Chrismas is a time of joy and giving, and for a car enthusiast, there might not seem like a better gift than a shiny new car. At first glance, it feels like the ultimate gesture—a grand surprise that’s sure to steal the show. If you have the means, it might even seem like a no-brainer.
However, while gifting a car could be the best surprise a car enthusiast could receive, it’s riddled with potential pitfalls that can ruin the very spirit of Christmas. Before you take the plunge, it’s worth considering the practical and emotional implications associated with such a brazen act of giving.
Here are 12 reasons why buying a car as a Christmas gift is a terrible idea and why it is almost always more trouble than it is worth.
It Costs Too Much Money
First, let’s state the obvious. A car costs a lot of money and is likely one of the biggest financial commitments a person is expected to make during their lifespan. Gifting a car for Christmas is also suspiciously more expensive since dealers know the holiday season is also the money-spending season. As such, they are more likely to inflate prices during this time of the year and thus increase overall costs even more.
And don’t forget, you are never really buying just the car, money is needed for insurance, registration, tax, and many other “hidden fees.”
Wrong Car
It’s no surprise that most people buy their own cars, not only because they’re expensive but also because everyone has different preferences. As mentioned, buying a car is a significant investment, and it would be a shame if someone bought the wrong car. If that does happen, a gracious gift could quickly turn into gracious frustration, as selling that car isn’t as easy as selling shoes that don’t fit.
There are simply too many variables that can go awry—wrong model, make, engine, or even the wrong color. The possibilities for missteps are endless, so it’s best just to avoid it altogether.
Emotional Pressure
Expensive gifts are known to cause emotional pressure on a recipient, especially if the recipient isn’t able to give back a similarly impactful present. Imagine how uncomfortable it would be if one person gave a Christmas sweater and the other a car. And let’s not forget, accepting a car as a gift is not the same as accepting a Christmas sweater. Many people feel pressured to somehow “make even” or are just prone to “gift guilt.”
Logistical Issues
When buying a car as a gift, many factors must align perfectly for it to be a pleasant gifting experience. For one, the car has to be ready for delivery before Christmas; all issues need to be sorted out. It simply isn’t as easy as gifting a box of chocolates. Hidden fees, accidental damage, repairs, breakdowns, wrong tires, no parking space – all of these can cause headaches a simpler present most likely won’t.
Insurance Problems
Cars typically can’t be driven on public roads without insurance. This can already pose challenges on its own, but it becomes particularly tedious if the car needs to be insured in someone else’s name without that person being aware—if only to preserve the surprise.
All of this further adds stress that simply isn’t meant for Christmas. Christmas gifts can be thoughtful and simple; they don’t need to be this extensive.
No Personalization
We’ve already touched upon the issue of getting the make, the model, and the color wrong, but that’s is just the tip of the iceberg. For example, some people love manual gearboxes, while others prefer automatics.
Some people dislike cloth seats, while others can’t imagine driving a car with leather upholstery. If the car being one gifteds has features or options the recipient would never choose for themselves, it could cause more frustration than joy.
Legal and Tax Implications
The logistics and insurance challenges of gifting a car can be daunting, but they pale in comparison to the potential legal and tax problems. For instance, gifting a car without verifying its history could lead to complications if it turns out the vehicle has a lien against it or, worse, if it was previously reported stolen.
In some states, simply owning certain cars can trigger unexpected tax burdens, leaving the recipient responsible for hefty fees they weren’t prepared for. Additionally, some vehicles may not meet emissions standards required in certain states or countries, creating further headaches for the unsuspecting new owner.
Cars Cost Money To Own
If someone is getting a car for Christmas, it can often mean that they don’t already own one, and that could be for a good reason. After all, cars cost money, and paying the purchasing price is far from the only expense associated with owning a car.
Cars need fuel to run, maintenance, repair, insurance, etc. Maybe the person about to receive such a gift isn’t financially able to support running a car, and that’s something worth noting.
Storage Issues
Cars also need space, and the recipient might not have enough of it. First, if the recipient lives in an urban environment, it is not always possible to park a car anywhere that makes sense.
Secondly, a car needs to be parked in a safe space; otherwise, it could be damaged or even stolen. If a car is being given to someone who has no means of storing it, it could, once again, be more trouble than it is worth.
The Recipient Isn’t Driving
Even if every other problem on this list is accounted for and solved, the recipient might be unable to drive the car. This could be because the recipient doesn’t really need a car or doesn’t even have a driver’s license.
Gifting a car to such a person might be seen as motivation to join the car club, but not everyone needs or likes cars. Furthermore, it’s a terrible financial decision to buy someone a car only for it to sit unused and uncared for over the years.
Hidden Issues
Hidden problems with the car can turn what should be a joyous gift into a stressful burden—the exact opposite of what a Christmas present is meant to be. Imagine the recipient eagerly accepting the car, only for it to suffer a catastrophic failure the day after Christmas.
While some issues might be repairable, others could be so costly that fixing them simply isn’t feasible. Beyond the expense, the logistics of finding a certified mechanic, arranging transportation for the broken-down car, and covering potentially exorbitant repair bills can quickly sour the gift-giving spirit.
Better Alternatives
There are more thoughtful and practical ways to show your support than surprising someone with a car. For example, contributing toward their car purchase might carry more meaning, allowing them to take pride in selecting and owning a vehicle that truly suits their needs. Plus, the person buying it might feel more accomplished than simply being handed out the keys.
Or perhaps a better gift might be to take that someone to a car show and introduce them to the intricate world of cars. Who knows, maybe such an experience could attract one more car enthusiast who is then less likely to fall victim to some of the issues listed in this article.
All I Want For Christmas is a Subaru
While buying a car as a Christmas gift isn’t entirely off the table, it’s a choice that’s often too expensive, too burdensome, too risky, and, ultimately, too much.
The idea is undeniably bold and enticing—a car is an extravagant gift, after all, and most people love extravagant gestures. But the assumption that spending a lot of money guarantees a great gift isn’t always the case. Sometimes, the cost of the gift overshadows its actual meaning or practicality.
That said, if the person you’re gifting a car to isn’t someone who appreciates cars or extravagant gifts, it could end up being the worst Christmas gift you’ve ever given.
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