Car for daughters 18th, is this the right thing to do?
Discussion
My eldest is 18 soon and we are going to get her a car for her birthday.
She is, like most teenage girls I would imagine, a fussy bugger and knows exactly what she likes and what she doesn't like.
We want this to be a surprise. I have done my research and insurance quoting, and narrowed down to a Ka of some description. She hates Fiat 500's by the way.
I nearly bought a 64 plate Ka Zetec today, a good genuine car in lovely bright red for £3500.
However, my wife has suggested tonight that maybe we should give her the money instead of the car and let her make the decision, guided by us of course.
My question really is does this take the surprise away, or is it a sensible solution for a hard to please teenager?
I know beggars shouldn't be choosers and all that, but we just want to get it right for her.
Have other people experience of similar situations?
She is, like most teenage girls I would imagine, a fussy bugger and knows exactly what she likes and what she doesn't like.
We want this to be a surprise. I have done my research and insurance quoting, and narrowed down to a Ka of some description. She hates Fiat 500's by the way.
I nearly bought a 64 plate Ka Zetec today, a good genuine car in lovely bright red for £3500.
However, my wife has suggested tonight that maybe we should give her the money instead of the car and let her make the decision, guided by us of course.
My question really is does this take the surprise away, or is it a sensible solution for a hard to please teenager?
I know beggars shouldn't be choosers and all that, but we just want to get it right for her.
Have other people experience of similar situations?
Give her the cash to choose her own, but conditional that certain caveats on vehicle type, spec, insurance, and condition are met. She’ll give up the search once she realizes her choices are essentially limited to a Ka, 500, or Up.
Similar to how many company car schemes work if you opt for an allowance in place of whatever they give you.
Similar to how many company car schemes work if you opt for an allowance in place of whatever they give you.
Edited by dvs_dave on Tuesday 16th July 21:41
Flumpo said:
Quick question, do you live inside the m25 and is she ever likely to be invited to a wedding in Yorkshire?
Probably safer to let her pick, could you give her a choice of 3 and see what she likes?
Already in Yorkshire mate, but that thread was marvellous.Probably safer to let her pick, could you give her a choice of 3 and see what she likes?
I think we have decided to let her be involved, with caveats. Nothing wrong with a pile of ££ for your birthday I don't suppose!
meatballs said:
Neither, much more satisfying to work and save for your own car
It's a present...whats wrong with that? Should no one buy anyone a present now? That being said...at that age. I would have preferred the money to go towards a car I picked. I didn't get a say in my first car (paid for myself annoyingly!) and hated it (Fiat Punto).
Discuss it with her, the options and the pro and cons including
- make/model
- servicing
- insurance
- mpg
and then look/buy together.
No short term 'surprise' facebook moment, but an opportunity for her to learn how to make significant financial decisions. Help her gain the skills she will need as a adult.
- make/model
- servicing
- insurance
- mpg
and then look/buy together.
No short term 'surprise' facebook moment, but an opportunity for her to learn how to make significant financial decisions. Help her gain the skills she will need as a adult.
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