Mom: Cars cost a lot of money.
Susan: I've found a car I want to buy. It's only $700 and I'll pay for the gas myself.
Mom: If the car costs only $700, it may not be safe and there may be repair expenses. Also, what about insurance?
Susan: My friend Dan says he'll help with any repairs. I hoped maybe you would pay the insurance.
Mom: Call our insurance agent and find out how much the insurance will cost. Ask about discounts for good grades and for taking driver's education. You only need liability insurance, not collision coverage.
Susan: I think I should get the car now before someone else buys it and get the insurance later.
Mom: You still need to call the insurance agent. There may be a grace period of coverage for buying a car. Find out how long it is. You can't drive without having insurance.
(Susan makes phone call.)
Susan: Mom, you were right about the grace period. The policy on our other car will cover me for 30 days. But, I can't believe how expensive the insurance is! It costs more than the car! Would you pay it?
Mom: Susan, make a list of all the places you expect to drive the car and add up the miles. Then add up the cost of the car, oil changes, repairs, gasoline, registration, and insurance. Figure out the cost per mile. If you still want the car, give this information to me and I will discuss it with your father.
Susan: OK. I'm starting to think this may not work out. It's just not fair!