Yes, it is common for them to ask. (It doesn't mean they get it, though). A large part of the US is not practically walkable and has insufficient public transp

Yes, it is common for them to ask. (It doesn't mean they get it, though). A large part of the US is not practically walkable and has insufficient public transportation. In order to "go out with friends", sometimes to even see said friends, to hold down a job, to go to the store, transportation in a car may be necessary. Teenagers prefer to not rely on their parents to take them places. Thus, car ownership represents freedom and autonomy to US teenagers.