Teen holding set of keys whose parents are deciding if they should buy their teen a used car in Gillette Wyoming.

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Your first child just turned sixteen and you are thinking of buying your teen his or her first vehicle to drive around. You may be asking yourself whether or not this is a good idea. Should your teen save up for a vehicle themselves? Where should you begin your search? Navigating these tough choices as a parent shows that you care and you just want to make the best decision for your teen. The following guide will help you figure out the best course of action.

Benefits of Buying Your Teen’s Car

Your Choice

A good reason to purchase the vehicle yourself is that you get to choose what vehicle your son or daughter is going to be driving. Your teen can concentrate on school and other activities while you take care of the sometimes long process of searching for the ideal vehicle for your situation. Finding, researching, and buying a vehicle is time-consuming, but you taking charge can make this process easier by getting the final say.

Surprising Element

If you decide to purchase the vehicle, you also get the option of surprising your teen. You get to plan when to purchase the car and when to give it to your child, which could be quite thrilling. Your teen’s first car is a big deal, and if you surprise him or her, you are going to make it more memorable. Consider recording the moment because you’ll probably want to remember this.

Cons of Buying Your Teen’s Car

Financial Cost

Parents who decide to purchase the vehicle are deciding to absorb the monetary cost as well as the amount of time it requires. Whether you are searching for a used car or a brand new vehicle, the monetary cost should be heavily considered before making any decision. 

Spoiling Factor

Those who have teenagers that act a little spoiled may want to reconsider this course of action. Your teen will continue to believe that you will get anything he or she wants. If you’ve been having a problem with this type of attitude, then it might be time to consider the alternative, which is letting your kid save up for a vehicle.

Benefits of Letting Your Teen Buy It

Real Appreciation

Sometimes in order for teens to value an object, they need to be the ones to work for their own vehicle. Having to work hard and save up will teach them the value of a car and they will likely treat it better than if it is freely given to them. It might be difficult for your teen to save up for a brand new vehicle, but there are plenty of great used cars in Gillette Wyoming or your particular locale to check out. This should help your teen cherish the vehicle, which is a lesson your teen will carry into adulthood.

Reason to Work

Parents who have had a hard time getting their teens to take work seriously are going to love how seriously they will take work now. Some teens don’t value work and the lessons work can teach you about responsibility. They will have a whole new reason to show up to work everyday in order to make those car payments. These skills are incredibly valuable and it can create a great responsible habit before they reach adulthood. 

Cons of Letting Your Teen Buy It

Teen’s Choice

Teen’s don’t always make the best decisions when it comes to purchasing a vehicle. Sometimes, teens want an aesthetically pleasing vehicle to impress their friends rather than one that is safe. If your teen is going to a dealership, then consider talking to a representative to make sure he or she is only shown safe vehicles.

Loss of Power

Letting teens buy their vehicles can backfire a bit when it comes to following house rules and getting chores accomplished. If your teen feels he or she earned the vehicle, it might be harder to take it away should your teen get in trouble. It might be beneficial to explain that even though your teen is buying the vehicle, they still need to help out around the house and be home by curfew.

Many parents are just like you and are wondering if they should buy a car for their teen. Ultimately, the choice is up to you, but try to follow your gut. You know your teen well enough to know which of these choices would benefit your teen and you as parents.