Getting Your Teen Their First Car: A How To

Make sure you're setting them up for safety right from the start.

1. Choose the Right Car

Let's face it, if you left the decision up to your teen, you would probably end up with either a huge SUV or a suped up sports car, neither of which is particularly safe for a young, new driver. However, there are plenty of options out there to make both you and your teen happy. And with the right research, you can find a car that is not only fun to drive, but also safe and reliable, too.

Choosing a midsize car is the best way to go, according to The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety and the Insurance Information Institute. Depending on your budget, you can opt for either a new or used model - just make sure the car is in good condition with updated safety features like airbags and electronic stability control. Also, you'll want to check out crash test and safety ratings before making your final purchase.

Fuel efficiency is another important factor to consider, especially in today's economy. Unless you're willing to cover the cost of filling your son or daughter's tank each week, buying your teen a gas guzzler is probably not a good idea.

2. Get the Best Auto Insurance Rate

The truth is that no matter what car you choose, insuring your teen driver will increase your auto insurance rates. But there are some things that you can do to make these costs as manageable as possible. In fact, another great reason to opt for safety first at the car dealership is that it can help keep your auto insurance premiums down. Because safer cars tend to have a lower accident risk, they are usually less expensive to insure.

Another way to get the best auto insurance rates possible is to scope out potential discounts. If your teen is a full-time student, for instance, he or she may be eligible for a good student discount. Researching your options beforehand will help you to make an informed decision when trying to find the right car for your teen.

3. Set Boundaries

Choosing a good car and purchasing the right auto insurance are only the first steps in keeping your teen safe on the road. Talking with your teen about safe driving and setting clear rules and guidelines are also important. To ensure that your teen stays safe behind the wheel, you can:

• Limit the number of passengers your teen can have in his or her car at any one time;
• Establish a "no cell phone" policy to ensure that your teen does not text or call while driving;
• Discuss what to do in cases of emergency, including accidents and adverse weather conditions.

North County Ford - 450 West Vista Way, Vista

Finding honorable dealership helps in car buying process

Military memebers should research dealers before purchasing new, used cars

With so many auto dealers and so many young recruits with ready cash, car buying can be risky business in San Diego. That’s why experts emphasize that when researching a dealership, the buyer needs to focus on honesty and open communication. Finding a dealership that is established and knows the needs of the customer is key.

“Our military buyers have two main dream cars – the Ford F-150 and the redesigned Ford Mustang,” said Gerald Gonzalves, general sales manager of North County Ford. “Among military buyers, the Ford F-150 is a high seller because it’s rugged and the right size. But in the last few years, the Ford car segment has grown by leaps and bounds.”

The Ford Motor Company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903 and the first-ever moving assembly line was introduced in 1913. That revolutionary machinery prompted Forbes magazine to name Ford as “the most important industrial company in the history of the United States.” The company went public in 1956.

Ford has made significant contributions to alternative fuel models in the last decades. The Ford Escape Hybrid was introduced in 2004. By October 2014, Ford had produced more plug-in electric vehicles, including Ford Focus Electric/Hybrid.

Today’s promising models are the C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid and now the Ford Fusion Energi. Since the company has made a commitment to boost fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions; sales have doubled in the last six years.

North County Ford is a family-owned dealership that is part of a family of auto brands. The parent company is the Crowley Car Company, owned by Jim Crowley. North County Ford is located just off Highway 78 in Vista.

“We pride ourselves on how we do business,” said Gonzalves. “We are driven by excellent customer service, using a simple and convenient sales process for the consumer purchasing a car. Our used vehicles are Ford certified and fairly priced at market value or under.”

Gonzalves finds that military buyers appreciate his company because they share a similar outlook – know who you are and what you stand for. His customers are direct, honest, respectful and loyal.

“I say ‘loyal’ because the dealership serves the same customers over and over again throughout the decades. These folks are passionate about their cars and passionate about the Ford brand,” he said. “They know North County Ford and the North County Ford employees will take care of their needs.”

North County Ford is into building relationships with honesty, transparency and integrity. They offer military programs that give rebates to service men and women up to $1,000 on select models. Most others offer $500.

“As the closest dealership to Camp Pendleton, which has more than 70,000 daytime residents, we appreciate what the military does for our country and we want to give them peace of mind. Military buyers can count on us and know they are in good hands in either purchasing a vehicle or servicing one. We take our customers seriously,” said Gonzalves, “because we want our customers for five, 10, 15 years. We want them for generations to come.” 

North County Ford 
Phone: (760) 945-9900
Address: 450 West Vista Way, Vista
Online: northcountyford.com 

About North County Ford | North County Ford | Vista CA

North County Ford is a premier full-service dealership located for your convenience in Vista, CA. We appreciate your consideration of our dealership for your Ford needs in the North San Diego County area. As a customer, you have a lot of choices when it comes to dealerships, but we are confident that North County Ford is bringing you the best possible selection of both new and pre-owned Fords, quality Ford service, and an unbeatable commitment to customer satisfaction. But you don't have to take our word for it! Nearly 15 years of experience speaks for us, ensuring you that at North County Ford, both you and your vehicle are treated right!

From our wide selection of new and pre-owned, quality Fords to our professional, no-hassle sales staff; from our expert financing staff to our factory-trained and certified service mechanics, we hold ourselves up against strict standards to fulfill our only goal: 100% customer satisfaction in everything we do.

Don't hesitate to call or stop by North County Ford, right off of Vista Way, at any time it's convenient for you. Our staff is eager to meet you and find out how we can best meet your Ford needs. If you have time, browse around our website to check out current information about the new and pre-owned Fords we have in stock. You can even apply for credit here online, find and order authentic Ford parts, or schedule an appointment with any of our departments, with just a few simple clicks of your mouse. Come by in person or check back to our website as often as possible to find out about our latest deals and specials!

Again, we are so grateful to be given the opportunity to prove our excellence to you. North County Ford in Vista, CA: You can count on us!