A lot of parents have a tough time deciding whether or not to buy their teenager a car. Some parents can afford a new car, but they are worried about indulging their kids in this way.

If parents spend too little money on a car for their teenager they may end up buying a junker that is not a reliable car. In addition, their teenager might wind up working so hard to support the vehicle that they will be less focused on their studies.

However, if parents spend too much money on a car for their teenager, the teen may gain a sense of entitlement that is not healthy. They may end up having a distorted idea of how much money things actually cost.

Teenagers do not really learn the value of money if they are just given a car. Many teenagers whose parents buy them luxury vehicle end up totaling it within a few months of ownership. In this situation, the only thing that parents can do is be certain that their teenager is signed up with a roadside assistance program if they get stuck on the road.

Therefore, if you are going to buy your teenager a car, be sure that they also put some of their own money towards the car.