first car.???

Question

so i will be getting my license in november(im really excited)
but anyways im not sure what kind of car i want.
i was thinking of a mini cooper but how much are they and i dont plan on getting a brand new one i want a used one.
and i really like vw bugs but my dad was telling me there really bad cars and the engine is in the back i really dont know if he was lieing.
but i also like hondas b/c there small and cheap.
so help me out here.
and what other car do you think are cute and affordable

Answer 1

yes the engine is in the rear of the VW bug
less safe especially for a 1st car
Dad wasnt lying

get a midsize car- safer and less expensive for insurance

Answer 2

A Mini Cooper S is quite the go getter. Suprizingly roomie and fast enough for a new driver. I do not know of any newer VW that has the engine int he back of it.

The Honda Civic is an excellant choice. The SE or the newer SI. AFtermarket parts are easily found and a little dressing up can go a long way.

Really knock your dad out and go for an older peice of history and find a mid 60's to early 70's muscle car.

But in reality any small compact can be made to look cute? for little money and is good on gas. Look around and find something you like then do some research. Safety, maintainance, insurance Etc.

Answer 3

Your dad was right 35 years ago. The beetles then had the engine in the back. They're in the front now, at least for the new bugs.

You won't like my answer, but for a new driver, you want something kinda big and underpowered. New drivers get in trouble more, especially guys. They can't seem to keep from going as fast as possible. If I was your dad, I'd probably get a minivan that had a 4 cylinder engine in it. There's a fair amount of vehicle around you, the new driver, so if (or when) you do get in an accident, you've got some protection. The car gets bonus points if it's got side airbags. When my son got his driver's license, I got a new truck, and let him drive my old van. When he was 14, he used to call it "The loser cruiser". When he got a set of keys, he called it "my car".

I'm betting that you don't like my suggestion, but understand this: My goal is not to make you look cute to the guys. My goal is to keep you alive for a couple of years while you learn how to drive better. You'll understand better when your kid gets her license.

Answer 4

I'd recommend checking the same sources your dad is checking. One useful source I'd use is Consumer Reports. They publicize every year their recommendations for the best used and new cars.

He may also be budgeting for the insurance, as it tends to be higher for teen drivers, given their statistical likelihood of being involved in an accident. Recently, a report I heard on the radio mentioned teens add to the risk by being distracted by, I believe, their electronic gadgets. Therefore, be open minded about receiving a car known for safety as well.

Answer 5

i have a mini cooper, and it's my first car, too. mine is new (well, it was when we got it... it's 2006), and with all the extra stuff i got, it came out to about 26 grand i think, which is actually pretty good since it's considered a sports car, and since you want a used one it'll be even cheeper. it's a really easy drive and it's also a fun car, especially for teenagers. it also has great gas mileage (mine goes 32 highway miles per gallon, the newer ones are 36 i think), and it's very safe. overall, it's a great car and possibly an ideal first car, i think.