Help me convince my dad to allow me to purchase my own car with my own money

[Brian A]

Mysituation is that I have a 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme SL with 94,000 miles on it. I have been working and saving for the passed two summers. I was up to about $2,500 and then got a series of tickets (5). The last one I got was in January of 2008.Since the last ticket my driving attitude has totally changed and I drive like an old man, gas conscious and aware of everyone on the road.
I have been looking through ads and ads of any type of car that has caught my eye for the passed year, just always "in the market" to buy, and have never had the money. I stumbled across a 1996 Eagle Talon with 97,000 miles and in good condition. My argument that I am going to present to my parents is essentially the Talon is less expensive for the family to run, and will force me to budget my money in order to pay for the car. I will have enough money within a couple weeks, but do not want to lose the chance to buy this car, because it has been well taken care for ect. I am ready to take on more res. and pay for my own things

[Maldavi]

I can see why you're having trouble convincing your father. Even I'm a little confused as to why you would want to trade a '97 Cutlass with 94k miles for a '96 Talon with 97k miles.

It sounds like you're going backwards. The Olds is a much better car, and will likely be cheaper to insure as it isn't considered a sports car like the Talon.

[Firebird]

Here's a tip for you: Your father's brain works. Yours doesn't, at your age. Look into the research, and you'll see I'm right. Your FIRST INDICATION of what to do is that you should listen to somebody whose brain works. Do what they say. Don't fight it. You'll see that I'm right, when you're about 25. Put your money in a Roth IRA. Spend it on College. Do something smart with it.

On the car choice, you're doomed. The Eagles are junk, and everybody everywhere knows it. Ask ANYWHERE. The Oldsmobile will last about another 200,000 miles. There's no comparison.