Would you buy your teenager a car?

1. 88

   alliemacbposted 12 years ago

   Would you buy your teenager a car?
   
   
   My 17 year old daughter is learning to drive and is desperate for her dad and I to buy her a car.  He thinks it's a good idea.  I'm not so sure.  What do you think?

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2. 81

   Mr Archerposted 12 years ago

   I have 5 children, ages 8 to 20 eyars. I have purchased 2 cars for the older 2, but waited until they were past the 16 year old threshold. My wife and I wanted them to be sure they understood what was expected, and to prove themselves with our cars before buying them their own. Once purchased, however, the car became theirs: gas, oil, insurance is on their heads, not ours. They had a job in place before receiving the car. In addition, the cars were not too expensive, we paid cash for them; in the mid $1000 range. Anything beyond that is for them to purchase. Now, the next one is ready, but we are not. Only 16, no job lined up yet, so we, and he, will wait.

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3. 59

   nightwork4posted 12 years ago

   my 17 year old is starting to get her license also. i told her that for the first year afterwards, she can use one of my vehicles until i know she is a safe driver. i don't want to buy her a car , only to find out that she isn't the type to drive properly.

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4. 61

   duffsmomposted 12 years ago

   We bought our oldest daughter a car (of sorts).  We couldn't afford much and found an old Cadillac that had a new engine in it.  We live outside of town and it was needed to get to and from school.
   
   Our older daughter really hated it but used it to transport herself and her sister to and from school.
   
   When it was time, it was passed down to her younger sister who loved the car.  Took all of her friends places in it and found it hard to let go of once she got married and had moved on to something else
   
   If you can afford it, I think it is nice for them to have something used - but with a huge set of rules to go along with the responsibility of owning a car.

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5. 88

   alliemacbposted 12 years ago

   Thanks for the great responses - they've been really helpful.
   
   I think I'm starting to lean towards the idea of getting her something reasonably inexpensive once she's proved herself in my car.  Having to pay for gas etc. might help to make her value money a little more.

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