[Revo1]

Originally Posted by katman

I am an insurance agent in Chicago and I have a son who will be 16 soon and he is a GREAT kid, smart and responsible. That being said, I would NEVER buy a young driver a NEW car, much less a sporty car. I can tell you from over 20 years of auto insurance experience that buying love for your son or daughter through a new fast car is a really BAD idea. I have many clients that have gone out and bought Johnny a new fast car, usually because Mom and Dad got divorced and Dad wants to be the cool parent and within the first 2 years, Johnny has had a bad accident. How about buying Johnny a new car when he graduates.....COLLEGE!!!!!! Helping your kids go on to college is the single best thing you can give them. Career choices so they can land on their own two feet! Also, in my agency, the kids that pay their portion of their auto insurance are much better drivers!!!!! There are some great driving contracts that parents can download and have their kids sign, remember parents, every action has a repercussion. I know it's harder to be a tough parent, but tough love is what kids really need from us. They will thank you for it later in life, when they can appreciate your actions more. I know I drive much more agressively in the Camaro than I do in my Explorer. Horsepower is a drug!