Ungrateful offspring....
Discussion
S10GTA said:
I'm going out on a limb here, but I wouldn't want my kid driving round in a C reg VW. Crash protection has moved on so much during the years. Something from the early 2000's will offer significantly better protection and can be picked up for a similar amount, and is probably the sweetspot between protection vs value. I'd be more worried about the damage someone in their newer car could do to my son. At least if he was in a newer car he'd have more of a chance.
Mmmm - When I was young (the man with the red flag had just retired) everyone had a 'banger' and all the 'safety features' of today were but a dream.Edited by S10GTA on Tuesday 3rd May 15:29
I'm not sure there's not a lot of value in driving something with brakes that lock up if you're too hard on them, thin tyres that slide if you go into a bend fast (but you can still correct), a gearbox you need to master and not having an assumption that a crash will be fine as the airbags will save you.
Even my son, who isn't an 'enthusiast', once commented to me how much pride he got from being able to change gear smoothly (right before, rarely, missing a gear - Pride before a fall
).M.
When I turned 17 I was too skint to buy a car, my parents certainly didn't buy one for me, they did to their credit insure me on theirs so I could pass my test which I did.
After that I left for College and lived within a few miles of the campus so I brought my bike from home and cycled in every day. When I finished College I a got a job where there was company van provided, I worked all the hours God sent and then when I finally left that job at the age of 24 (in 2004) I bought myself a 92 Toyota Starlet in great nick with all of 4 forward gears and a manual choke and was delighted with it because it was mine
I think a good way to go with buying a youngster a car (assuming they need one) is to have a fund matching setup (say 50%) with an upper limit, so they can spend as much as they like within reason but they are paying half and this is to include insurance etc..., it will at least make them think about the costs involved and make them a lot less likely to smash it as their own money is tied up in it.
After that I left for College and lived within a few miles of the campus so I brought my bike from home and cycled in every day. When I finished College I a got a job where there was company van provided, I worked all the hours God sent and then when I finally left that job at the age of 24 (in 2004) I bought myself a 92 Toyota Starlet in great nick with all of 4 forward gears and a manual choke and was delighted with it because it was mine
I think a good way to go with buying a youngster a car (assuming they need one) is to have a fund matching setup (say 50%) with an upper limit, so they can spend as much as they like within reason but they are paying half and this is to include insurance etc..., it will at least make them think about the costs involved and make them a lot less likely to smash it as their own money is tied up in it.
OP in 1993 my first car was a 1987 1.3 Maestro City. I had to wait until Christmas for the CD player to turn up and spent the best part of boxing day in a farmer's shed trying to fit the bloody thing one wire at a time!
I am really glad that there is a happy ending to this thread as i was a bit stunned when there were people saying not cool. There are 10,000's of young drivers who would give their right nut for a MkII Polo - far more appeal than yet another Corsa...
FWIW my sister had one of these and I have to say she did write it off. No one was ever quite sure if it rolled twice or three times, only that she walked away with a few bumps and bruises...
I am really glad that there is a happy ending to this thread as i was a bit stunned when there were people saying not cool. There are 10,000's of young drivers who would give their right nut for a MkII Polo - far more appeal than yet another Corsa...
FWIW my sister had one of these and I have to say she did write it off. No one was ever quite sure if it rolled twice or three times, only that she walked away with a few bumps and bruises...
I was chatting to one of my students on an assessment visit about cars, as he was on the cusp of buying one having just passed his test and got his licence. He started going on about how he wanted a new Corsa or Fiesta, and when I suggested he buy a shed for his first year's driving he looked at me with horror, completely bemused as to why he should have an old car. When I suggested it was probably a good idea to get a shed as he'll likely pick up a few dents and scuffs in his first year, he just couldn't accept this and was adamant about getting a finance, PCP or other such loan so as to get a nice new car.
Apparently it makes more financial sense to get a new one on some kind of finance, as to be insured on a mid-2000's Fiesta that he owned would cost him around £1200 on insurance alone, whereas if he was to get one of these "Just Add Fuel" or similar deals it works out at a few hundred quid a month all in including insurance, which on an apprentice's wage I suppose makes sense.
