Hey Mom and Dad, Would You Buy Your Teen A Car or Should They Pay For It?

A couple of weeks ago, we asked parents if they had any rules for their new teen drivers. Of course, before those teens can be drivers, they need something to drive!

Having your own car is one of the ultimate teenage status symbols, but every parent has his or her own rules on how their rapidly growing-up bundle of joy should obtain that coveted set of wheels. We posed this question to west suburban parents on our sites' Facebook pages:

Would you buy your teen a new or used car as their first vehicle? Or should they buy it on their own?

Take a look at what people had to say and join the conversation in the comments section.

Terri Vetsch: We bought a car in OUR name and they "lease" it from us. This works well if they can not afford a car on their own but have some money or a small income. Batavia Patch Facebook

Jo Dennis: I think the child should save for it and pay for it themselves. Including gas and insurance. That way, they will appreciate it a whole lot more and grow up more responsibly. In the meantime, there are school buses and bikes. — Geneva Patch Facebook

David Henry: I feel when they get their first job and can pay for the insurance i'll buy them a car! Used! St. Charles Patch Facebook

Tom Davidson: Go 50/50, it works! — Western Springs Patch Facebook

Pinky Tuscadero: Like their cellphones, if they pay for it on their own, they can buy it. Yup. — Oak Park Patch Facebook

Tim Bonnes: I had to buy my own used car when I was a teenager. I'm making them get a job and buying their own car. They will probably be on my insurance. — Batavia Patch Facebook

Judi Adams-Boyle: We helped our 4 boys pay for their first used car. As long as they maintained a 3.0 gpa in school we paid their insurance gas and maintenance on them. Once in college same thing. Funny how they find free transportation and no longer need a car. Still have 3 in college and only 1 has a car. — Geneva Patch Facebook

Tracy Paddy: Too many people in St. Charles get their child a car when they turn 16. Most aren't experienced enough to have their own car, nor are they responsible enough. We live on the Geneva/St. Charles border and have had more than our fair share of close calls from youth not paying attention, driving too quickly, or irresponsibly. Getting a car is not a right of passage. Just like everything else it needs to be earned. — St. Charles Patch Facebook

Patricia Menges: We bought a new car for our daughter. Fewer repairs... Lower grades... 2 accidents... Think twice. — Western Springs Patch Facebook

So what's your take? Tell us in the comments.