/Rant

"Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S." (calebms) 01/05/2016 at 10:04 • Filed to: None

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Alright lads and lasses settle down while Caleb tells you his (slightly car related) tale of woe after the jump.

Nissan Datsun 300zx I am looking at on CL for your time.

I am a 16 year old sophomore living at home, and attending a school thirty miles away from me. That means a 1.5 hour bus ride, or a 25 minute commute by car twice a day, 5 days a week. I work a decent job at a restaurant as a waiter, where I make about $18/hour with tips and get about 10 hours a week. I currently have ~$4k in the bank, and another $2k in stocks.

My dad is a fairly well off lawyer, the successor to his firm, the largest in the area, and currently a partner and manager of the majority of the staff there. As well as the firm, he is the elected County Attorney (DA), and City Attorney. He grew up in a family of 4, with two teachers for parents.

My mom is a part time teacher at the local private grade school, as well as a piano teacher, and the stay at home mom for my three siblings and our two foster children.

Both of my parents are incredibly frugal, despite the fair amount of money they bring in in a year. They both read finance books for fun and revere Dave Ramsey as a god.

My parents are very into making me pay for all my own things, and not giving handouts (we generally stop receiving more than one Christmas/Birthday present at age 12). Thus far, I have paid for my phone plan every month, repairs to the car I drive, all of my “fun”, and occasionally clothing.

A few days ago, my dumb phone (basic phone) broke and gave out completely. My parents are obviously going to make me pay to replace it, and pay the $25+for a plan every month. This is no huge deal, and they have offered me $100 to help with the phone’s cost.

But, they revealed to me that starting this year, they will be charging me for every mile I put on the Malibu. Currently I can put on over 300 miles on week and they are talking of charging me around the IRS rate of 50¢ a mile. That could make a week’s driving worth $150.

The other option is I buy a car, which I was planning on doing when I turn 17. However, this pushes my available money down from about 5k, to only 2-3k. And once I own said car, I have to pay title, tax, registration, gas, repairs, and insurance. Do you know what insurance rates are for a male 16 year old? I’ll give you a heads up: they’re shit.

So Oppo/CL this is my predicament TL;DR version: I have to pay for much shit, but have not much money.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 01/05/2016 at 10:10

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Wow. I know most people on here support kids buying their own stuff vs. having mommy and daddy pay for it, but your parents seem like they are being more than a little frugal. Reminds me of the George Lopez episode where they made their HS daughter pay rent.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 01/05/2016 at 10:12

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I *get* the idea of teaching you to value every dollar you make, but surely they could insure the car under one of their names and make you pay for it through them as a form of non-monetary help.....This is just teaching you to not be a decent person. Like “We have the means, but no, fuck off”.

And I’m sorry, 50 cents a mile?!?!?!? The malibu won’t depreciate any more. It is usually barely worth more the tires and wheels it rolls on (assuming its a 90s ‘bu).

Have you considered getting a moped or scooter to save on gas and registration? Is the weather warm enough where you live?

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 01/05/2016 at 10:16

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His Malibu is a 09.

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 01/05/2016 at 10:18

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Sounds like your parents are kind of objectivist. Rand took the principles of “to thine own self be true,” and “take care of yourself first,” to a sociopathic extreme.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 01/05/2016 at 10:19

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I stand by my statement that the most valuable parts on the car outside of the engine are likely the wheels and tires

Rico > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 01/05/2016 at 10:25

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Did you ask them why they’ve decided they wanted to charge you per mile? $600 a month would not be far off for your own car then they can’t tell you shit and you can go and come as you please.

smobgirl > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 01/05/2016 at 10:25

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Can you make a reasoned unemotional argument that the federal (GSA) mileage rate on vehicles is supposed to cover wear and tear and fuel costs, so that by making you pay for repairs, gas, AND mileage, they are double-charging you? (For instance, if I drive my car for work, the company will reimburse me 58.5 cents/mile, but I cannot also fill my tank with the company credit card).

haveacarortwoorthree2 > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 01/05/2016 at 10:27

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I have the debate with my wife all the time about are we giving our kids too much. Given that neither of us grew up with anything, we generally come down on getting them the “stuff.” so long as the price is reasonable. Thus, the middle (15 yo) son has a bike worth way more than what I paid for my first two cars when I was in HS; OTOH, he works his butt off with his tri team and finished in the top 10 in the country last year at the national championships. So that’s a long way of saying that I generally agree with what your parents are trying to do, but they are way hardcore!

