Should I buy a 2007 V6 Mustang for an entry level driver?

Question

I have up to $23k to spent on a car for family member (entry level driver). He wants a sports car so is this a good choice? Any experiences? Any other good sporty cars for under $20k?

Whats the difference between FWD and RWD to a beginner? Also I will probably get him the automantic tranny. What's your opinion on that? Thanks guys

Answer 1

sounds good to me :)

My son-in-law just got his V6 and is real happy with it

you know it's a cammer right? the 4.0 ohc 210 hp, the same engine that powers my 2 ton Explorer for the last 165k miles

Answer 2

I am a huge proponent of the Mustang having owned almost 10 myself over the years, but I would tend to agree with the previous answers and say that most newer drivers tend to get into incidents with their cars. I know I bumped a couple different things when I was driving my old pickup (the brick pillar on my parent's house comes to mind.) Also I have noticed that it is very difficult to see out of the back of the newer Mustang. My mom has a 2005, and I have driven it on several occasions.

While I don't agree that RWD are hard to control, I do agree that in any condition other than dry weather, you have to be easy on the throttle. FWD cars are just as easy to spin, especially under braking since all the weight is transfered to the front wheels making the rear of the car even lighter (I once flipped a Civic around 180 degrees on a wet night, hard stopping for a red light.)

Personally, I would go for a sporty small car that is easy to park and easy to drive. Try an old Honda, or a Kia. They can be made quite sporty, and if they get a dent, who cares? It's just a starter car for a starter driver. Then when they prove themselves by driving that and not getting any tickets or accidents, and keeping their grades up, then I would consider a more "sports car" type of car like a Mustang.

Answer 3

I recommend buying him a used Ford Focus, a set of wheels & tires, and an exhaust. You can even jump to a body kit and stay under $20k. That way the car looks fast and sounds fast but is not a 200+hp testosterone strengthened weapon.

Additionally, your insurance premiums will be through the roof with a Mustang and a young driver.

Answer 4

The new Mustang is one of the best bang-for-the-buck sporty cars out there. I own a new GT (V8). With the optional side airbags it's a very safe car, is comortable, handles great, stops great, and is surprisingly solid. It's one of the best engineered cars I've owned, and I've owned a lot. I have had zero problems with mine and the cars have great track records already. No known inherent problems.

That said, keep a few things in mind for an entry-level driver. It looks like a throwback American muscle car and the urge to drive it that way is strong. After a point, any car can get you in trouble if you drive it "like you stole it." It is also rear-wheel drive. The traction control works very well, and you have to REALLY be driving it to the limit to get yourself in trouble, but my guess is your family member's driving classes were in front-wheel drive cars so it would be a new experience. If you're in a climate that sees snow, I'd suggest dedicated snow tires. They're not expensive and will greatly help keep him/her out of trouble.

I'd highly recommend the car itself, as long as you don't have a maniac driver on your hands.

Answer 5

If you buy a Mustang, buy the v8. If you are buying a v6, get a Hyundai Tiberon, and save a few grand. Personally, for a new driver I wouldn't buy them a sports car. I'd buy them the biggest beast I could find for a thousand and let them beat on it for a few years. The insurance will be easier to deal with, and which would you rather they have their first accident in, a Buick Roadmaster or a Honda Civic?

Answer 6

you shouldn't buy a brand new driver a brand new car. it makes no sense to give them a new car to crash or tear up. Especially a rear wheel driver "muscle car" if you can even call a v6 mustang a muscle car
But, I would suggest a VW Gti or VW Jetta Gli. Both are 200hp and 207lbs of torque. 2.0liter turbos. Both are very safe cars. The jetta comes with side curtain airbags standard.
And you will get a lot better gas mileage out of these than the mustang

Answer 7

i think of it fairly is a large selection. It has the muscle automobile seem yet a actual good deal to insure andcontinual with that V6 engine. in case you % it to look greater aggressive you may consistently kick it up with a production unit spoiler(if it would not comprise one) aftermarket wheels and a few painted on stripping. do exactly not bypass overboard with bolt on upload-ons and your 'Stang will seem large. My purely concern with the hot Mustang is the tiny returned seat. your human beings will hate you while you are the only employing.

Answer 8

Put $22K of that money in a 2 year CD. Buy the kid a $1K beater to get around and get some miles under their belt. Then in 2009 go get a car.

Answer 9

Insurance for an entry level driver will be high no matter what he drives, Id imagine a Mustang would cost more to insure than say a Focus.

Answer 10

well, if you plan on giving any mustang to an inexperienced driver your crazy! They handle for crap in any wet or slippery weather and have a narrow wheel base and can even spin out on turns quite easily if taken to quickly.
Buy them something that is sporty but is still front wheel drive so it handles well.No un experienced drive should drive a rear wheel driven car as their only means of transportation.Too many cars on the road and too many possibilities for risks of an accident with that kind of car.Also insurance companies have higher rates for those kind of cars even for experienced older drivers.

I suggest finding a Japanese front wheel drive car.They have many models out there and alot of them are priced good for what they are.Also all of them are front wheel drive.