Apparently it makes more financial sense to get a new one on some kind of finance, as to be insured on a mid-2000's Fiesta that he owned would cost him around £1200 on insurance alone, whereas if he was to get one of these "Just Add Fuel" or similar deals it works out at a few hundred quid a month all in including insurance, which on an apprentice's wage I suppose makes sense.
patmahe said:
I think a good way to go with buying a youngster a car (assuming they need one) is to have a fund matching setup (say 50%) with an upper limit, so they can spend as much as they like within reason but they are paying half and this is to include insurance etc..., it will at least make them think about the costs involved and make them a lot less likely to smash it as their own money is tied up in it.
My mate's Dad's offer was that he'd buy my mate a car, but my mate had to insure it.My girl turned 18 last weekend although passing her test 6 months ago has never owned a car.just the occasional use of mums..so as a 18th present we got her a £700 fiesta a 1.25 Zetec in black nothing special we ain't loaded.we got a freind to give it a service and make sure it safe to drive.so around comes her birthday fiesta on the drive with a big pink bow..she comes down at 10 am .has breakfast and we take her outside mum insisted on a blindfold.she then sees the car and breaks down in tears.she runs to the cars and starts hugging it.and says how gratefull she is and knows we're not rich .basically really great full for her first car her own car..so in a week it's now been treated to pink mats and seat covers a phone holder and has clocked up neatrly 700 miles..I love watching her driving it up the road with her tunes pumping out..
And all she's asked for is to borrow £20 for some fuel till payday...think I might try and source some nicer alloys for it though.
..I love watching her driving it up the road with her tunes pumping out..And all she's asked for is to borrow £20 for some fuel till payday...think I might try and source some nicer alloys for it though.
Edited by Packrat on Tuesday 3rd May 18:46
groomi said:
Devils advocate here...
So he's turning 17, becoming an adult. How about you try to encourage him to learn to behave as one? Sit down and talk with him (not at him). Discuss his requirements for a car and point out the practicalities. You're assuming he hates it because it isn't cool, but just maybe one of his concerns is safety - after all, it lacks every safety feature he has grown up to expect in a car.
If he really doesn't want it, then make him a proposition. If he helps you to sell it for a profit (learning a valuable life skill), you can re-invest the money towards something he is happier with. That might mean he will need to contribute money towards it (has he got a part-time job or can he get one?), but it will mean that he learns to understand the value of things and how to go about making what life deals him into something he wants it to be.
I understand his reaction is disappointing, but don't be a dictator father. You'll both get far more out of resolving the problem/opportunity than falling out over it.
Just my 2p.
Good post!So he's turning 17, becoming an adult. How about you try to encourage him to learn to behave as one? Sit down and talk with him (not at him). Discuss his requirements for a car and point out the practicalities. You're assuming he hates it because it isn't cool, but just maybe one of his concerns is safety - after all, it lacks every safety feature he has grown up to expect in a car.
If he really doesn't want it, then make him a proposition. If he helps you to sell it for a profit (learning a valuable life skill), you can re-invest the money towards something he is happier with. That might mean he will need to contribute money towards it (has he got a part-time job or can he get one?), but it will mean that he learns to understand the value of things and how to go about making what life deals him into something he wants it to be.
I understand his reaction is disappointing, but don't be a dictator father. You'll both get far more out of resolving the problem/opportunity than falling out over it.
Just my 2p.
StottyEvo said:
My apologies I take that back, I just bought my brother an Xbox One for his birthday. But I spoke to him the week before and asked him which he preferred, the Xbox One or PS4 etc and asked reasons why. From there I knew what he would like.
Funnily enough I gave him a wrapped Xbox One game (He only had an Xbox 360) he wasn't bothered and asked if I'd kept the receipt so we could change it (he even thanked me for it) then I pulled out the Xbox One and he couldn't believe it. Surprises done right people
Saying that, if I was the OPs son I'd be over the moon with the Polo, I think its a properly cool first car.
Reminds me of many many years ago. I bought my Mum a newly released film on DVD. She said "Oh lovely, but I only have the VHS player". No worries I thought, "Now open this other present"... (Sony DVD player). Funnily enough I gave him a wrapped Xbox One game (He only had an Xbox 360) he wasn't bothered and asked if I'd kept the receipt so we could change it (he even thanked me for it) then I pulled out the Xbox One and he couldn't believe it. Surprises done right people
Saying that, if I was the OPs son I'd be over the moon with the Polo, I think its a properly cool first car.
k-ink said:
groomi said:
Devils advocate here...
