[xray]

Originally Posted by Diggitydog

I have a prediction about how this thread is going to end.

"Decided to take my parents up on the offer of Camaro. Insurance licensing fuel repairs maintenance depreciation not an issue because I'm not paying for it. Really feel like I've earned this car you know because I got this scholarship so I've pretty much made it. And besides life is short, people die every day and YOLO and stuff!"

I'll be paying for everything but the car. I said in the original post that I know I'm very lucky and fortunate to be able to get the car. I know it's a privilege and I don't think getting a scholarship is enough hard work to get a car. Lots of people have to get scholarships in order to pay for college and have to pay for college on their own. I know I'm fortunate and very lucky. But that doesn't mean I'm just some spoiled kid just blowing money like it doesn't matter. I've put a lot of thought into my possible options as far as my future, finances, where I'm at in life, etc. I've delayed getting the car a few times when my parents were willing to buy it for me then because I knew it didn't make sense financially to do it at the time. Try not to be so judgmental.




To everyone else: Thank you for the advice so far. I'm still considering. I'm currently a freshman in college and the reason I've been waiting to get a car is because I won't need to leave campus until I'm a junior. I'll probably be living back home then and will need transportation to campus and for any possible jobs or internships. I go to a very large university with both parking garages and lots.

[1BlueSS]

I wouldn't dare bring a car like this to college. It'll get more abuse than you think it will. IMHO, this is a car for after college. I wished I had paid more attention and did better in college instead of worrying about making money and all the other stuff. Get a cheap car that you don't car about to get you through college and save this one for later. But that's just me...

[formoutofchaos]

I say live off campus get the car now get a 1SS on sale .... live fast enjoy it

[Theo SS]

Get the SS, bad a bad ass, get the girl, and kill it in college...
No second chances to b the man at school....Jus take good care of it...

[MrChrisLS3]

I would let mom and dad keep their money. It's theirs, they worked hard for it, and one day, they'll need it.

I'd take advantage of my scholarship and learn something concrete, engineering, tech science, economics, architecture, law, medicine, something that is skilled. Anything else is going to get you a sales job.

I'd then get a job and work for my other expenses. Sure, it's going to make it more of a challenge to make the grades, but at the end of the day, when you have a solid sheepskin and a solid work history to go with it, you'll jump to the short list of any potential employer. Straight A's are great, but they also want to know if you can handle the work, if you can handle the pressure, if you know how to handle the real world workplace and respond correctly. Training is a huge expense for companies, and they really hate wasting that money on people who don't know how to have a job.

[Lurkertill03/10/2016]

Posting here without reading the rest of the comments but my take on the matter is this:

By 2020, we'll likely be in the era of electronic cars (not like today where they are few and far in between) where it'll be more affordable and realistic to own an eco friendly electric car than a gas guzzling v8. Don't get me wrong, these cars are timeless and even in the era of all electric, I'm sure v8s will be around thanks to the aggressive lobbying by the gas corporations but ultimately their end is near.

Enjoy the v8 before its decommissioned in lieu of a much more powerful electric engine

[Waiting46]

I had a pretty similar deal (college gets paid for, get a car upon graduation). Economy fell apart starting 2008 and my parents couldn't afford a car for me. They had gifted me with a very nice "beater" (my moms retired car) that served me well through college, and for 4 years after until I could afford my own SS.
If I were in your shoes, Id find something older that you liked (Im personally a big fan of the 2014+ mazdas and the 2016+ civics) and ask your parents to put the difference in with their investments for a downpayment on a car you really like when you get a job (and you get to keep the interest, of course). Or, depending on what mom's car is, ask for that, and let her get a new car.
I know the temptation is strong to get the most badass car you can (my plan was to get a brand new Z06, approved by my parents) but if I had put my parents in a financial bind because of a promise, I don't think I could have lived with myself.

[ChevyRules]

Insurance will kill you.... I say wait until you're at least 25.... While getting quotes for insurance for me when I order the Camaro in 1-2 months, I entertained the idea of if I was 21 getting the car.... It was more than double than what insurance will cost me now at 26.....

Combined with the fact other college kids will ding it, etc, I would wait. The feeling of accomplishment will be greater.

[Zae757]

You are very blessed if your parents are able to afford any kind of vehicle for you whether it be a little 5k vehicle or 30k vehicle (both are considered a lot to some people that have very little). I wouldn't be ashamed of my blessing's and purchase the vehicle in which was offered. Keep in mind for you to worry about a vehicle being damaged to the point of not wanting to purchase or drive it is kind of like idealizing and putting faith in an object. Don’t get me wrong I love my vehicle and I try to park in locations in which it wouldn’t get damaged but if it does, it does.

The only way in which I can relate to your current situation is, I had the option to purchase a new vehicle or purchase a new motorcycle when I was in college. I opt for the motorcycle. Even though I purchased it myself without assistance, it's under the same context. I purchased what I wanted. You only live once, so live life to the fullest. Just make sure you have a job lined up when you graduate or have the car paid off by the time you graduate.

[laynlo15]

Lets get to 2018 first and thinking about 2020 and we just started 2017.

[Fraxum]

OP What would I do if I were you?

I would get a reliable beater car like and older Camry, Accord, or maybe a station wagon like the Rav4 or CRV. Then I would focus on my studies and having fun instead of worrying about my car which you already are.

I would make sure to spend a year studying abroad in college and taking some fun spring break trips instead of spending my cash on a stupid car. If you only know about living here in the US, you are missing out on so much. I would also participate in extra curricular activities to meet as many people as you can in college. Networking in college is a key to the good life.

With your good grades and all the connections you make you will line up a great job and marry a trophy wife with a good heart and a brain. Once you get going in your career buy a house with a garage. Then start looking for your dream car (new ZL1 Vert?) so you can park it in the garage worry free.

I did the new car thing in college and regretted it later. Don't be like me, be smart and set up your life, then indulge yourself.

Don't be the young person who fits the age old saying, "Youth is wasted on the youth".