Should Gail "let" her 27 year old son buy a new Mazda?

Dear Car Talk | Nov 01, 1993
Dear Tom and Ray:
Gail
RAY: We'll answer your questions one at a time, Gail. First of all, Boston does not have the worst car theft rate in the country. It may have the worst weather, but the car theft title still belongs to Newark, New Jersey (at least last time we checked).
TOM: Second, the RX-7 was completely redesigned last year, but the car and the engine have basically been around for 15 years. And although the new ones are a little more temperamental, they've been pretty reliable over the years. So I wouldn't worry about it being new and untried.
RAY: Third, is it a wise investment? Of course not. It's a complete waste of money. Especially since he already has a relatively new car. Most financial advisors suggest you lean toward investments that INCREASE in value over time and diversify your portfolio. Most cars DECREASE in value over time. And buying one American car and one Japanese car doesn't count as diversification.
TOM: So, given all this, should you let him do it? Of course you should! You have to. He's 27 years old...well past the age of reason. He's old enough to do stupid things without your permission.
RAY: But under no circumstances should you give him a penny. Stupidity like this has to cost something, Gail. Otherwise, there'd be a run on it.
Gail
RAY: We'll answer your questions one at a time, Gail. First of all, Boston does not have the worst car theft rate in the country. It may have the worst weather, but the car theft title still belongs to Newark, New Jersey (at least last time we checked).
TOM: Second, the RX-7 was completely redesigned last year, but the car and the engine have basically been around for 15 years. And although the new ones are a little more temperamental, they've been pretty reliable over the years. So I wouldn't worry about it being new and untried.
RAY: Third, is it a wise investment? Of course not. It's a complete waste of money. Especially since he already has a relatively new car. Most financial advisors suggest you lean toward investments that INCREASE in value over time and diversify your portfolio. Most cars DECREASE in value over time. And buying one American car and one Japanese car doesn't count as diversification.
TOM: So, given all this, should you let him do it? Of course you should! You have to. He's 27 years old...well past the age of reason. He's old enough to do stupid things without your permission.
RAY: But under no circumstances should you give him a penny. Stupidity like this has to cost something, Gail. Otherwise, there'd be a run on it.
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