So he's turning 17, becoming an adult. How about you try to encourage him to learn to behave as one? Sit down and talk with him (not at him). Discuss his requirements for a car and point out the practicalities. You're assuming he hates it because it isn't cool, but just maybe one of his concerns is safety - after all, it lacks every safety feature he has grown up to expect in a car.
If he really doesn't want it, then make him a proposition. If he helps you to sell it for a profit (learning a valuable life skill), you can re-invest the money towards something he is happier with. That might mean he will need to contribute money towards it (has he got a part-time job or can he get one?), but it will mean that he learns to understand the value of things and how to go about making what life deals him into something he wants it to be.
I understand his reaction is disappointing, but don't be a dictator father. You'll both get far more out of resolving the problem/opportunity than falling out over it.
Just my 2p.
Good post!So he's turning 17, becoming an adult. How about you try to encourage him to learn to behave as one? Sit down and talk with him (not at him). Discuss his requirements for a car and point out the practicalities. You're assuming he hates it because it isn't cool, but just maybe one of his concerns is safety - after all, it lacks every safety feature he has grown up to expect in a car.
If he really doesn't want it, then make him a proposition. If he helps you to sell it for a profit (learning a valuable life skill), you can re-invest the money towards something he is happier with. That might mean he will need to contribute money towards it (has he got a part-time job or can he get one?), but it will mean that he learns to understand the value of things and how to go about making what life deals him into something he wants it to be.
I understand his reaction is disappointing, but don't be a dictator father. You'll both get far more out of resolving the problem/opportunity than falling out over it.
Just my 2p.
R1 Indy said:
I experienced this on the other hand.
I was bought a nearly new Corsa C 1L when i passed my test at 17, aswell as having all my lessons etc paid for.
6 months later i decided it was just too slow and without telling her, i traded it for a 10 year old Astra SRI Turbo (2L Turbo), along with a credit card to pay the insurance.
My mother went absolutely catastrophically ballistically mental
Thinking back, it was maybe a poor decision, but it was so much faster
Man points awarded I was bought a nearly new Corsa C 1L when i passed my test at 17, aswell as having all my lessons etc paid for.
6 months later i decided it was just too slow and without telling her, i traded it for a 10 year old Astra SRI Turbo (2L Turbo), along with a credit card to pay the insurance.
My mother went absolutely catastrophically ballistically mental
Thinking back, it was maybe a poor decision, but it was so much faster
Edited by R1 Indy on Wednesday 13th January 12:03
Cheeky sodVolvoT5 said:
I just don't see it like that. If someone buys something I didn't ask for and most likely do not want, need or like then why would I be overflowing with gratitude? It is a waste of time, money and energy for all parties concerned. I would actually be quite irritated and would expect people to know me well enough not to in the first place.
I can remember an aunt buying a watch for my birthday when I was 15/16 ish and although I could appreciate it was a nice thought the watch was nothing like I wanted (or would ever wear/want) and it just caused offence all around because I never wore the thing and I resented the fact that she clearly had zero understanding of my personality or tastes. In a way I think it can be quite insulting to buy a gift that is so badly wrong, for example buying a recovering alcoholic a bottle of whisky, it is just thoughtless.
Generally teenagers are trying to assert their independence and take control of their life..... I don't think it is unreasonable to expect some will just be grateful for the car, but others will be upset the choice has been taken away. To me it seems that is where the OP went wrong.
Although I'm happy to see the situation is resolved now I can't help but think it would have been a nicer experience to go car hunting together father and son?
What did you buy your Aunt?I can remember an aunt buying a watch for my birthday when I was 15/16 ish and although I could appreciate it was a nice thought the watch was nothing like I wanted (or would ever wear/want) and it just caused offence all around because I never wore the thing and I resented the fact that she clearly had zero understanding of my personality or tastes. In a way I think it can be quite insulting to buy a gift that is so badly wrong, for example buying a recovering alcoholic a bottle of whisky, it is just thoughtless.
Generally teenagers are trying to assert their independence and take control of their life..... I don't think it is unreasonable to expect some will just be grateful for the car, but others will be upset the choice has been taken away. To me it seems that is where the OP went wrong.
Although I'm happy to see the situation is resolved now I can't help but think it would have been a nicer experience to go car hunting together father and son?
I bought my sprog a Kia Rio for £125. Runs beautifully. She refuses to be picked up in it let alone drive it. I think consulting kids before buying them gifts is a good idea. She is now saving up for a mini and I am using the Kia for recycling centre runs to take DIY rubble and rubbish from the garden.
