Be Smart With Cars

If your teen is like most, they don't want to drive around in an old car that looks like it might fall apart. And as a parent, your first priority is probably to make sure that the car they drive performs safely. It can be expensive to put both safety and looks on the priority list – unless you buy certain parts used, that is. Here are 4 things you can get away with buying used that will satisfy your teen's need for a good looking vehicle without sacrificing safety or performance:

Front and Back Bumpers

Bumpers certainly come in handy in case of fender benders, and there's a good chance that the ones of the old car you are fixing up have seen better days. As long as the used bumpers you find for sale are not rusted or bent, you can save lots of money. If you find a set of bumpers in great condition but that don't match the vehicle's color, you can simply paint them yourself with automotive spray paint.

Rearview and Side Mirrors

The mirrors in older cars tend to crack, rust, and get foggy as time goes on, so it's a good idea to replace them with newer versions to ensure that your teen has an optimal line of sight from all angles. After all, vehicle accidents account for the leading cause of death among teens in the United States and a good set of mirrors are essential for lowering your own teen's risks on the road. Buying used mirrors in good working condition can save you enough money to spring on a new steering wheel cover.

Radio Systems

Every teen wants to listen to the radio while behind the wheel, but you probably don't want to encourage excessively loud tunes by putting a new-age system in the old car you are fixing up. Instead, opt for a used radio system that still works well enough to satisfy the need for tunes, but isn't so impressive that your teen will want to keep turning the volume up.

Interior Seats

Putting brand new seats in an old car typically does not make financial sense, as they can cost hundreds of dollars each. Of course, throwing a set of seat covers on old seats is a quick and affordable fix for tears and rips. But if the springs and function of the seats are in poor condition, you can replace them with used seats at a fraction of the cost that you'd pay for them new.

With the help of these tips and tricks, your teen will be happy with the way their cruiser looks and feels, and you'll have enough money leftover to ensure that the vehicle runs well and performs safely.  

Reach out to a company like Bionic Auto Parts for more details on specific pieces and styles available near you.