I just got my first car because I’m a senior in high school and my parents want me to get a job. I have to pay for everything – gas, insurance, repairs.
It’s not a new car, it’s a 2002 Honda Accord, but I’m thrilled to have it.

Where I live is a poor town. The median income is $40,000 for a household and yet 85% of the kids that go to my school have brand new BMWs, Mustangs, Jeeps, miscellaneous king cab trucks, and Volkswagens. One kid has an Audi and another has a Land Rover.

I’ve asked a few of them if they bought it themselves or if they have to pay for things for it, they say no and that their parents bought their cars and put gas in their car and pay the insurance.

They don’t have to worry about a thing.

I also waited until the year I turn 18 to get my license and I feel better about it. I don’t think I would have been mature enough to drive a car when I was a sophomore, but most of the kids I know got their license the day they turned 16.

What would be/was your reasoning for getting your kid a new car?

I can’t see any logic behind it. I know of one girl who had an older Volkswagen and she trashed it in an accident that was her fault and her parents got her a newer model to replace it. As what? A reward for causing an accident? I just don’t get it.