This story reminds me of my youngest son when he was 16. I bought him an old car. We checked the brakes and they were shot, so I sent him up to the auto parts store to buy a set of brake pads and shoes.
When he returned, he said that they didn't have the brake parts in stock, but he bought a "racing" steering wheel. I told him to take the steering wheel back and get his (my) money back, then call around till he found the brake parts and go get them!
Yes, he did turn out OK. He got his degree plus a masters degree and works for the Defense Intelligence Agency and is assigned to a position in Hawaii.
So, juniorrr , good luck with your studies -
humfrz