Teenager with a Ford Mustang. Ideas?

Question

Hello,

I will be 16.5 when I get my license in early december.

Let's start off with monetary details:
- I am paying in FULL for the the vehicle/taxes/registration
- I am paying for insurance
- I am paying for gas
- I paid for driving school

I am not complaining about having the responsibility to pay for such things, so please don't discuss those issues. I have a high-paying job, so I don't worry about the money.

I want to buy a Mustang (2001-2004) for my first vehicle, and I would like ideas on how I can give my dad a MATURE debate as to why I should be allowed to purchase one.

He does not want me to get one because he had a mustang for his first car in the 80's (wrecked it), and also recked another sports vehicle soon after, so he is afraid I will do the same.

Please let me know what you think I should do to prove to my father that a Mustang is OK for me, and that I am responsible enough to own one... especially since I am paying for everything.

Thanks!

In response to the first three answers:

I am not trying to sound arrogant. I have worked very hard for the past four years, and would like to own a vehicle I adore (and it shows a sense of self satisfaction to show this).

I work for myself and my dad, as a website developer/designer (earned over $3000 in the past month). I am a responsible teenager who does well in school (avg 3.8 GPA, with a 4.2 this year in high school as a junior).

I hate to say that owning a nice car does matter to me. I want to own a machine that reminds me that working at a young age and building up a large client database has really paid off.

I'm required to sign a contract with my parents agreeing that I will always follow their rules (as well as CA laws) while on the road.

I am also planning to put up the point that if for some reason I break any of these rules, I will get rid of the vehicle and accept these losses. This would be devastating, and is a good way for me to be safe and follow rules.

Answer 1

My first car was also a Mustang GL, 1983. Here's why your dad doesn't want you to get this car: Mustangs are notorious for recalls...and accidents. Heck, mine was wrecked and it wasn't even my own fault. Also, Mustangs of the past have had problems with their exploding, sort of like the Ford Pinto. Don't misunderstand his caring for his son as being too controlling. If I were you, I'd make an itemized list of pros and cons to show that you've really put some thought into this. Sit down with plenty of Mustang research and discuss it with him. Never get upset. Listen to him even when he interrupts you. Don't interrupt him. The only way you're going to have a prayer convincing a protective parent is to seem as though you're just as informed as he is and just as mature about the situation. Good luck!

Answer 2

Not to sound like a broken record and to repeat what the others have said before me... Take advice from the folks who have been there and done that. It's really cool to have a nice car in high school. It also takes a good part of your paycheck just to own it. I never owned a Mustang but had a friend with a Camaro. Gas, insurance, and a few repairs and his paycheck was gone. Having a sports car for your first car is not a good idea period. You should get a practice car first. One that is good on gas and doesn't have crazy power that you don't need. Fast cars are tempting and you will be tempted. Friends asking how fast it goes or who's car is faster or how far it can lay rubber. It will be a cop magnet, cars like that tend to get their attention much more than an 01 Civic.
My advice... wait a couple of years. Bang up a practice car get some driving experience under your belt then save up and get the Mustang. You'll be a little wiser and much more experienced than you are today.

Answer 3

Well, as a Mustang owner I will tell you this. Its a good thing that you have a good paying job because you are going to need it. I am 24 years old and I have a spotless driving record. No accidents, tickets, or anything. I have been driving since I was 17. My monthly insurance on my car is 170 bucks a month (mind you its a 2002 GT). Yours would most likely be double that. Now its good that you work hard and all that stuff, but one thing about jobs is they dont last forever. Do you have a backup plan if for some reason you dont have a job tomarrow? Thats something to think of also. Just because the work stops doesnt mean the bills stop coming. So make sure before you get into any kind of car, you have a backup plan established. There is no valid points that I could offer you to try to convince your dad that a Mustang is the car to get. I love mine, but I hate the insurance and I hate the car payment. Every month I look forward to over 400 bucks going to that car just to keep it and drive it. Also, since you are buying insurance, you need to be aware that there are quite a few insurance companies that wont insurea 16 year old because its too much of a liability for them. If you are going on your dads insurance, that could be a good reason he doesnt want you to have one. The premiums would sky rocket. The only thing I would suggest to do it buy yourself a beater with a heater, something that is reliable, and drive that for a bit. Prove to your dad that you can handle a car and that you are responsible enough to have a sports car, and then I am sure he will give in and get one. Include him on looking for one, and when you buy one. But other than that you are on your own for now. Good luck.

Answer 4

Getting a luxury car that has some pep to it would be a better option. This way you can still appreciate having something very nice, it will still go fast, but it will not be as crazy as a Mustang. The Acura TL is a great choice.
Even then, for my 1st car I would want something that when I back into something, or someone hits thier door against my car in a parking lot and leaves a mark, I wont flip out about. Cuz in a Mustang, you are going to want it to stay perfect, and believe me, chances are its not going to.

Answer 5

You better be sure your job is secure, even working for your father anything can happen in a split second. Young teenage boys driving a mustang is "bad news". according to insurance companies so be prepared to pay high insurance premiums. Maybe your father things your immature, prove to him your not. You are fairly young and he is only looking out for your safety because he doesnt want anything to happen to you and you should respect his input. There are lots of nice cars out there you could purchase and that are fast. Remember in winter time (if your state gets snow) that RWD mustangs are not a good idea, and you will probably end up hitting someone if someone doesnt hit you first. Think about it long and hard of what your needs will be in the future.

Answer 6

You should not purchase one because your dad is right, you probably will crash it (and given that most people drive like their parents...).

Get some experience driving before you buy something high performance (I'd say at least a few years on your own, you should not even look at driving anything with a V8 or a petrol turbo until you're older than 21).

I know why you want to get a car like that (you're a gold collar worker) but it just won't be a good idea for at least several years.

Answer 7

ok, first of all teenager have high risk of getting into a crash. and why are you worry of getting nice car or not. just wait like half a year or so to get a little better at driving. are you embarass infront of your friend. seriously, i don't think anyone care once you're done with high school. and what kind of job are you doing anyways, don't worry i wont steal your job or anything cuz i have a highly pay job myself with a MBA in business (if you know what that is) and im only 22. you not dealing drugs are you. SERIOUSLY, TEENAGER THESE DAY ARE SO FULL OF THEMSELF. anyways, your dad is just worry about you that's it. and for the car if you get a chance to buy it. i recommend you buying the cadillac sts-v 2008, really nice. but trust me get some more experience in driving.

Answer 8

It's not okay for you, plain and simple. There's no reason you need a mustang, even if you have the money. You need a crappy beat up car to learn in, believe me, you'll hit stuff, and you'll be pretty mad when you scratch the paint off of your nice sports car, and/or when peope at school key it, which will most likely happen.

Answer 9

I'm sorry but a few years ago i would have agreed with you & would have tried think of some ideas. But not now. I'm a father now, & things do look different.
Why don't you try a different car for a couple of years? After that show your father your excellent record and convince him again.

Answer 10

IF YOU HAVE SUCH A HIGH PAYING JOB AND YOU PAY FOR EVERYTHING, I DON'T SEE WHY YOU ARE ASKING THIS IN THE FIRST PLACE UNLESS YOU ARE TRYING TO CONVINCE YOURSELF THAT YOU ARE SOMETHING THAT YOU ARE NOT.

AND AS FOR YOUR FATHER, WHY WORRY ABOUT THAT JUST MOVE OUT AND GET YOURSELF SOME CONDO BECAUSE IF YOU HAVE TO TRY AND PROVE IT THEN YOUR ARE NOT TELLING THE WHOLE STORY.