Less money, more problems

"G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3" (gbodyman)
07/06/2015 at 10:18 • Filed to: None

Hi Oppo. This is a bit of a personal rant, so if you skip over this, I don’t blame you. For those who are willing to read the post, have a CCGT for your time.

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My parents are enrolling me in driver’s ed, which seems pretty great. However, if for any reason I am unable to finish the course, they are demanding that I pay for it with money that I don't have. On top of that, we are probably moving to BC. I'm still trying to sell the Cutlass ($800 takes it away, my email is autobox@rogers.com), and I just started researching car prices in BC. A Cavalier is $1500 there, while the same car goes for $1000 here. I won't be able to afford a car there, and my parents are unwilling to budge on the financial situation. Couple that with the fact that if I cannot complete this course, they won't be paying my insurance, and I have cause for concern. Cars are my only coping method, and if I cannot afford one, I'm not sure what I would do. Sorry if you think that this post is inappropriate and/or unnecessary, but I had nowhere else to post this. Thank you for your time.

DISCUSSION (54)

CalzoneGolem > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
07/06/2015 at 10:24

My advice: pass.

Funktheduck > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
07/06/2015 at 10:26

Simple smart ass answer is to tell you to practice/study like your life depends on it and pass the class.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
07/06/2015 at 10:27

I got stuck without a car for 2 years after passing my test, you manage. I just worked on other peoples stuff in the mean time.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > CalzoneGolem
07/06/2015 at 10:28

I will try with the best of my abilities.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Funktheduck
07/06/2015 at 10:28

Thanks.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
07/06/2015 at 10:29

I don't even have other people's stuff to work on :(

Ryan A. > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
07/06/2015 at 10:30

I think that’s entirely reasonable — generous, even — that your parents would want you to pay for your driver’s education. It gives you more motivation to succeed. When you spend your own money on yourself, you try to get the most for your money, but when you spend someone else’s money on yourself then you’re not as concerned with value (or wasting money).

If you’re moving to an area with a higher cost of living, then I assume there will be more opportunities to earn money.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
07/06/2015 at 10:30

Keeping my family’s crappy cars running more than kept me busy. Trust me if people know you’ll save them money fixing stuff you get a lot of requests.

MrFurzzy > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
07/06/2015 at 10:31

I’m 19 at the moment, and I have paid for everything car related myself. I worked at McDonald’s for minimum wage and saved almost every penny to pay for drivers ed, all the fees to get my license, as well as paying for my first car and insurance. If does suck in the moment, but paying for everything does honestly make you a better person.

Do you have a reason that you are concerned that you won’t finish drivers ed? If you take it seriously you shouldn’t have a problem completing it, especially since you like cars. In my opinion you are overly worried about something that is unlikely to happen. Just take the course seriously, and show your parents that you appreciate the help they are giving you, and that you respect the time and money that it costs them.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Ryan A.
07/06/2015 at 10:32

Because I am on the autism spectrum, I find it difficult to find a form of employment that I can tolerate.

CalzoneGolem > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
07/06/2015 at 10:33

Ok great we’re done here! ;)

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
07/06/2015 at 10:33

Unfortunately, my family doesn't trust me with their stuff.

Funktheduck > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
07/06/2015 at 10:34

I never took drivers Ed but my understanding is it’s basically learning the rules/laws you should already know while driving and then driving with an instructor like you have a grandmother and new born baby in the car.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
07/06/2015 at 10:35

Seems fair except on one point, that being they want you to go to drivers ed (good), are paying (meh, at your age I’d say good), but if you don’t finish the course you pay, even if that reason is they decided to move to BC. But then, that’s not my problem. Frankly (and I’m not trying to be depressing here), it’s probably better this way. Sometimes life takes a shit on you, the sooner you come to peace with it the better off you’ll be. Also, if you aren’t certain of being able to afford it (and it always costs more than you expect), it’s better not to bother. There will be other cars. It might hurt to hear now, but it’s true. I know when I was shopping, I found something I liked, and wanted, and got so far as actually legally purchasing it. Then I found out insurance was wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy higher than I expected. Thankfully the dealer was kind enough to let me back out, otherwise I’d have been financially flattened. Walking away from something I had my heart set on hurt, but it’ll work out. I took my time after that, and actually ended up with something I liked even more.

