Young Drivers

10 Ways To Get a Car Out of Your Parents
Pitch points for the car-less teen
By Caroline Pardilla, Production Editor
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Is your new driver license burning a hole in your pocket? "What's the point of having one when I don't have wheels?" you may be asking yourself. But your parents may have many valid reasons why they don't want to put you behind the wheel just yet. However, with a little research and a well-thought-out pitch that addresses their concerns, you may win yourself a little independence and a car. Just remember to pick something that will fit their budget and bring up the following points to seal the deal. If your potential car doesn't meet all points, just emphasize some more than the others.

1. "It's really safe": Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, so it's understandable why your parents are more than worried about you being in the driver seat. But listing your car-to-be's safety features (i.e. front and side airbags, stability control, antilock brakes, etc.) as well as excellent crash test scores will go a long way toward addressing their concerns.



2. "Great fuel mileage...and it takes unleaded": With the soaring prices of gas, your extracurricular activities add just another expense to your folks' monthly bills. But by being sensitive to their finances with a high-mpg car and offering to pay for your own gas, this will quickly become a nonissue.



3. "High residual value": Parents like to know that they are getting a wise value; bonus if the car they buy holds its value longer. Show that you've done the research by consulting Automotive Lease Guide's residual value awards list, which ranks the top carmakers with the best residual values.



4. "I'll help pay for it": Your parents are on the brink of coming around and these words may be enough to win them over. Taking on the financial burden of car payments demonstrates that you are maturing and ready for some responsibilities of your own, and it takes the stress of more expenses off your parents' shoulders.



5. "Low TCO": This is a natural follow-up to offering to help pay for the car. A vehicle with a low True Cost to Own (TCO) means that it is affordable to maintain and to own; a desirable trait for any student on a budget. Take a look at this story to get the 411 on TCO. You can research your car's TCO here.



6. "I get insurance discounts": If you're a good student you may find that a lot of auto insurance companies offer discounts to A-students like yourself. Research any other possible insurance discounts such as for economy cars, resident students and safety features.



7. "I'll help out": Play up the fact that you and your new car will help out with the household chores, and mean it. Let Mom and Dad know that the cargo space will be used to hold groceries, the passenger seat will serve to shuttle both of them to their various appointments, and the backseat will transport your little sister to and from daycare.



8. "I promise to...": Sign a contract with your parents agreeing to a curfew and a maximum number of passengers. As much as you may hate it, this may make the difference between getting your own ride and having to ride the bus for several more years. Sometimes you have to make compromises to get what you want and for you to offer these concessions shows your parents that you mean serious business.



9. Bring up safety again: You're just starting out and your parents want to make sure that their baby will be OK, so repeat how safe this car is and promise (and keep your word) to not drive fast and to always wear a seatbelt.



10. "I did the work": Remind them if you're responsible enough to do all that research, you're responsible enough to have your own car.

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