Should I buy a new car for my daughter when she turns 16?

Question

I promised her one years ago if she maintained her straight A average, but she just made her first B in Geometry. She has really struggled to understand it. Her other grades are outstanding (high A's)
I made the promise based on thinking that I would have two incomes, however, her dad recently (a year ago) divorced me for another woman. What do you think??

She was promised this long ago as motivation, not that she ever needed it, but I felt that in the long run an A average would afford her the opportunity to qualify for college scholarships which a college education costs less than a new car. I hope that my reasoning isn't warped and I am still leaning toward getting it for her even though she made the B. The B isn't a big deal and yes, I know she is a very good kid/student and I am grateful

Answer 1

Well, first of all, she sounds like she's a good kid. First B at 16, that's pretty good. Especially with the stress of a divorce in the last year.

As for the car, I'd say if you can afford it and not make the household financially struggle due to the car payment and insurance, then go for it.

Perhaps a slightly used car? You'd save money buy getting one a year or two old and most cars would still have a decent amount of factory warranty still left on the car.

Then again, depending on how she feels of the situation you've been through, maybe she would understand now things are going to be a little harder to afford and wouldn't want you to have the burden at this time.

Answer 2

The B in Geometry doesn't really matter. You should have promised it "as long as she does her best", not based on some number. Sometimes a kid has trouble in one area, and it's not her fault.

But having to pare everything down to one income is hard. If you're still speaking to her father, maybe you could negotiate to share the expenses ... like you pay a note one month, he pays it the next, or you pay notes but he pays insurance, etc.

On the other hand, she will likely understand that it's not a possibility right now (if that's true). Most teens would be perfectly fine with a used car. Scout around for good deals on cars that are still in pretty decent shape ... you never know, it might be the car she goes to college in anyway.

If you absolutely CANNOT afford a new car (my parents definitely couldn't, and I accepted that), explain it to her honestly. Don't make it about her grades. She's done her best. Think about a used one. Ask if she'd get a job (I had one at that age) and pay for insurance, or gas and maintenance, or something along those lines.

Honestly, no matter how good a student she is, chances are she'll crash it anyway. I was never in a serious accident (still haven't been), but I did get some bumps and scrapes. It happens. I wouldn't make her first car brand-new ... go with used. Toyota Camrys are decently priced used, they last forever, and they're still kinda cool. It's not a Honda Civic or anything, but it's passable.

My first car was a gently used blue Kia Rio. I just sold it last year. The car I learned to drive in (but was never officially 'mine') was a VERY old Chevy Nova ... remember those?

If she's that intelligent and responsible, she will understand the lack of two incomes. And it's probably not a good idea to get a brand-new car anyway. She'll negotiate. If she's not willing to compromise, well, she's not mature enough to handle a car. That's why my younger sister's still waiting (she's 16 and insists it HAS to be a NEW Honda Civic ... pssht ... as if).

Answer 3

Well I think considering the fact that your old man left you and the finances are NOT the same she will understand that you are NOT in the same financial level you were in a year ago. The "B" well if she is NOT a problem child I myself would over look it. You might want to talk with her about like meeting her half way. She gets a job money goes in the bank and you put some in the bank as well and when there is enough then buy her the car. Maybe she can talk to dad to also join in on this effort.. Good Luck.

Answer 4

Good heavens!!! Straight A average???? Oh and how horrible she made a B! Tsk tsk. For one thing i wouldn't have promised her a brand new car no matter what. A 16 year old does not need a brand new car...however, a good reliable used one would be fine. Most teens end up having a few fender benders in their first year of driving so no need for "brand new." Let her get a few years of driving experience first. And i would be proud to have such a child..yes even with that awful "B!"

Answer 5

All things aside I think buying your child a car can be a big mistake. I did it for my daughter and if I could go back and do it over I would not make the same mistake. I think it's best to have them start out by borrowing your car. They have to maintain grades and such to earn that right...and also have to have gas money to replace what they use.
Your daughter sounds like a smart cookie. I think she'd understand that your financial situation has changed and that you're unable to make good on your promise.
Sorry about your dirty rotten husband.

Answer 6

i think thats a dangerous way to be poltically correct. virtually all sixteen year olds do not have the wisdom, life maturity or experience to safely drive a car. If you must go through with this you can probably save alot of money in the long run by sending her to a proffesional driving school to at least insure her life and your risk of loss. Im not sure why you would promise that but trust me, as a parent of two children, i know if you give them an inch they will take it.

Answer 7

Just let her use your car when you are not needing it.
She will understand if you do not have the money. But you should tell her father that both of you will go in on half to buy her a car even if it is a used car.
Teenagers don't care if it is a new car or not just as long as they have a car that is all they care about.
Good luck

Answer 8

your daughter is mature enough ( i hope ) to understand that your financial situation has changed! you are going to need to talk to her about this in detail! i'm sure she has noticed that you are struggling.

BUT, about the "B". nope... don't cut her any slack. my son (that we bought a 3 year old car for when he turned 16) was told that he needed to maintain a "C" average in order for us to pay his auto insurance... WELL, we made excuses for him for ABOUT the first year BECAUSE we knew school is not his strong subject: he struggles to get "c's" ANYHOW, we gave him his last warning at 17... no insurance paid by us if he didn't maintain an EXPECTED "C" average. guess what? he tried my patience and just couldn't get everything up to a "C" (girls... job... sports.... always an excuse). SO, we stopped paying his insurance. guess how long it took before he was able to get the expected grades once we put our foot down? ONE QUARTER. insurance is $205 per month. he learned his lesson quickly once he saw that we were not giving in to his excuses and expected more from him.

i just wanted to add that because your daughter OBVIOUSLY has a 3.0 GPA you may want to check with State Farm for auto insurance. our oldest child was given a "good student discount" that took about $60 per MONTH off her insurance bill... every penny counts!

Answer 9

you should not have promised to GIVE her a car. But since you did, and you are now divorced, you just can't . Tell her you will help her, but she must get a job and earn the money herself.

Answer 10

if you can do it financially, why not??? she may not get the mercedes she wants, but rewarding her for maintaining such good study habits would be nice!!!

as long as she knows that your going to give her the best you can on the budget you have, im sure she will be understanding and appreciative....if she isnt, dont get her the car!