The only way I would ever buy my kid a car is if I knew I wouldn't have to buy one for those reasons. I've had three kids reach the age of 18 so far without them getting a license or me buying them a car. I wish it were otherwise. I have 2 more under 18 and I really hope they come to deserve one but I think it is probably rare for a 16 year old to be mature enough to deserve to have a car much less drive. To those who buy their kids a car when they are obviously not mature enough to drive one I hope they survive.