Party-vi > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 01/05/2016 at 10:27

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You should note that neither of your parents got to where they are professionally by spending more money, and you should not have an expectation for them to pay for things just because of their financial position in life. I can understand that you would want them to cover your phone or repairs to their car they let you use, but from their point of view, you are using their car and they are liable for anything that happens if you crash, and 300 miles per week is quite a few when you have a free option available to you (the bus).

It sounds like they provide for the things you need and make you pay for anything extra, which is what I would have expected of my parents as well. You can’t expect your parents to give you money for things you want but don’t need. You’re 16. You don’t need a car, you want a car.

Your high school is 30 miles away? Good lord.

Have you asked why they’re charging you per mile for the vehicle? Maybe you should explain to them that the $0.575 per mile figure is for business miles driven, and commuting to/from school is not a business expense . If anything they should be charging you the $0.14/mile minimum for services to charitable organizations, considering they’re letting you drive the car to/from school.

Also, if they are set on charging you the $0.575/mile business expense fee, then I would tell them you are not responsible for repairs, tires, gas, insurance fees, or any other operating costs associated with the car, as that $0.575 per mile figure is supposed to cover those costs .

Or, you can take the bus and set aside an extra 3 hours for your commute each day and see if your new schedule impacts them. What happens if you miss the bus? Do they drive you to school? Would they refuse, stating you can pay to drive yourself? I’m sure if you missed school a couple times and explained your situation to an administrator (“If I miss the bus my parents charge me $0.575 a mile to drive to school in their car. I can’t pay $35 a day to go to school”), that might result in a parent/administrator conference which could pressure them into not being penny-pinching dickheads (no disrespect intended).

All-in-all, it really sounds like your parents think you should be taking the bus to school.

crowmolly > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 01/05/2016 at 10:28

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But, they revealed to me that starting this year, they will be charging me for every mile I put on the Malibu. Currently I can put on over 300 miles on week and they are talking of charging me around the IRS rate of 50¢ a mile. That could make a week’s driving worth $150.

Do they pay for all of the fuel? That number includes it. It also means you do not pay for any repairs or ANYTHING else. Not even wiper blades. That’s covered in the 50c/mi. You are renting the car on a per mile basis and anything else is on them.

The standard mileage rate for business is based on an annual study of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile, including depreciation, insurance, repairs, tires, maintenance, gas and oil. The rate for medical and moving purposes is based on the variable costs, such as gas and oil. The charitable rate is set by law.

deprecated account > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 01/05/2016 at 10:28

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Case in point: Dwhite’s “Abandoned Cars of Detroit” posts

crowmolly > Party-vi 01/05/2016 at 10:30

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Also, if they are set on charging you the $0.575/mile business expense fee, then I would tell them you are not responsible for repairs, tires, gas, insurance fees, or any other operating costs associated with the car, as that $0.575 per mile figure is supposed to cover those costs .

You got into way better detail than I did.

Yeah, he’s not responsible for shit if they want to use the IRS figure.

Montalvo > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 01/05/2016 at 10:33

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This makes me want to rant for you. Forget a bridge, they took this philosophy a whole freaking country too far. The cellphone I can understand but when the hell did it become normal that your parents also started working for Hertz? I would buy a beater to get around. Insurance shouldn’t be too bad of a problem if they will let you go on theirs, and if they don’t that is seriously fucked up. Are they expecting to pay your own way through college too? You said you had siblings, are you the oldest? If not I would try to go halfsies on some of this stuff.

