parents with no common sense/judgement buy their kids ridiculous cars all the time. My husband happens to related to some...
(not MY side of the family).
My kids will have 'sturdy, reliable, old cars' (like buying those ugly dress shoes we had as kids).
Peter turned 16 last December, and is currently driving my old '96 land cruiser. V6, heavy as a tank, and as I remember when doing research on buying that car in the first place, Consumer Reports said it was like driving a Brinks truck. Perfect for a 16 yo boy, i think. When he is 18, #2 turns 16.... guess what the 16 yo gets?? that's right, the '96 LC, with a few more miles and SO FAR no 'hits'. We will then buy Peter a 'new' car, truck or SUV of some sort... nothing wild, radical, but quite serviceable and safe for college. That'll be the only new car we buy for each kid. Their senior year, leaving for college vehicle. I already have lined up what the girls will get for their first car (probably) and the oldest girl is just 10!
oh, and if a clever boy doesn't want the LC and choses to kinda wreck it, hoping to get something newer?? well we have an even older F250 waiting....
I would like my kids to be able to contribute to their vehicles, but school is quite demanding, and they all are very involved in sports, and Peter has almost completed his Eagle rank in Scouts. #2 is right behind. I worked from the day (and actually before) I turned 16, but these days are very different. They do help with yardwork and various jobs at the farm. They don't get paid for it, it is expected, but then they don't have to pay for gas or upkeep.
anyway, back to the thread...
when i was 16, a friend at school failed the driver's test 3 TIMES!! and when she FINALLY passed it, she got a brand new, baby blue Camaro... I was so jealous!!!
My '66 MG was good enough.
kristen