parent should drive the car and see how it handles before handing the keys to a teenager. If you purchase from a private seller, insist on taking the vehicle to your service provider for a complete checkup. Also, when buying a used car, you still may want one new enough to have a backup camera, blind-spot monitoring, and side door airbags to help your teenager stay as safe as possible. Buying a new car may not require the same scrutiny, and it will come with all the technological bells and whistles. But you will certainly want to take it on multiple test drives to see how it handles. And don’t be shy about negotiating a better price. You may also consider leasing a new car instead of purchasing one. A lot depends on how much financial flexibility parents have, given the increase in auto insurance and perhaps helping their teenager with maintenance and gas. The good part about leasing is that you can put less money down, and in some cases, practically none at all. You will have a monthly payment for a set number of years. Then the car must be turned in. If your teenager is in high school and plans to take the car to college, leasing may not be practicable as most leases are for three years and may have restrictions on total miles driven. If you can afford a down payment and the monthly loan, a new car may last your teenager for six years if properly maintained. The downside to buying a new car is that it can lose value once you drive it off the lot. There is a lot to evaluate, and parents should do their homework well ahead of time. Also, consider buying the car online from a dealer, as it could come with a discounted purchase price. And consult reputable car websites such as cars.com, Edmunds Car Finder, Kelley Blue Book, and others for invaluable information about cars you may buy.

PET CLUB

FEATURED PETS this month

Rusty

Bacca & Daisy

PET CLUB MEMBERS

To join the club, visit LivingMagazine.net/pet-club. Send your pet’s name, your name, your address, and a clear photo of your pet. They might just turn up in a future issue of Living! Whiskey

Gracie Aspen

Aspen is a native of Eastern Oregon. She comes from a long line of Parti Standard Poodle Service Dogs. She is a fully trained service dog and attends high school daily with her owner. She enjoys catching the ball and going for long walks during her off-hours.

Ellie Dexter

METHODIST MANSFIELD MEDICAL CENTER

A 262-bed acute care hospital, is proud to serve the community for more than 15 years while it continues to expand to meet patients’ needs.

Our mission to improve and save lives in our communities grows stronger each day, as does our appreciation for the unwavering support and partnerships from all our friends and neighbors in the DFW region. In 15 years, Arlington has seen population growth, and Methodist Mansfi eld has responded. The once 88-bed hospital has become 262, and services have expanded to include some of the latest medical technology, innovative treatments in 75 specialties, and nursing education. This year, Methodist Mansfi eld joined Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing to open the fi rst Texas Tech University System satellite campus on the hospital campus and in Tarrant County offering a Bachelor of Science in nursing to help mitigate the critical nursing shortage in North Texas. Moreover, the American Nurses Credentialing Center has bestowed Magnet® recognition to Methodist Mansfi eld, the highest distinction a healthcare organization can receive for nursing excellence and high-quality patient care. Additionally, the hospital is also designated a Level III Advanced Trauma Center, a Level II Neonatal Facility, and a Level III Maternal Facility with subspecialty perinatal care, signifying our profi ciency in managing high-risk births. Together; we’ve achieved many bests: Methodist Mansfi eld has been voted Best Hospital by Living Magazine; and Best Hospital, Best Maternity Ward, Best Emergency Department, Best Imaging, and Best Physical Therapy by readers of other various publications. “Methodist Mansfield offers personalized healthcare services for every stage of life and every state of health,” says Methodist Mansfield President Juan Fresquez Jr. “Our families, neighbors, colleagues, and friends deserve a hospital that puts safety and patient care first and is committed to improving the health and quality of life.” Now and in the years to come, Methodist Mansfi eld will continue to serve, give back and support all the communities we serve to make them among the best places to live.

2700 East Broad Street Mansfield, Texas 76063 (682) 242-6400 MethodistHealthSystem.org