JustAnotherG6 > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 01/05/2016 at 10:59

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DD’s a ‘08 G6, can confirm.

On the other hand, could you buy the ‘bu off your parents for market value? (I’d est 2-3 k depending on miles and condition)

deprecated account > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 01/05/2016 at 11:16

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Jeez, dude. I thought my parents were bad about stuff like that. I’m a 16 year old sophomore as well, but I have neither a job nor stocks since school takes up most of my time, except in the summer (duh). I *may* be working at the Porsche garage where my brother worked his junior and senior year summers, but I’m not sure about that. As of right now, I have about $250, tops, in the bank and my only source of income is Christmas & birthday money, as well as occasionally fixing my grandparents’ computers/phones/tablets/what-have-you. I have a ‘95 4Runner, titled in my dad’s name. My brother paid for 10% of it ($380) the summer before his junior year, and my dad paid the rest. My dad has set up the same deal for me, valid starting this coming Labor Day. That said though, my brother made a lot of that money mowing/bushhogging the fields at my grandfather’s old land (tens of acres) in the summers, but I don’t have that opportunity because he sold it about two years ago. My parents pay my insurance and phone bill, but I had to buy the phone. I guess I really can’t complain, though. I’m certainly amazed by your current monetary status, but your parents’ extreme frugality is definitely not something I’m jealous of. My car-buying advice would be to buy a very mechanically reliable and economical old used car, even though it might not be the best, cosmetically speaking. Suggestions - the bulletproof Lexus LS400 (1st-gen, make sure you buy one that has had recent service to timing belts/chains (16-21 mpg (per EPA) so don’t fear the V8)), Old Volvo Brick, Mercedes W123, Land Cruiser (if you can find one for cheap, but beware of gas mileage), hell, even an Accord. My advice regarding your overall situation, though, would be

1) Talk to your parents about your weekly mileage tax thingy, as 300 miles is only enough to cover the round trip to school and back home every day (I’m glad I only live about 10 minutes away from my school). If you’re going to work too, I’d try to persuade them to reconsider their limit to something a bit higher.

2) When you do get insurance, if you’re a safe driver , get only liability coverage (what’s on the 4Runner). I think my dad said that my rate was like $110/month (for a 16 y/o with above a 3.5 GPA) or so with that, as opposed to MUCH, MUCH HIGHER with full coverage.

3) I hate to be that guy, but remember that you’re very, very lucky to be in the position you’re in in the first place. You have (I’m assuming) loving parents, a metric butt-ton of cash (for a kid who’s 16), a job (pretty much everywhere in TN only hires people 18 and over, with the exception of fast food joints and some counter service places), and you’re living in America (AKA The Greatest Damn Country on Earth). It could be a hell of a lot worse.

Keep your head up, man. While your parents are definitely taking things to the extreme, IMHO, they’re preparing you for your adult life better than most parents are. This is how the rest of your life is going to be (or so it seems), just with steadily decreasing monetary/material support from your parents. I’m sure they’ve been doing this out of love because they want to prepare you for what lies ahead. I can definitely understand your frustration, but I’m sure you’ll thank them one day.

AndyG_UK > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 01/05/2016 at 11:21

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Your parents are far too harsh!

vicali > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 01/05/2016 at 11:43

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There’s only one option really;

Or alternatively you could try to convince them you are responsible and make good choices; start by recording all your expenses and income for a month, work out your fixed bills (phone, gas, etc) add in an emergency fund.. make it realistic and actually put some effort into it. See if you have room for a car+ins+gas vs paying mileage to your parents. Present it to your parents- Crazy frugal people love that stuff..

Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 01/05/2016 at 12:35

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08 LTZ

Chasaboo > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 01/05/2016 at 13:08

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Newsflash, rich people are rich because they are cheap.

Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. > Chasaboo 01/05/2016 at 13:32

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My grandpa’s favorite saying “You get rich by working hard and being the smartest guy in the room, you stay rich by being an asshole”

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Party-vi 01/05/2016 at 14:06

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This sounds like a fairly well worded argument, I suggest he just read the whole thing off word for word (minus the dickhead comment, I doubt that goes over well)

Xyl0c41n3 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 01/05/2016 at 19:12

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I would include the dickhead comment. Sounds like these parents have never experienced teen rebellion. This kid is paying for everything but food and the bed he sleeps in. If the extent of his teen rebellion is that he calls them a dickhead once, that ain’t so bad.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Xyl0c41n3 01/05/2016 at 19:31

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I could get behind that

Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. > Party-vi 01/05/2016 at 20:10

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1. I am not asking for handouts, I am asking for the things I need to live until I am 18 and a financially independent adult. Second, I don’t want to be ‘That Kid’ that coasts off of his parents wealth, I want to make something for myself, and all I want currently is the means by which to make my worth, so to speak.

2. If I didn’t have commitments at school currently three days a week (Traveling choir, student council, musical practice) then I would be willing to take the bus. The thing is that I need to be there two hours before school starts, and three hours after it ends on some days, and as the year goes on, it will become 5 days a week and 12 hours at school thanks to the musical

3. Yes my school is 30 miles away, I go to a private school which my parents pay for, as did their parents for them.

4. They said, and I quote, “We are trying to gain some of our money back.” That makes me feel like a business investment. And I am responsible for any damages that occur, or abnormal issues, and I also have to cover gas when I am using the car for nonschool functions.

Thank you much for your points, your response is what I was looking for.

Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 01/05/2016 at 20:15

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I live in Iowa, so thats a solid no on the warm weather. The malibu is still worth 9k according to KBB, and it really is a great car.

Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. > Xyl0c41n3 01/05/2016 at 20:15

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I may have said something to that extent...make a guess on how that ended for yours truly

Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. > JustAnotherG6 01/05/2016 at 20:17

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Its a fully loaded 08 LTZ V6 and under 100k miles, so unfortunately its holding value well

Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. > deprecated account 01/05/2016 at 20:19

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Wow I appreciate the input of a fellow 16 year old, and you do make some great points. I think that I will be picking up another job here soon saying f it, and hold on for another year, seven months, and seven days until i’m 18.

Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. > Montalvo 01/05/2016 at 20:21

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I am the oldest, well done. I think that part of it is that I’m the guinea pig and they’re trying all of this for the first time. And yes, I do have to pay for my own college, but I have an extensive plan which is a story for another day.

Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. > haveacarortwoorthree2 01/05/2016 at 20:23

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Input from someone in my parent’s situation is what I was hoping for most, thanks for your words! And I agree with your mentality with your son’s bike (If i’m in a position to do so, that is) congrats to him of the tri championships, thats a big deal!

Xyl0c41n3 > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 01/05/2016 at 20:32

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I imagine not well. But that’s tough shit for your parents, not you.

You sound like a pretty good kid, and frankly, I get that your parents are trying to teach you to be responsible and independent, but they kinda sound like assholes.

What you said earlier about them telling you they’re trying to get some of their money back? JFC. When was the last time they told you they love you? You’re a child, not a stock portfolio. And even when you’re middle-aged, you’re STILL going to be their child. There’s teaching your children how to be independent, and then there’s dehumanizing your child. Have they crossed that line? I don’t know. You’re the only one who has any right to say if they have. I will say this, though: reading this post of yours makes me want to give you a hug.

Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. > Xyl0c41n3 01/05/2016 at 20:45

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I actually think that they think they are showing me love, and heck, they might be in their own way. But I can tell you for a fact that my dad’s dad was never emotional to him, and his dad, and his dad, and so on. I really don’t think they’ve dehumanized me quuuuuite yet, but who knows. They did tell me that they were considering having me move out at 16, but hey, still here.

Oh, and internet hug accepted. Thankfully I’ve got a few great trustworthy friends over here that are helping me work things out, as well as my grandparents (mom’s side).

PatBateman > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 01/05/2016 at 23:31

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Go buy a motorcycle and riding gear. Suffer through winter as best as possible (or take the bus on bad weather days).