As far as coping goes, try nitro RC cars. No, it’s not the same. But they are lots of fun, and there is an actual engine there to mess with as well.

Good luck

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > MrFurzzy
07/06/2015 at 10:35

My concerns that I may not finish drivers ed is that I am on the Autism Spectrum, and because of this I am very nervous around new people.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Funktheduck
07/06/2015 at 10:36

There is virtually no chance of failing drivers ed in Ontario.

Patrick Nichols > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
07/06/2015 at 10:36

Don’t know where you are but drivers ed by me is pretty easy so I wouldn’t worry about failing and as far as a car goes I don’t know how crucial having your own car is (maybe you can borrow your parents when you need it) and start saving for a car.

I worked a terrible landscaping job for a summer because the pay was decent and it was right by my house. I used a good portion of that to pay for my car the next spring. I didn’t need a car at college at the time and shared cars with my mom and brother when I had to. If the weather is nice where you are, I got a scooter that summer and sold it 3 years later for $100 less than I bought it for. Don’t worry too much and keep an eye out for deals.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer
07/06/2015 at 10:37

I don't like doing all the maintenance on a nitro. I've experienced nitro and own an electric, and electric is miles ahead of nitro. The problem is that it just isn't the same. The main issue is that I can't afford to fail this course.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
07/06/2015 at 10:39

It took them a while to trust me but they eventually did haha.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Patrick Nichols
07/06/2015 at 10:39

My parents are dead set against motorcycles and scooters, and when we move to BC, all I'll have is a rusty old Toyota Echo, as they won't let me drive their 2013 Sonata.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
07/06/2015 at 10:40

They barely trust me driving it, let alone working on it.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
07/06/2015 at 10:41

I don’t like meeting new people either—just park yourself in a corner seat, pay attention to no-one but the instructor, and say nothing unless you’re sure of your ground (unless asking a question is necessary). Or, if possible, go with a friend. Worked for me.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
07/06/2015 at 10:41

That’s a shame, maybe one day.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer
07/06/2015 at 10:42

I'll try.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
07/06/2015 at 10:42

Probably not. They wouldn't even trust me with a lawnmower.

Party-vi > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
07/06/2015 at 10:48

What’s the issue with Driver’s Ed? It’s a cake course.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Party-vi
07/06/2015 at 10:50

This one involves defensive driving, online learning, and high-intensity in-car learning.

Party-vi > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
07/06/2015 at 10:52

Sounds like fun - you’ll pass. Is this a required course for a driving license or some supplemental course? Also, if you have $0, how can you pay back the class? Will they garnish your wages or something?

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Party-vi
07/06/2015 at 10:55

I have about $285 in my bank account. The course costs $853 before tax. It's not required by law, but it's required by my parents.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
07/06/2015 at 11:13

Well, you’re ahead of me. I’d suggest karting but that needs $$$ as well.

Are you saying you pay just if you fail? The way you put it I thought that it was not finishing for any reason (including moving to BC). If it’s failing you’re worrying about, don’t. Ontario DriversEd is a joke, especially if you’re interested in cars and driving. You listen to some guy yammering for a few hours and take an open book test (take notes :) ), then get in a car with someone who’s sole concern is to get you your 10 hours and collect their money. Believe me, if you have half a competent bone in your body you will pass.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
07/06/2015 at 11:13

That's all anyone can do.

Party-vi > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
07/06/2015 at 11:15

So they want you to take the class - it is punishment for something? I hardly think it’s right for them to just sign you up for an expensive class on a whim and then expect you to pay for it.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer
07/06/2015 at 11:19

It's for any reason if I can't finish.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Party-vi
07/06/2015 at 11:20

I only have to pay it back if for any reason I am unable to complete the course. It is not punishment for anything.

