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Would you buy your 16 year old a car?

Kristin - posted on 06/12/2012 ( 5 moms have responded )

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My son just turned 16 and I am having a huge struggle of wheter or not to buy him a car. He is enrolled in driver's training at my cost and once he gets his licence, he would like a car. He has offered to pay for half the cost of the car as well as insurance. I want to buy him a car as I need him to take my 6 year old to summer camp as it starts later than when I start work, however I am also scared that if I buy him a car he will not appreciate it and expect things handed to him all the time. He does have a job and is an honor role student and is pretty responisble, I just dont know what to do. Any advice?

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5 Comments

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Elizabeth - posted on 06/14/2012

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all my kids bought their own car pay for their own insurance, gas, and repairs. and they are still required to do what i ask them. you act like he has choice about taking his sister to summer camp. he is still a minor and under your supervision. in other words he does as he is told.

Theresa - posted on 06/14/2012

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No

Kristin - posted on 06/13/2012

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Thank you both for your responses. Angie I absolutely love the idea of a contract I never thought of that and I can see how that will work as my son loves to be treated like an adult. You are also rught that it will help ease him into the world of adult responsibilty and it will insure he will get a car that will last as he will be going to college in 2 years. Scary and sad when your kids grow up into young adults. Thanks again

Angie - posted on 06/12/2012

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It sounds like you have a pretty responsible kid ~ Maybe since he's being so responsible, do a contract with him...it's not necessarily legal since he's underage, but maybe it would help keep not only the appreciation there, but his self-esteem that he's fulfilling his contract & being treated adult-like. It can also help ease him into the adult world of real contracts & holding to responsibilities. This worked with my oldest (2nd time around..lol). I didn't buy it for him, but I was his interest free bank with a set amount. I had to approve the car since I didn't want any junk being hauled home..lol. His contract included monthly payments, maintaining insurance, upkeep including gas, oil changes, etc, and in your son's case (mine was 19), it could also include grades, curfew, tickets, cell phone/texting use, seat belt use & penalties if not fulfilled, which will keep the understanding that driving is a privilege. I'm sure you can find a contract example on line. Best of luck to you....oh, that driving thing is exciting & scary at the same time :)

Denikka - posted on 06/12/2012

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I think that a willingness to pay for half the cost of the car, along with insurance shows a good deal of maturity :)
If he was saying that he just wanted/expected you to buy him a car, I would say no way in hell should you. But your son is acting maturely and responsibly. I don't think it would harm him in any way to help him buy his first car. Make sure he knows that he's responsible for his own insurance, gas and upkeep on the car. I would give him gas money to drive your 6yr old to camp, or if he does any errands especially for you, but beyond that, he's on his own.
Sounds like a pretty good kids from here though :) I say help him out :)

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