My comment is that many people will talk and talk about wanting something but would never actually go through with it for whatever reason. For many, the dream is more exciting than actually getting it. And so even taking the cost out of it, they could be pissed at actually receiving it because "it's not what I actually wanted".

I agree with the Matchbox car plan. But also if you know exactly what he is looking for, call around and see if they have one locally that could be purchased after you give him the toy car.

DH here. I think if you know what he’d like, this is an awesome idea. People here can be so negative and miserable.

The titling issue is not a big deal. You can always add him to the title. Insurance is a phone call, and you don’t need the other party’s signature.

I’m planning to do the same thing in the next couple years.

Please don't do this. A car is such a personal purchase. It won't end up like you think it will.

Anonymous wrote:Can you call the dealership and see if they can come pick him up for a test drive as the surprise? Then you get the surprise but you aren't spending tens(?) of thousands of dollars and risking getting the wrong one.

You could also have a cardboard cutout made of the car, put a bow on it, and set it up in the house or yard and then go look at specific cars together.

Don’t let the dealership know what’s happening, they will know they have you and you will walk out with a terrible deal

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ehhh. That’s a bad idea. Let him pick it out himself for

Concur with prior poster, if its doing to be his daily driver, let him pick (and purchase) the car. You can meet him halfway, but finding a few cars online or call dealer ahead of time to make sure they have the color/model/trim level he wants, then take him there to have a look and let him buy it. If you'd be buying socks for him, I'd say yes, for car...ahem....no!

Best of luck.

Typed to fast.... meant 'going to' and 'by'

Anonymous wrote:Ehhh. That’s a bad idea. Let him pick it out himself for

Concur with prior poster, if its doing to be his daily driver, let him pick (and purchase) the car. You can meet him halfway, but finding a few cars online or call dealer ahead of time to make sure they have the color/model/trim level he wants, then take him there to have a look and let him buy it. If you'd be buying socks for him, I'd say yes, for car...ahem....no!

Best of luck.

Tell him one day that you are going somewhere. Then tell him at the dealership to pick a car.

This post makes me think of those hugely annoying holiday commercials where a spouse opens the front door to see a brand new car with a red bow. I hate those commercials and never thought people would actually do such a thing.

Can you call the dealership and see if they can come pick him up for a test drive as the surprise? Then you get the surprise but you aren't spending tens(?) of thousands of dollars and risking getting the wrong one.

You could also have a cardboard cutout made of the car, put a bow on it, and set it up in the house or yard and then go look at specific cars together.

Anonymous wrote:So many issues with the financing and titling of the vehicle without their permission / approval. Are you paying cash, titling it in your name, and who will be insured to drive it?

Yes. We have a hard and fast rule in our house that anything that incurs property tax is automatically a joint decision. I like the idea of wrapping up a matchbox car and the going together.

So many issues with the financing and titling of the vehicle without their permission / approval. Are you paying cash, titling it in your name, and who will be insured to drive it?

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I would HATE this surprise. But my husband, see, he would freaking love it. But...I am terrible at making decisions and I’m sure I would get it wrong. But man, I just wish I could pull it off.

Can you buy him a matchbox car and wrap it up? Then you could go buy it together.

Pick 3 or four models and send it to him with trade in estimate for car you are selling. Ask him which look good? Let it be something you do together.

OP here. I would HATE this surprise. But my husband, see, he would freaking love it. But...I am terrible at making decisions and I’m sure I would get it wrong. But man, I just wish I could pull it off.