NoneOfYourBiz > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
07/06/2015 at 11:22

I took driver’s ed years ago. Everyone should take it. As I recall, you don’t really “fail” driver’s ed. It’s just class time, road time, maybe a quiz. My class and drive time was hilarious. I still remember my instructor, “Rod.” Dude was nuts and wanted to stop for Chicken McNuggets every time we went out driving (“The drive-thru is good tight space maneuvering practice! Let’s go through it BACKWARDS so I can pay for my nuggets!”) but he knew stuff. With his tips for parallel parking perfectly every time, I’m still good at it 20 something years later... gawd I’m getting old.

It’s the road test with MOT you could pass or fail.

Same advice as everyone else is giving you: study like your life depends on it.

Also: your parents are not being unreasonable. You are not entitled to anything. Not driver’s ed, not a car. They’re being magnanimous paying for it and entirely reasonable in expecting you to pass.

BC cars are likely more expensive because they aren’t subject to the salt we are so they don’t rust out as quickly. Just buy a slightly older one in your price range; BAM! Problem solved.

The fact that you’re worrying about a bunch of stuff that hasn’t happened yet (and may never happen)... do you perchance have anxiety issues? Nothing to be ashamed of but you need coping mechanisms... such as realizing that, if you put in the effort, you likely won’t fail, and realizing that “worst case” situations rarely happen. You might move to BC... or might not. You might have to save up a bit more for a car - but likely won’t since you can just buy an older car. You might fail... but likely won’t if you put in the effort.

OPPOsaurus WRX > MrFurzzy
07/06/2015 at 11:23

same here. paper route bought me a mountain bike. biked to McD’s and bought an Explorer. If you want something you need ot work for it.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > NoneOfYourBiz
07/06/2015 at 11:26

Big anxiety issues. I am on the autism spectrum, and cars are my coping mechanism.

sony1492 > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
07/06/2015 at 11:27

Motorcycles are cheap and prime for repair work/projects.

MrFurzzy > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
07/06/2015 at 11:29

That does make it more difficult, but I’m sure you can make it work. My little brother is autistic, so I understand the problems you can face. I would try talking to the instructor and see if they can help you out in some way. Most people are willing to help out once they understand your limitations. It never hurts to ask

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > sony1492
07/06/2015 at 11:29

My parents are firm believers in two-wheels bad.

Party-vi > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
07/06/2015 at 11:30

But still, for them to hoist a class on you and state you’ll pay it back if you fail is BS. If anything they should have told you taking the class is a good idea, and let you make the decision.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > MrFurzzy
07/06/2015 at 11:30

I'll try.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Party-vi
07/06/2015 at 11:31

Yeah.

sony1492 > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
07/06/2015 at 11:38

What about a POS eg Civic?

Kinja'd!!!

Drivable examples can be had for less than $1000. If you get a 4 door the insurance is even cheaper .

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > sony1492
07/06/2015 at 11:43

Civics are the most stolen cars in Canada. Couple that to the fact that they're not very safe, and insurance is through the roof. I got quoted $4k a year for a 99 sedan.

NoneOfYourBiz > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
07/06/2015 at 11:44

BC likely has some great examples of cars available in your price range. Seriously, there’s a car for every budget. (assuming you even end up there)

Remember: “Price, quality, time - pick TWO.”

If you don’t see what you want right away, wait a week! (or month) Something will come along. With that in mind, really, the only downside is having to wait a few more days or weeks for a vehicle. You can do that!

Kinja'd!!!

deekster_caddy > Funktheduck
07/06/2015 at 12:06

Pretty much sums it up. Don’t do what I did and argue with the driving instructor.

deekster_caddy > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
07/06/2015 at 12:08

Computer programming tends to be popular amongst mildly autistic people. There are lots of details you get to memorize and if you can get past the boredom of it, you get a feel of accomplishment when something ships out. Good luck.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > deekster_caddy
07/06/2015 at 12:11

I tried computer programming. I hate it with a passion.

deekster_caddy > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
07/06/2015 at 12:30

Okay, at least you gave it a shot!

Ryan A. > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
07/06/2015 at 13:34

Work’s not always going to be fun...

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Ryan A.
07/06/2015 at 13:35

I know, but there are some jobs that I just cannot do. Landscaping is one, McDonalds is the other.

Ryan A. > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
07/06/2015 at 13:37

Look at it another way: you’re getting a free class if you pass.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Ryan A.
07/06/2015 at 13:43

Fair enough.