Why Gen Z is a 6–7 on car ownership
Sharing from experience.
When my son graduated, his dad was itching to buy him a car, but my son said, “Ah… can I just be driven by the driver?” No excitement. No debate about models. No “first car” fantasy. Just a very calm, very Gen Z response that left a lifelong car-loving dad mildly offended.
Then there’s my daughter. When she entered college in Vancouver, we used getting her a car as the ultimate carrot. Two and a half years later, she still happily takes public transport. And yes, Vancouver’s system is good—clean, efficient—but let’s be honest, it’s a different story when it’s cold and raining sideways. Still, she shrugs. Transit works. Why complicate life?
We already know that Gen Z doesn’t want to have children and isn’t keen on big purchases like houses and cars. And those who have cars were probably bought by their parents. Which brings me to a question parents should probably ask out loud: When we think about buying our Gen Z kids a car, is it really for them—or is it for us?
I have five kids to think about. I wanted to give my daughter a car so she can move without my overthinking mind going into the “Taken” plot. For my son, the heir, the one my husband wanted to become his mini-me (well, not really; both boys are taller than the dad), it’s a symbol of their racing pedigree.
But in their POV (point of view), it’s a 6-7 on a 1-10 scale.
Not LOCKED IN*. Not HATEMAXXING*, it either. Just cautiously interested. And no CAP*, that FRFR*.
TRACKS. For many of us, a car was a milestone—freedom, independence, proof that we were finally adults. For Gen Z, a car is more like a tool. Useful, but not emotionally loaded. If it improves their life, great. If not, they’re happy to skip it.
They’ve grown up with ride-hailing apps, delivery services, and public transport that—at least in some cities—actually works. Mobility is on demand. Flexible. Optional. A car isn’t the default answer anymore.
And here’s the part parents sometimes miss: This isn’t entitlement. It’s risk awareness.
Gen Z has watched Millennials drown in long-term loans, pay ridiculous interest rates, and get stuck with cars that no longer fit their lives. Gen Zs also like to be thrifty. They love going through vintage stores and love to recycle music from the 80s and 90s ( hello, the resurgence of Goo Goo Dolls’ IRIS)
So they don’t mind using Dad’s old car. But if you ask them to buy for the sake of buying, they would rather travel, as their generation is more focused on experience.
Is that bad? Well, no, just a generational thing.
Going back to our POV as parents, we get frustrated. We buy a car thinking it’s a gift, a reward, a moment. Then the kid says “thanks” and treats it like… transportation. No Instagram post. No emotional speech. No visible appreciation.
And suddenly, we’re offended.
But maybe what’s really happening is this: We’re projecting our meaning onto something they see very differently.
A parent’s reality check before buying a car for a Gen Z kid
Do they actually need it right now? Not “will this be convenient,” but is it necessary? If public transport works, work or school is nearby, and the car will mostly sit parked, maybe wait.
Who pays for what? Be very clear. Insurance, fuel or charging, maintenance, and parking. Assumptions are where resentment is born. Spell it out.
Practical beats impressive. They care more about ease than flex. Easy to drive, easy to park, easy to maintain. That “dream car” you love? It may stress them out.
Safety and tech matter more than horsepower. Driver assists, good safety ratings, Apple CarPlay. If it doesn’t integrate seamlessly with their phone, it’s already a downgrade.
Used is not a downgrade. Many Gen Z kids are perfectly fine with pre-owned—as long as it’s reliable. Ask yourself honestly: is insisting on brand new about them… or your pride?
Urban reality matters. Parking rules, building restrictions, and street space—these are deal breakers. A hard car to park is not freedom. It’s anxiety.
Teach ownership, not just driving. A car comes with responsibility—maintenance, scheduling, and respect. If they’re not ready for that yet, waiting is not a failure.
What does this mean for the Future:
So if your Gen Z kid looks unimpressed when you hand them the keys, don’t take it personally. They’re not rejecting the gift—or you. They’re just wired differently.
Gen Z isn’t saying no.
They’re saying, “Convince me, UNC.”
FYI-for your information
*Locked In: focused or 100%
*hatemaxxing: maximum hate, greatly disliked
*no cap: no lies
*Unc: Uncle, older person
*FRFR: for real, for real
