2007-02-04 12:30:26 · 14 answers · asked by Pro challenger 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Buying & Selling
I know some of these answers aren't going the way you thought they were, but a couple of the people on here are right.
I was hell on wheels when I was that age.
Get them something reliable but SLOW. Leave the Mustang and used Corvettes at the dealership. We're talking Honda Civic here...
2007-02-04 18:27:19 · answer #1 · answered by rob1963man 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A base Subaru Legacy, Forester or Impreza would be good. Very, VERY safe in a crash, good handling, not too fast.
Volvo or Saab for the same reasons.
Any low-end Japanese car in non-performance trim, though safety will be merely good rather than great. Especially the Corolla/Matrix/Pontiac Vibe, the Accord, and the Camry.
If you live in a rural area or someplace they won't do a lot of stop-and-go driving, Ford Crown Vic/Mercury Grand Marquis/Lincoln Towncar are decent choices. (City mileage is horrible) The mid 90s T-bird/Cougar would be okay (same powertrain) but it's pushing it on performance. No V6 RWD Fords, those engines are terrible.
You really can't go wrong with any of these cars in decent shape.
SUVs are a bad idea, due to their handling limits being much lower. Anything with an assload of power is a bad idea both for insurance reasons, and because power makes it easier to exceed the limits.
2007-02-04 21:06:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Go with something reliable, that will not break down and leave them stranded. Do not let them have a sports car. Teen agers are known to be irresponsible and giving them a car with to much power is reckless, My first car was a Ford Escort. It wasn't an old rusted out bad looking car but a reliable, nice car. Also i recomend doing what my parents did which was pay the down payment and help get the car but make them get a PT job to make the payments. A good way to teach money management.
2007-02-04 20:41:21 · answer #3 · answered by lola 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Something that looks fast but really is slow.
A 16-year old usually just wants to look cool in the car. A used Civic or Focus with some wheels and tires.
2007-02-04 23:05:02 · answer #4 · answered by eaglefox200 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
a 90s 3 cyclinder Geo metro.. 16 year olds shouldnt have cars IMO.. and luckily California has pretty much woken up to that fact.. 16 YO's can only get provision permitts here starting this year until they are 18.. and they MUST take driving courses.. No full license here any more until 18..
Now if we could just get the 80 somthings off the road (thats comming i'll bet)
2007-02-04 22:06:48 · answer #5 · answered by darchangel_3 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I second what Ernmond W. said about 16 Yr. old driving...We actually made our son wait until he was 17+ before he got his license. He was much more prepared and mature after just one year. If you are bent on getting a vehicle I recommend the Honda CRV models from 1998 - Now. We have owned a 1998 for several years and passed it down to my son...He loves it for its cool factor & it is very dependable. Good Luck
2007-02-04 20:58:38 · answer #6 · answered by B C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Something large so they will survive the accidents they may be involved in. I suggest a REAR wheel version of any of these models: Chevrolet Caprice Classic, Oldmobile Delta 88, Buick LeSabre, Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis. Why rear wheel drive? Cheaper to repair and maintain than front wheel drive, plus, structurally, the cars are full perimeter frame, thus stronger. These models will also be CHEAP to insure and purchase. Your kid may hate it because it has zero cool factor. Remind your kid that it beats walking.
2007-02-05 16:38:16 · answer #7 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If money is not a big issue Toyota or Subaru is fine. If money is an issue get a Dodge Stratus.
Safe (that was their beg selling point), reliable (Chrysler has come a long way), and relatively cheap.
I think it is a smart call to buy a teen a car. They need to get experience and I don't want my kids getting their driving experience when they drive off to college. I'd rather have them building that experience driving around the neighborhood and on familiar local roads.
2007-02-05 00:29:34 · answer #8 · answered by David G 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you have to buy a car for a 16 year old, a Toyota Corolla would be good. They are safe cars with good gas mileage and small and easy to handle for new drivers. I have one and really lilke it.
2007-02-04 20:39:30 · answer #9 · answered by Stareyes 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
probably the best car will be one that he/she will have to keep up themselves this will teach them the value of a dollar and that if they abuse the car they will wind up walking. 2series Volvo's are inexpensive and still reliable at high mileages most were well maintained and these are safe cars
2007-02-04 20:40:50 · answer #10 · answered by hobbabob 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