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 Lansing's Advice Column

Dear IMO,

Our daughter is preparing to head off for her first year of college. My wife and I are considering the purchase of a used car. This will allow our daughter to drive the four hour trip when she wanted or needed and give us a break from the long drive. We discussed this idea with her, and she was thrilled . . . that is until she found out it would be a used Volvo wagon.

We told her the car was safe and would handle the wintry road conditions. She expressed her gratitude for the idea, but wanted to get something sportier and asked if she could take the money for the Volvo add some of her own, and buy a used car more to her liking. Her mother and I are opposed to this decision, and are looking for some advice and ways to convince her that the Volvo is the way to go.

Sincerely,
Bob

Dear Bob,

I do have some advice, and I can sum it up in one word, GREYHOUND. It’s safe, it’s cheap, and your daughter can take it just about anytime she wants or needs and it is safer than the Volvo. Trouble is, it isn’t that sporty. I think your offer of the Volvo is very generous and considerate. She would be a fool not to accept your offer, but you need her to see it this way.

Sit down with your daughter and try to work out a deal. For example, she drives the car for the first two years of college without an accident, and then she can buy a car that is sportier but still handles the wintry weather. In two years, she may realize the wisdom in your decision and keep the car for the remainder of her college career. Of course, the entire issue may resolve itself if the price of gas continues to rise at its current pace.

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