Let them know that, with independence comes responsibility. You weren't able to buy your own car or care for it by sitting on your butt. If your teen wants to drive, pass some of that responsibility their way. Have them pay for the gas they use or for the insurance. If he or she does not have a job, then trade it off by keeping a certain grade point average in school or doing extra chores. A lot of car insurance dealers give a hefty break in premiums for students who do well in school. And another advantage to you is that you now have someone to run errands.
After you are sure your teen is capable of driving safely, you may want to buy, or help him or her buy their first car. Looks, styles and accessories may be the only things your teen wants to shop for, but remind him or her, that car or no car, you are still the parent (you can chuckle here because you have the top hand). Safety is the main shopping point. However, with a little research, good style and uncompromised safety is sure to be found.
Consumer Reports® Buying Guide lists what they found were reliable used car models in different price ranges. Your local library and some service stations may have likenesses of a bluebook that you could peruse or buy. The contents list fair prices for used cars by year and model.
The classified ads in your local newspaper are a good place to start your search. Individuals and dealers sell cars in them. The advantage of buying from individual sellers is most usually the price. They will typically take a little more than a dealer would give them on trade-in. Do some research. Also, make sure the seller is the registered owner of the vehicle.
The advantage of buying some cars from a dealer is a warranty, and in some states the dealer is obligated to only sell cars that pass certain safety checks; for example it is illegal for a car dealer to sell a car with a cracked windshield.
Before buying a used car from a dealer or an individual, have it inspected by an independent mechanic of your choice. Ask about the car's history or you may want to contact the previous owner to find out if there were problems or if the car was in an accident. If the individual or the dealer sidesteps your questions, it is probably best to look somewhere else.