What is a good first car for a high school senior?

Answer 1

Depends on much you want to spend. Do you want a new car or a used car? Is your priority safety or do you want a car the senior can afford to fix his/her self?

As far as domestic cars go Ford is the most expensive to fix, followed by Chrysler, and GM. I would never give my senior a Ford unless it was a classic and I got a really good deal, Ford parts are almost twice as much as GM.

Imports are even worse. Honda & Toyota are among: 1) the most stolen car and 2) the most expensive to fix. It also takes twice as long to get parts for imports compared to domestic vehicles. Companies like Kia and Isuzu make cars relatively inexpensive, however, if you are in an accident your car will likely total...even if it's new. If the car is financed and you don't have gap insurance you will have to pay out-of-pocket for what difference is owed after the insurance company pays fair market value for your new car.

If the senior is college bound (and unless you are independently wealthy) I would think seriously about a GM vehicle. They get decent gas mileage and are relatively inexpensive to fix compared to the other models out there.

If safety is a priority I would look at getting a used Volvo (before they were bought out by Ford). They have the highest crash test rating of any vehicle in it's class and if you need parts you can generally find what you need at the local wrecking yard. My friend had a Volvo when we were Seniors and that thing could take a beating. She had it the entire time she was in college and drove it until it died five years later.

Have fun car shopping!!

PS If you buy a used car make sure you have it inspected by a mechanic you trust before making the purchase. I knew this girl who bought a 1990 Caddy from a used car lot and when she was in an accident not only did the car total because of prior hidden damage, but it was also stolen!! Have the VIN and registration also checked. I recommend taking it to a body shop to have them look for prior damage.

Answer 2

A lot of kids at my school are getting hondas or hybrids and they seem to be fine with them. Another good one is a really simple truck (toyota is what I see a lot) because you don't have the problem of the kid overloading the car with friends since there usually aren't many seats and if you get the most basic model (besides being cheaper!) there aren't many buttons or cd discs to get distracted with--just the basic neccessities!

Answer 3

A 10 year old 4-door car will keep them away from trouble, hopefully.

Answer 4

A Ford Escort

Answer 5

Me..individually.. i think of classic hars are HOTTTT. a number of the others could be quicker, like the STI or the 350Z..however the Camaro is a lot rapid for me...and that i like the look and nostalgia of it. i might elect that.