At What Age Can You Buy a Car?

Being able to slip behind the wheel and drive down the open road is a symbol of freedom. For teenagers, learning to drive is a milestone that shows their increasing independence. The growing number of teens getting their driver’s license when they’re 16 reflects the desire to learn to drive and enjoy that independence. From 2012 to 2019, the number of teens who got their first driver’s license at or before 16 rose from 36% to 41%. In 2019, 60% of those surveyed had driver’s licenses before turning 18. 

Since so many teens get their driver’s licenses before turning 18, some may want to purchase a car. Whether you’re a teenager anxious to get your first vehicle or the parent of a teen learning to drive, you may wonder how old you must be to buy a car. Let’s look at the legal requirements for buying a car. 

What is the legal age to buy a car?

Most states allow anyone to buy a car at any age; however, it isn’t always possible for people under 18 to register a vehicle. Suppose you’re planning to buy, register, and insure a vehicle and are 16 or 17 years old. In that case, you’ll need a parent or another adult to help you fulfill the legal requirements to drive your vehicle on the road.

What is the average age to buy a car?

Although it’s possible to own a car when you’re a teenager, as of 2020, those between 18 and 37 favored 21 as the ideal age to buy their first car. Only 14% of those in that age bracket considered 18 the best age to buy their first car.

How to buy a car under age 18

Buying a vehicle is a multi-step process. Reviewing this guide ensures you’re prepared for car-buying and have everything you need to purchase a vehicle.

Find a vehicle

Car buyers have three main options when buying a vehicle:

• Used car: Many people buy a used car because it’s more affordable than purchasing a new one. You’ll need less money to secure a vehicle, and people pay less to insure older vehicles, so purchasing a used car is a great way to control your monthly expenses.
• New vehicle: New vehicles are tempting because they look great, and you don’t have to worry about vehicle damage. New vehicles are also still under warranty, so you may not have to worry about all potential repair costs if your vehicle breaks down. However, new vehicles are expensive, and many teenagers can’t afford a new car.
• Leasing a vehicle: Leasing a vehicle means paying for the vehicle and assuming responsibility for it without purchasing it. The vehicle returns to the dealership at the end of your lease unless you buy out the lease.

Take time to research the vehicle and check the vehicle’s CARFAX to learn about its maintenance and repair history. The CARFAX can help you determine if the vehicle’s been in an accident or had significant mechanical issues.

Secure financing

Unless you have enough money to buy your vehicle in cash, you’ll need to finance your purchase. You can go to your bank or find a lender online and apply for a car loan before you start shopping, or you can Google, “car dealerships near my location” and find a dealership that handles financing. However, you’ll need an adult to co-sign the loan if you’re under 18.

You may struggle to qualify for a loan if you don’t have a credit history. Use the tips for buyers with bad credit to see if you can establish or improve your credit score before applying for a car loan.

Consult an insurance agent

Talking to an insurance agent is the best way to determine if you can get insurance or need to be listed on an adult’s insurance policy. Your insurance agent can explain your options and what you can expect to pay for insurance.

Register your vehicle 

Since many states only allow those 18 and older to register vehicles, you may need to put your title in an adult’s name until you turn 18. This adult can add you to their insurance policy and list you as the vehicle’s driver. When you turn 18, you can transfer the vehicle’s title to identify you as the owner.

How can a car dealership help you with your first car purchase?

Head to Newport Motors in Las Vegas to find reliable pre-owned vehicles. Our Nevada auto sales team will help you find the right car for you. We’ll guide you through the buying process so we can get you on the road right away.

Sources:

How Can I Get Free CARFAX Vehicle History Reports? (2023). 

Parker, J. (2020). Millennials choose age 21 as ideal time to buy or lease first car. 

Prevalence and Timing of Driver Licensing Among Young Adults, United States, 2019. (2019).