What is an affordable COOL car for a 16 year old boy?

Question

We are getting my son a car. We need to get one that is cool and has a good safety rating.
Siblings have a Grand Prix. Toyota Corolla Sport, and a Cadillac Catera.

He has no idea what he wants. That's why I have asked the question! I would like him to get a small SUV but we haven't looked yet. He is 15 1/2.

He has to buy the car (with our help) and we pay for everything after that until he graduates from college.
He has to pay for gas when he's goofing around. We pay for him to drive to school.

thatmad lass - if we are in a good financial position and able help our children with cars and college we should be applauded - not condemned.
They are all going to college and they are all productive members of society paying their taxes so the slackers can get their welfare!

Like YOU...your last question about wanting the government to subsidize you to stay home with your kid. WE WORK FOR OUR MONEY HONEY!

Answer 1

There are plenty of different types of cool depending on what crowd he runs with. For example, if you want a sporty American car, you're best sticking with rear wheel drive like a Mustang. Front wheel drive American performance cars often don't seem to get as much respect - even though there are some that perform very well. If you want a small sporty car, it seems that more people consider the Japanese choices to be cool.

Excessive practicality can kill a car's coolness. Geo Metros, for example, tend to get regarded as too cheap to be cool. A Camry or Taurus is a family car - also not exactly cool. Somehow Scions have escaped this curse - they're practical but cool.

A small SUV wouldn't be all that bad a choice, but they are somewhat practical. I would not recommend a Jeep Wrangler unless he actually wants to go off road - they're very good for mudding, but not the best thing to live with on the street.

And then there are niche cars and cult classics that a few people will find very impressive but most people absolutely do not get. Examples include '80s era Chevy Caprices with 20" wheels, '84-87 Corolla GTS's and SR5's (and it HAS to be from those years, and can't be any other model Corolla!), or the GMC Typhoon.

Good luck.

Answer 2

There are many thing's that the both of you can do. One get online with him and find out what he likes. Does he like trucks, SUV's, sedan, coupe, sporty, or just a regular car. Also what is affordable for you? Is he going to pay for the gas, and insurance or are you taking care of these? If he is paying for them, I probably wouldn't do the SUV. I personnaly like GM cars. I think that Pontiac makes great smaller cars for kids. If you could answer some of these questions, I could help you alot more.

Answer 3

The Honda may be a slightly better car, but you can get more for your money in a Mazda 3. They are good on gas and fun to drive. They also have a good safety rating that will keep insurance cost down.

Answer 4

Pick the car with your son so that way ther are no let dones. (i'm 15) Go to yahoo autos to find out mpg, price, etc.

Answer 5

just about any of the sporty little cars. What does he want? He may not be into cars but trucks or motorcycles.

Answer 6

the Scion tC

Answer 7

Tell him to get of his fat american azz and get a job and pay for his own car!

You can't buy his love hun, its way to late for that!

Send the t wat into the army then you can be real proud of him when he's out with the other american dumbazz's killing innocent people.

He won't need a car then will he?

Answer 8

ford mustang.