First Driver and First Car

As parents of teens, it seems like Commuter Husband and I are in a constant cycle of decision making and talking. However, the old adage "actions speak louder than words" is sometimes the simplest course of action ...

First Driver and First Car
Commuter Husband and I spent a considerable amount of time determining what was best for Oldest Son and our family as he turns sixteen and can drive. Here are our guiding principles for Oldest Son:

• Complete all requirements of online drivers ed before age sixteen - DONE
• Take drivers test at age 16 and contribute the the family chauffeur service immediately - SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 23

Then we had to decide how to provide Oldest Son's with his first car so here is what we did:

• Considered passing along our Prius but decided we were uncomfortable with safety level and high milage. We wanted a vehicle that will get him through high school and college.
• Reviewed list of safest used cars for teens and looked under small SUVs
• Picked the safest ones in our price range (target 12K) and without fancy options
• Found exactly two used car choices meeting our criteria and we decided the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport ES (base level) would be the one Oldest Son would prefer
• Bought a 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport ES with less than 10,000 miles! We had to go a little over budget but not much and we have 3 years of factory warranty left. Commuter Husband did a great job finding this deal!

We surprised Oldest Son as part of our annual Valentines Day celebration.

Hershey Kisses leading to Valentines Day gifts and a clue taking Oldest Son to the driveway.

• Oldest Son said excitedly with huge smile "It's not a Prius!" (We had led him to believe he was getting the hand-me-down car.)
• Youngest Son said with astonishment and a smirk "Hey your car does not look dumb!"

Happy and Shocked!

Trying it out!