Question

In answer to a radio advertisement, a teenager two months shy of his 18th birthday contracted to buy a late model car from a car dealership. The agreement required a $1500 down payment with the remainder of the $7200 price to be paid in monthly installments to a local finance company. The teenager’s first eight payments were made regularly until his driver's license was suspended. He then informed the company that no further payments would be forthcoming. The finance company sued for the remaining payments. The age of majority in the teenager’s state is 18 years. Would the teenager be liable for the balance of the payments?
A. Yes, because the car dealership was liable on the contract from the outset, notwithstanding the teenager’s minority.
B. Yes, because he kept the car for six months after reaching the age of majority.
C. No, because he was a minor at the time of the contracting, and the contract is voidable by him.
D. No, because he informed the finance company in a timely manner after his driver's license was suspended.

Answer 1

Answer: B. Yes, because he kept the car for six months after reaching the age of majority.

Explanation:

When the teenager had not reached the age of majority, holding him liable for the contract would have been challenging. The teenager however reached the age of majority he became legally liable for decisions and contracts.

After this age, he had the car for 6 more months which means that he had accepted the contract as an adult. He cannot therefore simply wiggle out of the payment because he signed an enforceable contract.