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 01/06/2016 at 00:00

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Ask for a car for Christmas?

Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 01/06/2016 at 00:04

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Oh I wish. That wouldn’t work in a perfect world. They don’t believe in handouts, and frankly, neither do I. Maybe its Stockholm syndrome.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 01/06/2016 at 00:09

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Why not do the math, and calculate the annual maintenance cost, insurance cost and depreciation, and see if it comes out cheaper than what your parents are pricing it at?

Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 01/06/2016 at 00:12

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Buying a car now at about 1500 would be more worthwhile in the long run, and that is what I think I will be doing come spring.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 01/06/2016 at 00:13

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Buy a GMT400 with a rebuilt transmission. Fuel costs will be a PITA, but it’s comparably cheap to insure, and will never break down.

Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 01/06/2016 at 00:16

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I’ll add it to the list, thanks

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 01/06/2016 at 00:18

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No problem! I’m planning on buying one to take across the country come summer. It’s one of those things that will last 10,000 miles on the road in two weeks.

Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 01/06/2016 at 00:21

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Awesome! you’ll have to keep us updated on that.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 01/06/2016 at 00:24

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Will do!

JustAnotherG6 > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 01/06/2016 at 09:38

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Just check Craigslist in MN... I am genuinely surprised the Malibu is fetching a 2k premium over it’s sibling the G6. I was shocked that G6’s are still selling for 8k.

I bought mine 5+ yrs ago for around 9k and I didn’t think it wold hold value at all.

deprecated account > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 01/06/2016 at 11:53

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I hope your parents surprise you with a really nice graduation present or something.

Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. > deprecated account 01/06/2016 at 11:55

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Not holding my breath, but I guess you never know.

deprecated account > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 01/06/2016 at 12:06

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“Surprise, son! You’ve saved up all this money for college but we’re actually paying for some of it! Have fun with the small fortune you have amassed!”

Lossy > smobgirl 01/07/2016 at 15:30

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This is double true if you have to pay to fix anything on the car. If you pay mileage they pay gas and repairs.

jkm7680 > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 01/07/2016 at 19:54

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Wow, that’s genuinely dumb.

My parents were frugal, even in spite of their occupations. That being said, they weren’t that funky when it comes to money and what it should be spent on.

I advise you to have a talk with them and basically tell them that you understand the lesson that they’re trying to teach you, but to tone that shit down a little bit.

George McNally > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 01/07/2016 at 22:54

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My wife and I are 56 years old and we made both our kids pay for their college tuition, but we paid for books, phone, clothes, etc and the use of a vehicle during college provided they held down a part-time job.

Our daughter is 28, married and is a Pychican assistant (and pulls down 6 figures) or son is 22, lives at home, works full time and goes to college full time.

Your parents are hard asses.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 01/08/2016 at 00:19

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Here are my thoughts:

-50 cents a mile will cost you $7200/year if you drive 300 miles/week. And if they are charging you that, then they should be paying for all car expenses as they come up... including gasoline.

-the IRS rate that assumes the car is relatively new. A basic car like an old Tercel or Yaris would likely cost less than this all-inclusive on a per mile basis... assuming your insurance wouldn’t be too expensive... but it probably is... so nix that.

-I was thinking about the bicycle option... but 30 miles each way is a bit far for bicycle riding. But maybe an electrically assisted bike like this one: http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/bid/537160… ...might work... at least for the non-winter months. You’ll probably have to get an extra 2-4 batteries. Even if it costs $1500 with extra batteries, shipping and tax, you’ll break even after 2.5 months compared to paying 50 cents per mile on the malibu.

Also if you tell your parents you’re gonna get a cheap electrically assisted bicycle instead of paying a ridiculous 50 cents per mile for the Malibu, they might back down because they might not like the idea or the added danger of you commuting with a bicycle.

Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly 01/08/2016 at 00:20

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Creative...I like the bike idea! I am a big cyclist, so that is a viable option.