Kolbenkopp said:
Tim-D said:
Just for those that asked - this is the banger in question...... no sprog with thumbs up as he's out and has left me fettling the thing.... he gets to wash & polish tomorrow... :-)
http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/timduncan70/libr...
Very nice! Worth checking out (if historically interested) if that's actually a "Formel E" version. Will have Loong 4th gear if true and possibly a start-stop system if it's the later 1.3 engine, or if not it should have the high compression 1.1 motor. Both will like modern good quality fuel and oil. No matter what, really a pretty cool find in that condition and with that mileage. http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/timduncan70/libr...
Sure you guys know what you are doing, but first thing I'd do -- considering the history of the vehicle -- is oil and filters, then brake fluid and possibly discs, pads and drums. And stick some modern tyres on it.
I'm 30 now and remember the perceived struggle when I was 17... what my parents thought was 'cool' was anything but. I assume we've had lots of 'when I was your age' and 'back in my day' etc.
That car is an absolute nightmare for a teenager to be driving, no wonder he kicked off. Why didn't you go car shopping with him and give him an input?
Lol, I started stashing pocket money away at age eight under my own steam to buy a car when I was old enough to have a project... spending evenings and weekends doing nothing but working on cars and visiting dealerships/garages with dad damaged me in some big way.....
Edited by TheTechnician on Wednesday 4th May 07:54
By the time I was 17, my parents already knew that I was going to buy myself a car whether they liked ut or not....luckily, they did. I was at college but had been working since I was 16 and earning enough to put my own money away. I passed my test almost straight away at 17 and had my car a few days later. When I finished college at 18 I went full time with the same company and was driving their pool cars most of the time.
There was never any argument over cars with my parents, even if they had wanted to stop me it wouldn't have worked. However I was (and still am) a bit too boring and sensible for it to have been an issue and I've only really owned dull sensible cars. Not very ph I know. My dad was not remotely interested in cars or driving and just left me to it.
I moved out at 18 and became even more boring and sensible.
There was never any argument over cars with my parents, even if they had wanted to stop me it wouldn't have worked. However I was (and still am) a bit too boring and sensible for it to have been an issue and I've only really owned dull sensible cars. Not very ph I know. My dad was not remotely interested in cars or driving and just left me to it.
I moved out at 18 and became even more boring and sensible.
I have had a similar experience with a friend.
We sold him our old corsa (with fresh MOT and new tyres) for the bargain sum of £500. He has 2 daughters, the first said "I won't be seen dead driving that, it's too old" the second thought it's a nice car.
My response to the first would be either drive this (which has been bought for you) or get the bus. I wouldn't give her lifts anywhere again.
We sold him our old corsa (with fresh MOT and new tyres) for the bargain sum of £500. He has 2 daughters, the first said "I won't be seen dead driving that, it's too old" the second thought it's a nice car.
My response to the first would be either drive this (which has been bought for you) or get the bus. I wouldn't give her lifts anywhere again.
N-TY4C said:
I bought my sprog a Kia Rio for £125. Runs beautifully. She refuses to be picked up in it let alone drive it. I think consulting kids before buying them gifts is a good idea. She is now saving up for a mini and I am using the Kia for recycling centre runs to take DIY rubble and rubbish from the garden.
She needs a kick up the ar5e.zarjaz1991 said:
By the time I was 17, my parents already knew that I was going to buy myself a car whether they liked ut or not....luckily, they did. I was at college but had been working since I was 16 and earning enough to put my own money away. I passed my test almost straight away at 17 and had my car a few days later. When I finished college at 18 I went full time with the same company and was driving their pool cars most of the time.
There was never any argument over cars with my parents, even if they had wanted to stop me it wouldn't have worked. However I was (and still am) a bit too boring and sensible for it to have been an issue and I've only really owned dull sensible cars. Not very ph I know. My dad was not remotely interested in cars or driving and just left me to it.
I moved out at 18 and became even more boring and sensible.
you sound a bit like me, I am not sure how old you are but I am 30 and going through a sort of midlife crisis before my time! LOLThere was never any argument over cars with my parents, even if they had wanted to stop me it wouldn't have worked. However I was (and still am) a bit too boring and sensible for it to have been an issue and I've only really owned dull sensible cars. Not very ph I know. My dad was not remotely interested in cars or driving and just left me to it.
I moved out at 18 and became even more boring and sensible.
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