[mattdavis11]

My parents took the family car approach with me and all 4 older brothers. We tore them to smithereens, then repaired them. Only one engine was blown, and we didn't service that failure. My folks bought most of the parts, but having a lifetime warranty on most parts was godsend. They sold the vehicle all 4 of us drove after I left for college. No cars, period, until your junior year in college. No one went to college within 200 miles of the nest.

The folks also picked up the insurance tab, but the oldest had his own policy by the time I starting racing around. 4 males aged 16-21, lol, that must have have been some damn premium.

They paid for gas as well. Things changed at age 21. They bought you a used car, or passed one down. It was ours, we had experience wrenching thus far, we were on our own.

I like the way it worked out, my parents probably do too when they need a little work done. All but 1 of the 4 vehicles given as gifts turning 21y/o could be serviceable in short order, but they are now hunting rigs.

It's certainly a conundrum, but I'll most likely do the same with my kids as I had been done.