This research project was conducted by Erin and Yvette, for the purpses of the University of Saskatchewan. We interviewed some people(teenagers presently in high school) about why they owned a car, and how they financed their car. The object of the project was to find out whether it is really worth owning a car while still in high school.
Our Sample Survey: This survey was distributed through the hallways of our lovely high school, Marion M. Graham. Check it out and see what you would say! Survey: 1. How much did you pay for your car? 2. Is it second hand or brand new? 3. How did you pay for your car? - partial help from parents - entirely by parents - by yourself 4. Do you have a job? 5. How do you finance your car? - partial help from parents - enritely by parents - by yourself 6. Approximately how much do you spend every year on repairs? 7. How much do you spend on insurance, licence plates and gas? 8. What do you spend money on other than your car? 9. What is the main reason you wanted a car? 10. What is the main purpose for a car? 11. Now that you have a car, would you say it is worth it while you are still in school?
The Survey Results: 1. Avg. price paid: $6040 2. Cars bought a) brand new: 24% (b) second hand: 76% 3. Way of paying the car a) parents: 57% (b) partial help: 17% (c) yourself: 27% 4. Do you have a job: a) yes:76% (b) no: 24 % 5. Avg pay/month: $338 6. Way of financing car: a) parents: 58% (b) partial help: 17% (c) yourself: 26% 7. Avg spent on repairs: $427 8. Avg spend on insurance etc.: $1380 9. Other things to spend money on: Food,entertainment, other people, alcohol, cigarettes, hobbies/sport 10. Main reason for wanting a car: Getting to school, hobbies, sport, responsibility, independence 11. Main purpose of car: Getting to school/sport/hobbies/job, driving others around, running errands 12. Is it worth it: a) yes: 97% (b) no: 3%
C.A.'s comment: Nature of survey questions--the quantitative and qualitative sides
C.A.'s comment: Relying on surveys
Our work showed us, that it is quite obvious financially not worth it to own a car. This is demonstrated by the amount of money students spend to support their car. Unless their parents pay for it, they have to pay for gas, insurance, and licensing. This is a major drain on their bank account. Also, they need to have jobs and have less time for studying. However, as one student put it "What you loose in money, you make up in style". The students with cars felt more independent and responsible. Surprisingly, most students did not mention the popularity factor.
C.A.'s comment: Basing the conclusion on a combination of factors
C.A.'s comment: Relevance of these points to the analysis
C.A.'s comment: Quality of analysis done