WOODBURY – With 2025 in the rear view mirror and 2026 coming in, the new year gives more people the opportunity to start the year off with new means of transportation.
With new kids coming to get their license, there is a new challenge for some of these students with maintaining the financial burden behind owning a car, whether getting one from their parents or buying a new vehicle.
Expenses can be steep especially if you’re buying the car yourself but sometimes, if you’re lucky, you can grab a bargain.
“It was 1,300 to buy the whole vehicle,” said Roger Bohan, a junior at Nonnewaug. “A 2012 Toyota, I’d say, was a pretty good deal for how versatile the car is.”
Joey Boyne, a junior at Nonnewaug notices a difference between the choice of vehicles between students who are and aren’t enrolled in Nonnewaug’s agricultural program.
“One noticeable theme that the school sees is that more of the ‘Ag Kids’ tend to be the ones who buy their trucks,” Boyne said. “Typically from a dealership or other ways, rather than inheriting it from their parents and or family members.”
No matter where they get their cars, finances are always involved and it is up to them to keep their money flowing and their gas tank full.
Some struggle with making enough money to pay for their cars as inflation rises — others have trouble maintaining their cars due to problems which can be harder to face as inexperienced drivers.
For instance, Boyne’s car died in the parking lot one morning. Thanks to some quick Actions from fellow students, they were able to fix the car and get it working again. “They saved my life,” Boyne said, “It’s great that they were there and willing to help me get out of an interesting situation.”
New drivers have to get used to facing this adversity, no matter the size or age of the vehicle they drive.
Despite the difficulties he may have to face, Boyne still looks forward to the new opportunity to take the wheel.
“Even though I’m probably going to have to pay a ton for car insurance and if something breaks, I’m really excited to start driving,” said Boyne. “It’s something that everybody looks forward to growing up.”
