 |
 |
|
|
(Vancouver, BC) – You were delighted when your child was accepted to university or college, but now they need a new car to get there. With so many options, high gas prices and safety concerns, how do you make the best decision? OpenRoad Auto Group has some tips on how to choose the right car that both parents and students can agree on.
“Students and their parents often clash when trying to choose a car,” notes Christian Chia, CEO of the OpenRoad Auto Group. “Students are often more interested in the car’s appearance and “cool-factor”, while parents are often more concerned with finding a safe vehicle at an affordable price. OpenRoad Auto Group believes that with a little bit of research, an option can be found that works for everyone.”
Chia recommends that the most important task is to determine what you need out of your car, such as how far it will need to drive, how many people it needs to transport, how much you can afford to spend on gas, what safety features you want and what your budget is. And most importantly, talk to your kids about the dangers of speeding and of participating in illegal street races.
He also offers the following tips on choosing the right back-to-school vehicle:
·Do your research. Once you decide what you want in a car, start researching your options. Look at safety ratings, car reviews and ask around.
·When budgeting don’t forget to factor in insurance. Insurance rates vary depending on car models and age. Make sure the car you choose meets your insurance budget.
·Protect against auto theft. If your child is parking in high auto crime areas, you may want to buy an anti-theft device.
-more-
·Prevent street racing. Street racing, a growing problem in Vancouver, is generally participated in by young adult males. If you’re concerned your child may engage in this activity, pick a car that’s engine and body are not easy to alter. If street racing or excessive speeding is of major concern, a Vancouver company, LockDown Systems Inc., markets a device that gives parents the opportunity to monitor their child’s driving. The device can be programmed to call home if they speed.
·Talk to your kids about safe driving! Before handing them the keys to their own car, talk to your kids about the importance of being a good driver. Speed, drinking and driving, seatbelts and defensive driving should all be discussed.
·Take a second look at a used car. New cars devalue very quickly once they are sold, making it financially sensible to buy a well-maintained used car. Some parents are concerned that buying used is less safe than new, but certified pre-owned programs make this less risky.
The OpenRoad Auto Group started in the Richmond farmland in 1978 when the three Chia brothers opened Richmond Toyota. Since then, the group has grown to seven dealerships across the Lower Mainland with combined annual sales of more than $190-million and a staff of over 300 technicians, salespeople and administration personnel. OpenRoad strives to provide customers the best-possible vehicle shopping experience by featuring wide-open showrooms, visible sales managers, aquatic fish tanks, PlayStation II consoles and an un-matched selection of products.
-end-
Media Inquiries
Maryse Cardin or Sara Sauvé
Turtle & Hare Creative
Tel: 604-684-1263
Email: info@turtleandharecreative.com
|
|
|
|
