How to convince my parents to buy me a car?

Question

I'm 17 years old. I really want a car now, but I will need one when I go off to college soon. I know that the standard answer for this question is "get a job", but there are many reasons why I can't do that.

1. I am in all honors courses at my school. This means I have at least 2 hours of homework every night, but usually more.

2. I spend a lot of time working for volunteer organizations. Neither me or my parents want me to give this up.

3. I spend a lot of time with my youth group. We only meet once a week, but there are a lot of retreats. I'm also a student leader so I have to do a lot of extra things with that.

4. Extracurricular activities! They take up tons of time.

My parents can afford to get me a car. We aren't at all rich, but we live comfortably. My parents just aren't convinced that they should buy me a car or not.

Phoenix:
Colleges look at things like honors courses, good grades, volunteer work, and extracuriculars. My parents ENCOURAGE these activities. Doing these things is the best way to improve my chances of getting a scholarship. In the long run, I'll save a lot more money by getting a scholarship then I would by getting a job.

And my parents trust my driving abilities. I'm actually a good driver.

whether you believe me or not i do know that my parents can afford the required expenses

I am truly shocked and amazed. Of all the things people could've said bad about me they are calling me selfish for doing things like volunteering and serving in youth group. Volunteering and youth group are spefically focused on helping other. I can't believe. My parents want me to do these things.

And when did I say that my parents had a legal or moral obligation to buy me a car? I don't see that anywhere. Can people actually read?

Answer 1

1 - sit down and talk to your parents about the situation. don't whine. Present the facts.

2- Figure out the details. Don't just say "Mom and Dad, buy me a car" Figure out who's going to pay for things like gas, repairs, oil changes, antifreeze, INSURANCE. Because you said you're not that rich, all these extras really add up.

3 - Sweet talk Mom and Dad. You said you're in extracurricular activities. I bet that adds up to a lot of trips back and forth for your parents. Remind them of how much time it's going to save them.

4 - Get your license if you don't already have it

5 - Show them you're responsible with the car if you borrow theirs. Do you come home with the tank on empty? Leave your garbage in the car? Dent or ding the car? All of these will show your parents that you're responsible with cars and they'll agree quicker.

6 - Find out ways to save on car insurance (I'm not talking about switching to Geico either). Lots of car insurance companies offer incentives for good grades and people who have completed drivers ed.

7 - Compromise. It sounds like you're busy during the school year but what about the summers. Can you pick up a part time job to help with some of the expenses then. Maybe if you tell your parents you'll pay them back for 1/4 or 1/2 of the car they'll agree quicker.

8 - Do you have younger siblings. If you do, tell your parents that you can help them out by taking your siblings places (friends house, their extracurriculars, etc). Also remind Mom and Dad that you're available for errands like running to the store to get milk at night.

9 - Ask your parents flat out why they are not ready to buy you a car. Then when you know their reason, go back to the compromise.

Answer 2

I'm not sure what your parents are struggling with, but even though you live comfortably, it could be the money. Things aren't always what they appear (kids don't always know the TRUE financial status of the family), so on that note, I want to preface my answer by preparing you that the car they end up buying you may not be the car of your dreams, and it may not even be a "new" car, so before you attempt to convince them, make sure your car expectations are LOW. My recommendation to you is that you put together a powerpoint "presentation" on why you deserve/need a car. Yes, it sounds a little formal, but I'm a firm believer that if people see clear, definitive info on paper it goes a long way in helping them make decisions. And, seeing the effort you've put into this will really "drive" home how serious you are about the responsibility. You are busy, but you'll need to make time for this one if you want a car bad enough. Topics in the presentation would include; 1) Your grade point average throughout highschool (I'm guessing it's good), 2) where you rank among total # of students in your class, 3) # of hours spent doing homework, volunteer work, youth group, activities etc., 4) percentage of that time requiring transportation, 5) what extra things you could do for THEM once you get a car (i.e. grocery store? taking other siblings to their functions?, you get the drift), and finally 6) research affordable, fuel-efficient vehicles, list them and pricing. You could go the extra mile by calculating monthly payments using a 4 or 5 year loan at current interest rates, etc. A salesman at the dealer can help with this, or sometimes there are calculators online. Finally, conclude the presentation with your dedication at being responsibile with this vehicle and ahering to their rules (going where you say you're going to go, be home on time, etc.). I really think this will do it for you, so good luck and let me know what happens!! :)
*update* Heather also has several good points to include in this presentation. Don't be restricted by what I've listed...put anything in there that you think will help your case.

Answer 3

Clearly there are many people on here that are completely incapable of reading and/or attempting to understand what is being asked...

