Dear Mel,
I'm getting my driver's license in one month. My whole life, I've envisioned myself getting my own car as a gift from my parents. Anyways, my parents have now changed their minds. According to them, I don't need a BMW. So, I need tips on how to convince them to buy me one. I want a car really, really bad! How can I change their minds?
-Anxious Driver
Dear Anxious Driver,
There are so many great ways to convince
your parents. Yes, some aren't exactly morally correct, but I'm sure
you won't mind being a little bit devious. Okay, here we go:
1.
Stretch the truth. Tell your parents that ALL your friends have their
own cars. Convince your friends to play along, too. Eventually, your
parents will see a pattern, and may reconsider.
2. Brag. Remind your
parents about how you've been the perfect child lately. Feel free to
pull out old report cards. (With A's on them, of course!) By doing
this, your parents will realize that they should reward you for being
so fabulous.
3. Cry. Show your parents how much you want it. Beg for
a car, and, when they say no, cue the waterworks! Instantly, your
parents will feel bad about crushing your dreams.
Remember,
these are only ideas. You could also take the more ethical route: Walk
down to your local bakery and fill out a job application. It might take
a while to save up enough money to buy that beautiful BMW, but at least
you'd be making an effort. Bottom line? Be relentless. Don't give up,
no matter how many times your parents say no. Good luck, and drive
safely!
-Mel
A car is unnecessary in the City of Chicago. It's simply not worth the parking tickets, meter fares, lack of parking spaces, and endless traffic lights.
When I got my driver's license way back when, I was thankful to get a car, ANY car. I drove a beat-up Toyota until I moved out there.
Now that I'm older, I know how much it costs to buy a car and maintain it. Excluding the BMW's monthly payment, your parents must pay for gas, repairs, inspections, insurance, and more. Insurance rates for younger drivers are high. The costs of BMW parts aren't exactly cheaper too.
If I was a parent (not that I would ever be), but I would never buy my daughter a car as a gift to passing her driver's test. If she needed for work, then I would purchased a used, reliable car which won't cost AS much to repair when damaged (teenagers are proven reckless drivers) and insure it. She would be responsible for the gas, at the very least.