How can I convince my dad to buy a different car?

Question

My dad wants to buy me a car for college, which is very generous. I can choose "whatever" I want. Still, he wants an American-made, 2-door car for me.

He dislikes foreign-made cars, I don't know why, and wants 2-doors so I wouldn't spend time in the back seat, which has no basis. I've never dated much and put school first, so he truly has no reason to think that. Admittedly, he's paranoid I'll get into trouble and drop out since I've never acted up. He was wild kid, so he thinks everyone is (I'm not).

I don't want the car he wants for me (the Chevrolet Cobalt), but I really want something safer and more efficient (like the Honda Civic or Toyota Prius). I'm at a total loss of how to approach him.

He's always been a car fanatic (American-made only) and is trying to take advantage of the fact that I'm not too knowledgeable. He didn't think I'd do any research and is offended I did instead of asking him about the different cars

Turns out it's not "whatever" I want. Any ideas?

Answer 1

Honda's are very reliable, and have a small back seat too, so he wont have to worry about that.

Answer 2

How about a compromise?  A Toyota Camry Hybrid - made in Kentucky (American made), but has 4 doors.  http://www.toyotageorgetown.com/01camryh...

But be sure to check the VIN, as some of the TCH are still made in Japan.  (Similarily, be sure to check the VIN of any "American" models as well - don't be surprised if they are made in Mexico or Canada or elsewhere and not in the US!)

Most 2-door cars I've seen do have a back seat, so that limitation seems unlikely.  Perhaps he's looking for a 2-seater, then?

Another compromise would be to find a used Honda Insight - 2 seater/2 doors, but made in Japan.

My main question is why do you need a car for college?  Most colleges/universities have very limited parking, and often do not give out parking stickers to freshmen (and sometimes even to undergraduates).  Most everything that you'll need will be available on-campus or within a short walking/bicycle distance.  Check with your school (particularly the campus police) to find out if you can even have a car there.  (Most college students tend to leave the car at home, and get a nice insurance break too.  Perhaps your father is expecting this and wants to borrow your car while you're away, hence the restrictions?)

Or will you be commuting to college or working a job off-campus that'll require you to have a car through your college years?

Answer 3

all i can say is the mustang...if he wants a 2 door car i could also the suggest the civic but he doesn't like foreign cars so i guess your screwed.

Answer 4

stop your b*tching.

let him buy you what he wants.

if or when it falls apart then you can get a better car.

but when someone is offering to buy you a car take it and be thankful.

Answer 5

well, if you can, convince him that GAS is just horrible these days, and you would be better off with a prius. Civics are also good on gas, and they come in a 2 door. Honestly, if he is dead set on buying you a 2 door american car, tell him to get you a mustang GT, you have power, a convertible(if you choose that instead of the coupe) 2 doors, and ITS A FORD. Most family cars that are american made have 4 doors now...possibly a Chevy AVEO, but those are like DIRT cheap. My first car was a Mazda 6, and i loved it! until of course I got something better. Another 2 door american car would be the pontiac grand prix, or a new upcoming camaro. I don't know your budget, so i really couldnt do much extensive research. hope i helped!