To think that it's ridiculous, to buy a 17 year old a brand new car?

[ILiveAtTheBeach]

That's exactly what my DD's best friends parents have done. A brand spanking new car, for her 17th birthday. A 65 plate. She can't even drive yet (obvs). She is still at school, so I guess when she does pass, that all costs associated with the car (fuel/insurance/road tax) will be paid for by the parents??!!

Thank goodness, my DD also thinks it's crazy. But I'm sure some parents in the friendship group, will now feel slightly pressured to buy their kids a car.

I mean, I could maybe understand getting your kids a car for say £1-2k, but I think even that would be extremely generous.

I had to buy my own first car and pay for all costs that went with that. It was old and cheap. And I was working FT.

They are not particularly well off (if their house is anything to go buy).

We've always bought our children new cars when they passed their tests at 17. It's our decision and our money, therefore we do what we like with it. I don't see what business it is of yours OP what other people choose to buy their children .

I fail to see how any of my responses are aggresive. Rather, factual.

Ooh dear noah are you upset? I should report your name-calling post, but won't! I agree it's an anonymous site, and yes anyone can say what they like.

I also find it odd that nobody thinks the OP is out of line for making sneery comments about the parents of her DDs friends house!

Many people will spend money on their kids that other people think it OTT, such is life.

It's the insurance that makes the cost prohibitive really. Brand new cars lose their value immediately, you're probably better getting something pre-registered about 6 months old.

(gimmer who used to work in a garage).

Also, I think it's good for kids to learn that cars don't have to be top of the range, super duper ones

Who has stated that the car in question is a top of the range model?
I suspect it is a very small, low powered car - base model.

If the parents have large, powerful cars they may not want their child to be driving them. They may prefer them to have a small, low power car. And often new cars have really good deals on them, and obviously often have the advantages of no MOT, more reliable, safer, etc.

Ooh, it's getting a bit bunfightey on this thread.

Daisysbear - but like I said, that applies to a new driver of ANY age.

Now I want to know what DamnBamboo and her DH are getting their kids for Christmas!

No I don't think it's an example to prove anything at all.
I'm just countering yours, to show that as you described it, is not always the case.

A badly brought up child with no respect, is just that.

Money doesn't come into it and it's bizarre that people think it does.

I agree Hula. I don't think anyone learning is best advised to start off in a really good car.

i didnt call names

'I fail to see how any of my responses are aggresive. Rather, factual.'

They read as pretty aggressive to me.

but why would anyone be selling a 6 month old car?

I have been looking around at cars / insurance for DS.

Insuring him for my year old car is half the price of insuring him for a fifteen year old runabout. That saving would cover the cost of leasing something like a Skoda Citigo and he would be driving something with up to date safety features, low or zero tax and a manufacturers warranty.

It is a serious consideration as his Aspergers makes public transport inaccessible to him. Just need to persuade my parents to fork out for it

Well, it's more than £100 and a stocking blu but I'll leave it at that. No doubt I will be told they will be ruined!

'Why do you give a shit?'

'You sound ridiculous quite frankly.'

'Suck it up princess!'

And that's just from your first two posts.

Why do you give a shit/ why do you care? Same thing.

OP has said ridiculous herself!

The suck it up comment is because the OP was lamenting the fact that she had to buy her own.

Life is not fair and people spend their money differently.

I think there are a number of reasons why a new car might be the best option for a 17 year old driver.

1. a new car comes with a warranty and is less likely to break down, whereas buying an old car is always risky

2. some small cars include insurance, my friends dd bought a small car on finance when she was 18 and because the finance deal included free insurance, she was paying less each month than what she would have in insurance for an older car. Also in a couple of years time when she has some no claims discount, she will still have a newish car to see on

However, this is really irrelevant, because it's up to people what they buy for their children. Some people buy their dc's the latest fashion, some the most up to date technology, some a car, some a deposit for a flat. Surely it has absolutely nothing to do with anyone else.

Well actually I too think it is a bit mad. I guess the insurance on a new car would be extremely high.
I think learning to drive in a normal price ranged car is probably best.

noah you have called me pathetic

I don't actually care, I'm just pointing it out.

10 year olds and under no doubt cannot buy themselves expensive presents. plenty of 17 year olds can and should earn money to buy things for themselves.
what you buy your 10 year old has no relevance to this thread.

It's about perceived excess noah and I do think it has relevance to this thread.

I don't think 17 year olds and driving mix - one of the reasons I live on a bus route and close to the city centre. I will be providing them with a taxi fund when the need arises. Mine won't be learning to drive till they can pay for lessons and a car themselves.

If I were encouraging them to drive for work / because they lived in the middle of nowhere I would be buying them the newest and most reliable vehicle I could afford. Also agree my new car has cost me much less than an old car over the last 5 years.

On balance I think YABU to judge but I do think many people seem to grow unaware of the existence of public transport and the true costs of car ownership.

I agree OP. As a parent of an 18 year old, there is no way we'd buy him a car - he can do what most other people do and work for his first car. Teaches them fantastic life skills - work for what you want.

Dambban. I was quoting your reference to pathetic comments, I did not call you pathetic.

I totally agree Noah. Personally I would be happy to help with the cost of a new car as a birthday or Christmas present when they pass their test and buy them a reliable but cheap car when they're learning.

I just think buying a 17 year old a brand new car from the off is a bit indulgent. It's not good for young people to be handed too much on a plate.