My 17 year old son has a 2014 Chevy Traverse with 70k. It works but we have had a few weird issues like evap codes, air bag warnings, and hard shifting. Carmax says they will give 10k for it (they have not yet inspected it). I'm think for 10k I could get a pretty good Toyota Rav4 or Camry. Right now on marketplace there is a 2017 Camry for 10k. Good idea? or are there better options.
But I guess my question is are there better options than Chevy Traverse?
Almost anything is a better choice than a Chevy Traverse.
Right now on marketplace there is a 2017 Camry for 10k. Good idea? or are there better options.
What "marketplace"?
For a kid a Corolla or Civic would be a good choice. To keep insurance rates as low as possible (they'll always be high for a teenager) you want something not particularly sporty, with a 4-cylinder normally-aspirated engine.
The Camry could be good but as with any used car you want to be aware of failure trends for the specific model and year as well as have a thorough inspection performed by a mechanic before purchase.
Thank you. Facebook marketplace.
But I guess my question is are there better options than Chevy Traverse?
I am a former insurance agent who aced my state test...
Having just watched a parent get a criminal conviction for the actions of a mentally deranged child exasperated by the school system, LIABILITY should be significant to cover your personal wealth and property. Under a family policy, it is required that all vehicles share the same level of coverage in most states and possessions.
If you want to protect the value of his car, COLLISION and COMPREHENSIVE coverages are needed. Only you can determine if the 6/12-month policy costs are at an affordable ratio to the actual replacement value. Some companies allow COMPREHENSIVE coverage without COLLISION.
My recommendation is a higher COLLISION deductible as that is the larger burden and higher expense. A lower COMPREHENSIVE deductible is usually pennies a month and covers things like deer running in front of the car, trees falling on it, vandalism, theft, etc.
I would also recommend a three-camera dashcam system (front, cabin, rear) using GPS and speed readings on video. If a cop is sorting out an accident scene, the word of a 17-year old is not going to be respected to that of, say, a 50-year old man who is in a business suit.
While some companies offer 100% glass coverage, there is usually a buried caveat... Like taking the car only to Safelite. If the car has an optical system behind the windshield, car makers will only guarantee the safety of the system if there is factory glass and a factory calibration on the system. A good dealership body shop will have that service bulletin that can be supplied to the insurance. Safelite is crap when it comes to quality of glass and work. Anyone saying anything contradictory is ignorant of the QC standards that Safelite themselves hold. My windshield is $550 at Safelite including their calibration. Numerous reviews specifically mention that the optical system is the reason for customer dissatisfaction. You have been warned... The windshield and calibration is $2,200 at Toyota. My insurance covered it.
A Traverse is a huge vehicle and expense for a teen. If he's into the truck type, the RAV4 will be less costly to own. Sedans like the Camry are going to get better MPGs.
As far as insurance, there are many factors to consider. To keep premiums to a minimum many companies will allow parents to cover a teens car as long as he lives with them and/or attends school full time. They will need to see your son's driving record. If there are some tickets, the premium is going to be higher. A higher deductable and older car will reduce your premiums. A performance car will cost more to insure. A car with a loan on it usually has to have full coverage as required by the lender. If the car has no lien on it, liability is the minumum coverage every car has to have by law if it's driven on public roads.
yes definitely sell the Chevy Traverse and buy something that is more reliable like a Toyota. You can buy used but always have a mechanic check it out and make sure to thoroughly check the car. Check the VIN Number on CARFAX to see of the car has been stolen, flooded or been in an accident. Always check the Title to make sure it is not a salvage title. Just cause it's a Toyota don't expect it to last trouble free miles cause nothing can defeat friction. Just make sure the car is in good condition and take care of it and it will take care of you.
