My parents bought my forst 2 cars (well 1 was my sisters at one time. It was an 85 Chevette. When that died, They got me an 85 Cutlass Calais. (this was in 90 and 91) Neither cost a lot of coin, BUT it was completely on me to pay my insurance on MY OWN policy and buy all of my gas. If I had no money, I didnt drive. That simple. Kids now have too much handed to them in general IMO. I am going to be one of those parent you guys all hate too, because my 7 year old daughter has 10k in the bank, and my 2 yr old has 3k in the bank. We are not wealthy, and many months cut out our own pleasures to save for our childrens futures. But in the end, the money will be used as a down payment on a home or something big. eff buying them a new car that will completely depreciate within 7 years when I spent 18 saving for it! When they drive, they will d as I did.. Pay their insurance and gas and college is up in the air as well because the wife and I are still paying off her college. IMO, college should be the persons responsibility too because I will benefit in no way by paying for my childs college. Motivation is there if they are paying for it. Life has to start sometime!