Community Chat

[Shaunac]

You may have heard that here in California are experiencing a lot of rain. Well, my son went out last night and completely damaged his year 2000 car (had it for 6 years, high school gift). He was giving a friend a ride home and he didn't know the area and didn't realize the water was so deep. He tried to drive through it and the engine quit on him and the car is a total loss. He knows about the dangers of water and the damage it can do to an engine. He thought he could make it through, but it didn't happen. He now needs a new car. He does have a motorcycle, but that isn't an option in the winter when it is raining. He is a good kid (not really a kid anymore as he is 25 years old), but only makes $10 an hour, so he doesn't have a lot of money to go out and buy a car or to finance one.

I find myself wanting to step in and help in a big way, but don't want to overdo it. He says he wants to buy a crummy car just to get him around, but I want more for him than that. I have the means and he does not. I want him to get a car that he can rely on and have for a long time, like the last one. With a "crummy" car, I don't know how long he would have it and then have to go out and buy one all over again.

What would you do? How far (how much) would you help your son or daughter given the same situation? I am a single parent, his father is not really a part of his life. It's just him and I, always has been. I have not offered to help him yet, but I'm pretty sure he knows I will as that is our relationship. He called me first when he was stuck in water and so he knows I am there for him.

Opinions, please.