My S should be arriving any day now, back in St. Louis. Problem is, I have this constant thought in my head that I don't deserve this car. No one my age deserves a car like this paid for by their parents. I don't doubt the car itself...I was sold on it before, and after riding in it, I knew it was the car I wanted. I can't get it out of my head how much it's going to cost my parents though, and as a result I wonder if I really should get the car. I turned it down the first time they offered but, the second time I couldn't...but yet I still feel that it's almost inappropriate for me to have it. I can't change the fact that I'm extremely fortunate to be in this situation, but I can't convince myself that it's ok. Any opinions please?

 

As a 26 yr old employed college grad, I am proud to say that I am paying for this car (first NEW car) myself. If I was in your shoes, I think I would feel bad if my parents bought me the car. My conscience would tell me it is not the right thing to do.....

My $0.02

 

The fact you feel that way makes you a "not so average" teenager IMHO. From the time we chatted on the phone it I got an impression that your Dad may wanted the car as much as you! Hence the fact it was offered to you more than once. I'm sure your Dad knows that he'll get to drive it some too (especially in the summer when you are home from school)!

IMHO, I wouldn't take the car to back to MI this winter. Besides the car would be usless in the snow and probably kinda to scary to drive on other cold/wet days (since it not really made for those coniditions) and only have the car at school part of the time would help keep it looking nicer -- but this all the opinions of an old fart 10 years your elder!

Just be careful in the car and be sure you appreciate and take care (clean & wax) it!! I remember being 18...

 

Jay,
Get the car and enjoy it.
I wouldn't worry too much about who paid for it. Just take care of it.
Why should you feel guilty about the position you are in.

Me, I came from a totally different back ground. To this day my parents couldn't afford this car. Should I feel guilty because I can? Not me

 

Thank your parents profusely, thank God for they and you being blessed, and accept the car!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by VA S2K:
[B]As a 26 yr old employed college grad, I am proud to say that I am paying for this car (first NEW car) myself.

 

Do you mean we have an 18 year old moderator?

2x6spds

 

My parents are rich. Loaded. But they never showered me with a 30K convertible at 18. Instead, they got me a Civic. And that was cool with me.

The fact that this is even bothering you is a good sign of the person you are. I respect you for that. Cuz hell if my parents were gonna get me an S2000 at 18, I probably would've taken it and ran.

If you do take the S2000, you'd better hope to God that you get into the business school at UMich. For me, I need to take care of my own business before I splurge. You know what I'm saying? Even if your parents are planning on giving you money throughout your life, I would hope you would still want to build your own and be truly independent (I know you know I know how Asian parents are).

I sold my S4 cuz I felt guilty. I didn't even have a real job offer. But now, things have changed and my business is taken care of... now I look forward to driving an S2000 or whatever other car out there that'll give me value and smiles for my money.

If you still feel guilt while you're standing next to the new S2000 with the keys in your hand (which I HIGHLY doubt), then you are one strong kid. If not, drive on and have fun.

But for 18, I'd never buy my kid a $30,000 car. No matter how wealthy I may be.

 

I understand your feelings and in some ways agree you should feel this way. The fact is, your parents want to do this for you and you understand what a big deal it is. That says a lot about both your parents and yourself. They've offered twice so they really want to do this. I'd let them do it and I might show them this thread. Take the car, enjoy it, drive it safely, and do everything you can to make your parents proud of you.

It sounds to me like you're lucky to have the parents you've got and that they're lucky to have you.

 

Not to offend, but feeling guilty is silly, IMO. I grew up in a wealthy household and my parents bought me a few cars. Your parents do things for you because they love you, that's their motivation, at least in my case. Begrudging that motivation by expressing guilt would, IMO, upset your parents. Accept the car graciously, take care of it like it's the only one in the world and give your parents a ride every now and then...



Don't feel guilty...it's not appropriate.