You sound like you are doing all the right things, and are showing your parents that you are a considerate and responsible young adult. Since you say that they aren't convinced that they should buy you a car... have they given you any ideas of why they feel that way? Have you sat down and made a list of all the reasons that it would make sense for you to have your own car, then sat down with them and tried to reason it out? You only say that you really want one now, and I don't think any parent would ever be swayed with that as an arguement. Hopefully you will be able to come up with some solid logical reasons for you to have one. Something that is tangible, rather than wishes and desires.

Unfortunately, I don't know enough of your situation to offer any better advice. You do seem like a capable young lady, so I wish you luck!

Answer 4

I've found that when I want something from my parents, whining and throwing a screaming "I deserve it!" fit rarely works. Have a planned out prepared speech. Explain that while you would love to get a part time job to help pay for a car, you just don't think you'll have the time, that you'd lose focus on your volunteer work, and your school work would suffer. Explain that you'd like your own transportation, so that they don't have to chauffeur you around to your different activities. Have a few examples of cars you find reasonable (please no lexus/mercedes) My first car was a Saturn, my sisters a Kia. Explain that you will be responsible, and keep it in good running order, and maybe if you have younger siblings throw in that you'll cart them around once in awhile, or run errands for them if need be. Use your calmest most adult voice and then thank them for just considering your ideas, and that you appreciate them taking the time to listen to you. No pouting! You sound like a mature responsible young lady, I don't see a reason you shouldn't get a car. Good for you for preparing for college!! :-) God bless.

Answer 5

I am a mom to 4 kids who are now 28, 26, 22, and 10. Each of the older ones tried their hardest to get us to buy them a car. What we did do was have a car that they could use within reason, but it was our car, not theirs. If they had a job, they could use the car to get to work. If I needed errands run, they could use the car to do them for me. Our oldest went away to college for her whole first year and 1/2 her second year before we let her borrow the car for the semester because she got a job off campus related to her field of study (she is now in her 5th year of teaching). You do not need a car to be a college student unless you are going to a community college and will be commuting. Having a car is a huge responsibility and it sounds as if you are very busy with your life right now. Insurance on a car driven by a teenager is exorbitant. Car upkeep and maintenance is also expensive. If you don't have a job how are you going to pay for gas, oil changes, tires, repairs and insurance? I doubt you know the full extent of your parents' income and expenditures and buying an additional vehicle is a major purchase. I suggest if you want a car that you may have to give up some of your other extracurricular activities and get a job. Anyone who wants a car, regardless of how old they are, should be earning the money to save for the purchase of it and earning enough to pay for the expense that goes along with it.

Answer 6

You gave us four reasons why you shouldn't work, but how about a reason for you to work? How about working to show your parents you can be responsible in paying for part of the car. You can work weekends and still do the things you like to do. And you still have time before you're off to college. Who knows? Maybe you'll get a car for your graduation present. I did this for my son and he's one of the only people in his apartment that has a car. Insurance is very expensive for teenagers, so you will need to do some kind of work to pay for it. This isn't something your parents should pay for. My son has a 98 Camry and insurance under his dad's name costs $200 a month. Keep doing good in school and look for something to do on the weekends to save towards the car itself and insurance and soon you'll have one.

Answer 7

Just try to talk to them again, Let them know how much your going to need a car when you head off to college there is really nothing more you can do or say that would convince them that you need a car.
Obviously they know how responsible you are, your a great kid and your doing alot with your life which is more than i can say for most of the teens these days. Your doing a great job!!!!!
You never know, they may even suprise you with a car for your 18th birthday, you definately deserve it:)
good luck with everything!

Answer 8

Hey I'm a senior girl who doesn't work who takes all AP classes, does extra curriculars, and youth group. So I know how it is too. Try telling them everything you said to the posters and go look at used cars online; and then test drive a few. You don't need a brand new car but try to find a decent used car. That's what I did, and it worked!

Answer 9

Things come with time. You never know, they may be waiting for a better time to invest. They also may be planning to buy you one for graduation...not now. I would not worry about that right now....get good grades in school and graduate. Enroll in college..I am sure you are planning to do all that, but being responsible and not annoying your parents with the subject is the best thing. Nagging them will not change their minds...just be responsible and act maturely. They most likely know you could benefit from your own vehicle, but there must be other factors that are helping them make their decision. You never know, they just might be trying to surprise you!

Answer 10

Let them know that you have alot on your plate, and you will keep up your grades not only in high school but in college as well if they help you get a car. It doesnt have to be anything expensive but something that will get you around for now. Once you have less on your plate you will get a job and help pay for insurance ..

You know how they think, so try to think of how they will react to your points and then try and have a rebuttle for them. Remember don't get too anxious and remain calm when talking to them.

You are doing alot of work, not only being a great student but a great role model for others. keep up the good work..