This is an easy thought for me. I would let them get what they wanted. That is if I could afford it or they wanted to make payments? When I was looking at my first car my parents said no. 1969 Camaro Z28. So I remember how I felt and knew when I had kids and that time came that they wanted a car I would not do as my parents did to me.

 

I've got no beef with anyone who pays their own way with sweat equity to buy their dream car. If you can do that while you're in high school, you're an exception to the rule. I had to wait until I was 50.
As a parent, I will tell you that putting a 16 or 17 year old driver behind the wheel of a high performace car (MCS, JCW, STI, Mustang GT, etc) is asking for trouble. Some will accept the responsibility and demonstrate the kind of behaviors mom and dad were hoping for. Some won't be as lucky, and when you're talking about cars that can do 120 mph in 4th gear, the consequences of those mistakes can ruin a lot of lives.
If you're reading this and it applies, God bless and best of luck. Remember that it takes 5 years on average to develop the reflexes most adult drivers take for granted when they're driving down the road with their cell phones in hand.

 

Good points!

 

Just my own two cents:

I'm 18 and a senior in high school. I drive a 2006 MCS that I got in January of this year. Up until then, I had never owned my own car and had to borrow from my parents whenever I wanted to drive anywhere. Since I had been a safe driver since getting my license and kept my grades up, my parents agreed to pay for half of a vehicle if it was reasonable and safe. Obviously, I wanted something fun to drive. I think the MINI is a great balance of those. I was initially looking at the Audi TT (fun - yes, safe - yes, reasonable - not so much) and my parents didn't really like the idea at all. After a bit of looking, I started to look at the E46 BMW 3-Series but my dad didn't want me to have a luxury sedan as my first car. We eventually settled on the MCS as it's a more practical vehicle for me than either of the others as well as being safe. I love it, and I'm glad I decided on this instead of holding out for something else.

My parents aren't the type to hand me anything without making me earn it and this was no exception. While sometimes my youth doesn't like that fact, I appreciate it. I work as a software engineer and make good money for someone my age, which enables me to be financially responsible and hold up my end of the bargain. I like to think that I'm not 'just a kid' who drives a nice car, because I am financially supporting it.

I'm glad my parents didn't simply hand me a car, but I'm also glad they didn't force me to get an old junker that would die in a year or so. I think this way, it's better for all of us.

 

Yeah, I really regret buying my 22 yr old daughter a Mini for a college grad present.......Because I ended up going back and getting myself an "S".
The MINI is more reliable and cheaper than the "S". That's why I got her one. BTW, her first car was a $3k beater.