Anonymous wrote:It depends on the situation. I would buy an extra car for our family but not specifically for a 16 year old and they could use it. I would want them in the safest car with all the safety features. I can replace a car but I cannot replace my child. A safe used car can still cost $35K so the issue is how much are you looking to spend and what can you get for that price?

Roger! I wanted to keep my 2005 RX 330 so my 15 year old can use it next year when he turns 16 and starts driving but will go ahead and donate as it has no safety features.

No, but I wouldn't buy my 16-year-old a non-new car, either.

Anonymous wrote:Absolutely not. I wouldn’t let a kid have a driver’s license until they were 18 too. Worked in ER/trauma too many years, seen too many tragedies. At 16, kids make bad decisions, get distracted and don’t understand the reality of consequences. Last thing for a 16 year old’s safety you want to do is gift them with a new car to show off in. If you love them, let them wait, gain a little more maturity.

That is a really bad idea to wait till 18. Most kids move away to college at 18 and will not get the driving experience then. At 16, they have two years of driving monitored by parents. A new car isn't the issue. Parents need to monitor and teach safe driving. Now its so much easier as cars have built in parental monitors in new cars or you can buy a chip to do it. Not all 16 year olds are bad drivers. Just like not all 30 year olds are good drivers.

It depends on the situation. I would buy an extra car for our family but not specifically for a 16 year old and they could use it. I would want them in the safest car with all the safety features. I can replace a car but I cannot replace my child. A safe used car can still cost $35K so the issue is how much are you looking to spend and what can you get for that price?

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't buy a 16 year old a car for any reason. I would expect them to work, save up and buy their own car, plus pay for insurance, gas and repairs.

That's what we did with both my kids and it worked out great!

How much was the insurance? Our quote was more than my kid made in an entire summer.

Absolutely not. I wouldn’t let a kid have a driver’s license until they were 18 too. Worked in ER/trauma too many years, seen too many tragedies. At 16, kids make bad decisions, get distracted and don’t understand the reality of consequences. Last thing for a 16 year old’s safety you want to do is gift them with a new car to show off in. If you love them, let them wait, gain a little more maturity.

My kid can dream!

I wouldn't buy a 16 year old a car for any reason. I would expect them to work, save up and buy their own car, plus pay for insurance, gas and repairs.

That's what we did with both my kids and it worked out great!

Anonymous wrote:Everyone's family situation is different. Who are you to judge what others chose to do?

Insecure?
We had six, bought a new civic for the first one. Passed it down. At the time civics new were such a great price, it made no sense to buy used.

Why do you feel the need to attack OP as insecure? He/She is just give an opinion.

Never, I would likely buy a three year old car coming off a lease that is certified by the dealer and has all of the key safety features. Possibly an SUV rather than a sedan because it’s cooler. If my kid complained I’d buy him a new bike.

Is a brand new top trim BMW safer than a brand new top trim Toyota or Subaru? No.

People buy BMWs to say to the world "I can spend money on frivolity". And for that, I judge.

-NP

Teens are most likely to die in a crash in a car that they are showing off in. Now one is showing off in a 10 year old Honda civic.
Get them a safe used non descript. When they earn their own money they can get what they like.

No, buying a safe used car or an economical new car. Lots of people like to show off, and want their kids to be popular and able to show off too.

Everyone's family situation is different. Who are you to judge what others chose to do?

Insecure?
We had six, bought a new civic for the first one. Passed it down. At the time civics new were such a great price, it made no sense to buy used.

I'm planning to give my son a very used, but safe and reliable Accord. No, it doesn't have all the latest safety features, but it's plenty safe. I understand wanting the latest safety technology for your kid, but it's almost a guarantee that these kids will get into fender benders within their first year, and yet I have friends who are buying their kids brand new years, and expensive ones at that. Why not buy a slightly used car and save some money? I know I sound like a curmudgeon, but I don't think kids should be driving new BMWs, etc.