Festive Ideas to Decorate Your Car For Homecoming

As a teen, your car is the ultimate symbol of freedom and independence. If you just got a car for your 16th birthday or you drive a family car from your parents, it does not hurt to show it off a little. For homecoming this fall, your school pride will show if you utilize some of these fun ideas to decorate your car.

• Streamers – you can use streamers taped to the back bumper of your car to create a cool effect similar to a float when you drive. Otherwise, hang them from the ceiling of your car to decorate the inside!
• Window Markers – these are a necessity when decorating your car for homecoming! Write encouraging messages about your school and show your pride on the windows.
• Balloons – merchantcircle.com suggests, “Group several different balloons together, and tie them around the car antenna or side mirrors. You can also fill these balloons with candy, and pop them later during the parade.”
• School Mascot Stuffed Animal – search thrift stores for a cheap stuffed animal that represents your school mascot. This would be especially easy if your school mascot was something like a bear or lion.
• Empty pop cans – tie empty pop cans to the back bumper so they clink and clank behind the vehicle. You can even spray paint the cans in your school colors!
• Poster Board – if you can not fit every message you want to write on the windows, buy simple poster board and attach it to the outside of the doors on the car.

If you are worried about being one of only a few who go all out for homecoming, invite friends over to decorate their cars as well. Make it a fun gathering and then all of you can ride into school homecoming week together!

If you are still hoping to get a car, check out our bargain inventory of used vehicles priced under $10k. Buy just in time for Homecoming and decorate it to show off your new ride!

Tips for Buying a Teen Their First Car

Image by State Farm via Flickr

They’ve been looking forward to it for years, and you’ve been dreading it since they were born, but it’s time for your teenager to get their first car. There are many things to consider when buying a teenager their first car. Should you buy new or used? Who will pay for it? Where should you go for the best insurance deals? Try not to panic. The tips below will help make this rite of passage a safe and happy one for the entire family.

Assign Responsibilities

The first decision you need to make with your teen is, who’s going to pay for it. Many parents believe that paying for their own car will make a teen appreciate it more, and others believe their teen is working hard enough that a car can be a reward - and a privilege. Once you decide and make a plan, go over expectations and responsibilities. For example, 12 months with no accidents or tickets could be a long-term goal. It’s up to you if you want to give a reward or punishment if the goals are met or not. Just remember to emphasize safety and responsibility from the start.

Keep in mind that many insurance companies offer discounts for good students. You can use that as an incentive to maintain a good GPA and save yourself some money. You’ll also need to decide . Either the car itself, gas and/or the insurance. If they’re the expenses that your teen is responsible for, such as insurance, maintenance, and gas. Generally, teens are more likely to follow the rules if the car’s costs come from their own pocket, but teens can’t afford to pay all the expenses of owning a vehicle. Assigning them some of the responsibility is a good way to prepare them for adulthood.

Image by State Farm via Flickr

Find The Right Car

Midsize sedans tend to be the safest since more mass means more protection. Selecting a vehicle with a small engine makes it harder to speed as well. Also, make sure to search for good deals online. Consumer reports publish an annual used-car guide that is a useful resource available online. If you are able to afford it, look for cars that are certified pre-owned and that are two or three years old. They cost a little bit more but have a limited warranty and better financial and safety ratings. Try to choose a car that scores at least four stars out of five on government crash tests, making sure safety is your number one priority.

Inform Your Teen

Car accidents are the leading cause of death for American teens. It is important to lay down the rules of the road; always wear your seatbelt, drinking is forbidden, texting is not allowed,etc. The internet is full of tragic stories about distracted driving. Talking about these issues will help them understand that driving isn’t a game, that it’s serious and they not only hold their own lives in their hands when driving but everyone they share the road with.

There are several insurance companies that offer free cameras to place in your teen’s car when they begin driving and various apps to download or software to install. Your teen may not like this and think it’s an invasion of privacy, but it’s an excellent tool that can help you rest easier and show them what they’re doing wrong so they can avoid it in the future.

Like old age and taxes, teenagers driving is certain. It can be one of the most nerve-wracking and stressful time, but you have the power to make the transition as painless as possible - especially if you take your teen into Kuehn Motors to shop for their first car. And remember, it’s not all bad - you finally have your own “personal assistant” to send on those errands you’d rather not do!

Don’t Sacrifice Safety When Buying Your Teen’s First Car

From diapers, to the first day of school, to getting their driver’s license -- kids grow up quick! When it’s time for them to start driving on their own, you not only want a safe and reliable vehicle, you want something affordable. Kuehn Motors has a variety of options for you at our three locations and we can provide excellent recommendations for your teenager’s first car.

For many families, a 2014 Safety Vehicle Top Pick isn’t an option, but there are elements of these vehicles that we can look for in our Used Vehicle Inventory.

Factors we consider when helping you pick out the perfect car include:

High Horsepower: Young drivers should stay away from vehicles with high horsepower because powerful engines can tempt them to test limits.

Bigger and Heavier: Bigger and heavier cars, including small SUVs, protect better in the case of a crash.

Safety Rating: Consider your budget, and look for vehicles that have the highest safety rating possible. The mean price of a teenager’s vehicle is about $9,800, but the median is only $5,300. While there are many options in the $9,800 price range, there are very limited options around $5,300. When it comes to your child’s safety, consider paying a little more.

At Kuehn Motors, we pride ourselves on giving our customers options. See below for current inventory selections that would make great first vehicles, plus safety ratings! (Inventory subject to change)

2006 Nissan Xterra X - Small SUV, low miles, great condition! Read Safety Rating by IIHS.

2004 Chevy Tahoe - Larger SUV, automatic transmission and clean! Read Motor Trend Safety Rating.