I need help on good starter cars for a teenager!!!?

Question

I asked the question "Is a 1958 VW bus a good starter car for a teenager????" I got alot of answers telling me a VW bus was not such a good idea. (thank you by the way)
My daughter has wanted a VW bus since she was 10 years old and 6 years later, she has not changed her mind. She has her heart set on one and does not want anything else. She is very responsible but after hearing all these peoples opinions, I dont think it is the right car for her. DOES ANYBODY KNOW OF A GOOD CAR THAT SHE WILL LIKE BUT IS ALSO SAFE AND RELIABLE??

Answer 1

You may think I'm weird, but the first car I ever had was a 1990 Lincoln Town Car. I know these things are land yachts; however, they are one of the safest cars on the market with a very high rating on rollover resistance. As far as being in an accident is concerned, the front and rear of the car has crumple points installed to where the occupants, given they are wearing safety belts, are not seriously injured with the combination of the airbag safety system. The cost of a well-equipped used Town Car ranges from around four to five thousand (for the 93-97 models) newer models are higher in price. Most Town Cars are very reliable. I have had my 1990 for a few years and the only problems I have had are the thermostat going out and the water pump bearings wearing out and the alternator; however, this is almost an eighteen old car I'm talking about here.

Most people state that a Honda Accord or some other similar car is a good starter car; however, I was not attracted to Hondas when I was a little one. I had always wanted a Town Car, and since they are very safe cars, I got one. There is one downside and that could be the gas problem. Most Town Cars are successful in getting over 20 miles per gallon. Mine averages around 22 miles per gallon; however, most of my driving is on country roads where the speed limits are set around 50 MPH, which is my car's "sweet spot" of fuel economy.

Overall, I would say that the Town Car is one of the safer cars on the market since there is more interior there to protect a person. It may not be a Ford Mustang, but it does get one from point A to point B, and to top it all off... it is a nice looking vehicle. Many people have complimented me on mine.

Answer 2

I think she's in love with the cute little body shape of the VW. The downside is parts availability and relative pricing. If you folks could spring for a later model VW with a water cooled motor you'd be way ahead of the game.

Please understand the older ones were all standard transmission models. She's got to realize that shell be living with clutching and shifting all the time. I worked with a sign painter who had one and the inside heat in cool weather is a big minus.

If you live in northern climates and need to fight nasty snowy weather they are a hand-full without dedicated (studded) snow tires.

Personally I've had very reasonable luck with the Mercury Sable and Ford Tauaus. We have owned five in the past 18 yrs. They are a very predictable handling car and do exceptionally well in either rain or snow providing you choose a good solid all season tire. I have suggestions in that area also.

Your safer with more steel around you. If you'd have listed your price range I could make some open minded suggestions. I'm not married to Fords by a long shot. My wife has an 04 Camry which we have has zero trouble with. My heart bleeds Chevrolet red and I'm waiting around for the new Camaro.

The Pontiac G6 is a nice sized car as well as the smaller Buick's. I suppose the Impala is too big but it's an idea.

No matter what off-shore car you buy parts are going to be expensive and most of the time very hard to find.

Answer 3

I jsut submitted an answer for your other question so let me answer this one ; ). I got a '67 karmann ghia coupe for my first car, installed four point safety harnesses and a 356 porsche engine w/ a weber 32/36 DI carburater and i honestly say i couldn't be happier. KG's run and are easy to fix, period with the harness its very safe (i can hardly move while driving) it's a fun car and very unique gets great mileage and in my humble opinion if she's been set on a VW bus for so long it seems that she may be going for a classic look and something that sticks out and quite frankly that's what the ghia specializes in. They are very affordable, got mine in near-cherry for $3200 and with the new engine and carb i ended up spending 8000 for what is essentially a brand new car

Answer 4

When I first started driving I had a honda accord of course this was in 1999-2000. Now days i would say anything great on gas. Going back and fourth to school should not use a lot of gas but if shes working shes probably not making that much so it saves her some money or you for that matter. Something with airbags. I would say stuff like a hyundi accent toyota puris something she can have for a while and go to collage with.

Answer 5

Do not get her an older VW unless she's prepared to spend lots of time and money on it.

I've had great luck with Ford Escorts and later model VW Jettas. Both run for at least 200k miles. Escorts are cute and cheap to fix and insure. Both get around 30 mpg in town. Both are safe. The Escort is consistently ranked as one of the best used cars out there.

Answer 6

Something along the lines of a Honda Fit. All car companies have their own version. They are cheap, fun and easy to drive, get great gas mileage (30-34 mpg), and are safe.

I don't know how long some of these cars have been on the market so I wouldn't know about used car prices.

Answer 7

a twin of a 4 door civic interior the eyes of a sparkling teen driving force probably is that it isnt the best automobile, yet then back they extra powerful take excitement in what they get regardless. he/she could probably like a hatchback extra powerful, you will get an Si sort thats a splash swifter than the different recommendations.. those automobiles are VERY easy, and dont supply mush collision secure practices for human beings interior the automobile.. and if your teen is like maximum teen drivers, quite boys, they'll probably make some "errors" with their first motor vehicle. it in simple terms occurs. so in different words, no longer the main secure automobile. as a ways because of the fact the seatbelt concern, the automobile seatbelt whilst used top is as secure as any, yet keep in mind that vehicle seatbelts basically administration the suitable 0.5 of the belt, leaving the alternative of attatching or detatching the lap area of the belt, and polce officers wont be waiting to enforce that(because of the fact it is not seen to them)... which to an irresponsible teen who hasnt discovered distinctive the existence training that older human beings have, won't be an determination u want to bypass away of their palms... yet then back, a seatbelt can fairly be bumped off in any automobile. One good ingredient approximately honda seatbelt matters, is that if something ever breaks, or jams, or is going incorrect with the seatbelt mechanism, you may take it in to ANY broking and function it fastened for loose. All hondas comprise a life-time guarantee, no rely what share sources vendors, or what the automobile has long surpassed by way of. in simple terms carry it in and get it fastened no questions asked.... wish this helps on your determination, i keep in mind those days, ultimate days of my existence.. good success!

Answer 8

Buy her some kind of huge car built like a tank. Teenagers get in more accidents by statistic than any other age group.
Protect her.

Answer 9

The bus is not the best starter car unless you plan on paying top dollar for a nicley restored one, if not plan on multiple breakdowns and possible fender benders. Your best bet for her first year is a 98 or newer cheap reliable car like a Hyudia or Saturn.

Answer 10

A good starter car? Definitely a mid-size vehicle or a small truck.