Buying teens new cars

[Lippitymoo]

I’ve been with my partner for 3 years. He has twin 16 year olds (mum isn’t around at all she upped and left them all). Ae don’t live together but are very serious, just won’t live in while our children are at home (I have a 15 year old).
His kids birthdays are in a few months. He’s told me he is planning to buy them both a brand new Hyundai i10. He says he just wants to get new as he hopes it will last them until they are financially independent and beyond that way. He also said he wants to be able to get the bigger engine for the sake of motorways and get them an automatic, so getting new will save the faff of finding something situ the requirements that they both like.
AIBU to think this is totally ridiculous?

Whereas you are entitled to think what you like (so you are not being unreasonable), he has explained his reasons (or at least some of them), it is his money, his children, and his decision. Lots of posters have explained why his decision might not be the best. Doesn't help though unless he is prepared to mull through options with you. If you have an otherwise good relationship and you don't share parenting or resources, then maybe this isn't the (admittedly rather expensive) hill to die on. I am sorry though for the lack of parity in what your child will get and what his children will get, this is difficult for every parent to have to explain this, whether it is christmas presents, holidays or whatever. Wishing you the best xxxx

I just think it’s extravagant!

Good for you. Your opinion is completely irrelevant. Not your kids, not your money.

Why you even started this thread is beyond me.

OP you could have started a (potentially) interesting debate about setting up teens with cars, without practically identifying your partner in your post.

We know where he lives, where he used to live and when he moved, that he's a GP, he has twins turning 17 soon and the girl plays competitive sport, he has a live-out partner of 3 years with a 15yo, his parents are dead and he's in a half-a-million dollar house... anyone who knows him IRL will recognise him in what you have written and see that you think he's ridiculous. You'd better hope the media doesn't pick this up!

If you could afford to buy, or help them buy a house (or indeed a car) why on earth wouldn’t you? In our family money has always flowed downwards, you need money when you’re young, not much use inheriting when you’re in your dotage!

@user14699084788

Couldn't agree more with this. Exactly the same in both mine and my husbands family. I don't want to be dead before I see my son comfortable if I can help make him comfortable.

I can see both sides. My friends leased each of their 17yr olds a new car - they have 4 kids and can afford to.

We haven't done this as we can't afford to. We let our DC use my car temporarily when home from uni - and they pay towards the insurance and diesel.

I used to think it was a huge extravagance to buy teenagers cars, but I can see it gives them independence and responsibility, as well as freedom and opportunities (eg they can take jobs further from home or don't have to rely on night buses/trains).