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MTV gave an entire generations of teens unrealistic expectations of their 16th birthday. From celebrity entertainment and towering cakes to the most unrealistic of all birthday gifts: a brand-new car with a shiny red bow on top. Don't let reality shows fool you; a car is one of the last things you should give your child.
The Perils Of Driving
For starters, they won't legally be able to drive it. While the minimum age for a restricted license varies by state—South Dakota's is the lowest at 14 years, 3 months, while New Jersey is the highest at 17—your teen will still have to get their learner's permit before they can take their new car for a spin.
We're just being practical here. Which would you have involved in a minor fender-bender: the family minivan that's been around the block, or the brand new car with the smell to show it? We're not saying that all teens are automatically bad drivers, but they are just learning.
You'll save both your money and your peace of mind by having them learn in an older vehicle. As a bonus, they'll already feel comfortable as a passenger and will have a sense of how the car handles before they're even behind the wheel. You don't want those first few parking lot lessons to be a learning curve for both of you.
Another thing to consider is that your child having access to their own car means they can go wherever they want, whenever they want. While autonomy is normally a good thing, especially when preparing your child for adult life, it can also lead to reckless behavior. If you hold the keys to the car, you probably know where your kid is and what they're getting up to.
All that said, we acknowledge that there are a few scenarios where it's beneficial for teens to have their own cars. If they live in a rural area, for example, giving them transit of their own when the primary vehicle is in use can keep them safe. When done correctly, it can also teach them financial responsibility.
A Luxury Or A Necessity?
If you do get your teen a car, there are a few things to bear in mind.
First, older isn't necessarily better. Old cars may be easier on the wallet and come with fewer distractions—looking at you, massive infotainment panels—but they also come with fewer safety features. With technology changing so fast, a heftier price tag may mean your child's safety.
Secondly, a car is a huge investment that relies on money that your child will not have at their age. Buying them a car will give them a financial leg up as they enter the adult world. If you can afford the expense, it can help them get started on the rest of their life without prematurely going into debt.
There are some compromises. For example, whether it's their car or the family car, you can put them in charge of gas when they take it out. At 16, many teens are getting their first jobs, and they can learn smart saving from a young age.
Or, you could split the difference by having them pay for maintenance and minor fender-benders. If damage is coming out of their own (rather shallow) pockets, they'll be more inclined to drive safely. Financial know-how and safe driving in one!
Maybe for the best of everyone, you should wait until they head off to college to buy them a car.
