[NeighborsComplaint]

When I was 16, dads were the authoritarian. I wanted a used Malibu SS w. a 4 speed but he was loaning me the money so he made me buy a 4 door Galaxie 500 6 cylinder stick. I was embarrassed to drive it anywhere. When the time came for my son's first car, he really liked the Camaro IROCZ. We found a clean, one-owner used one and he never put a scratch on it. When my daughter was ready for her first car, she wanted a Ford Explorer. We went out and found a clean Eddie Bauer for her.

It was more of a collaboration with my kids when picking out a car. I wouldn't force them to drive to drive a "taxi cab" like my father did with me and knew they were much responsible than I was at that age. I know my dad had my best interests at heart (car was slow and safe) and he was absolutely right. First time I took one of my buddies for a ride, I put it in a ditch trying to do a power slide around a corner on a gravel road. No damage, but it taught me to never drive beyond my abilities.