What do you think about a 1989 Jeep Wrangler as a first vehicle for a teenager?

Question

I live in the midwest, in the country

Answer 1

I'm going to assume that you're asking this question from a safety standpoint. Any vehicle, no matter what it is, is only as as safe as the driver behind the wheel. If you want a safe vehicle for a teenager buy a Volvo. So having said that...

A Jeep Wrangler can be a great first vehicle for the right teenager. It's generally affordable, parts are plentiful, easy to work on, can provide great fun, the Jeep community is generally full of good, supportive people and it can be a safe vehicle in the right hands. In the midwest a Jeep can be very useful, especially in the country as it does very well in the snow, mud etc. But it's not invincible, and neither is the driver, important things for a driver, especially a teen driver, to understand.

There's lots of dicussion about roll-overs and yes, it happens although not as often as people make it out to be, but then teens roll, crash and smash Hondas and Toyotas and Mitsubishis along highways and into immovable objects at high speed everyday so it's not the vehicle as much as it is the driver. An argument could be made that the Jeep has a sport/roll bar that offers much more roll over protection than a sunroof.

Some questions to ask are what kind of driver is the teen, can he or she do their own maintenance, Wranglers are not great on mpg so can he or she afford a low mpg vehicle, what kind of driving will the teen be doing and how often. I know several teens that drive older Wranglers in some of the Jeep clubs I belong to and insurance premiums are in line with other vehicles, teen drivers can get higher costs just because they're teens. If safety is an issue you might also consider a Jeep Cherokee, still 4WD, fun to drive and wheel, and fully enclosed. This is one of those many things that a parent and teen need to discuss openly and honestly.

I would have no problems getting a Jeep for any of my kids and would be comfortable with them driving it. But then, that's my kids and everyone is different.

Hopefully this teen is responsible and mature enough to understand that a Jeep, or any vehicle is not a toy, but 3,500lbs of metal that can do a lot of damage if not used responsibly. Well OK, a Jeep is a great toy...

Answer 2

Jeep Wrangler Safety Ratings

Answer 3

1989 Jeep Wrangler

Answer 4

If the teenager is responsible, and doesn't show off it will be a great first vehicle. However if your the opposite it spells disaster. Jeep Wrangler's are very top heavy especially due to the short narrow wheel base. So care must be used when driving around corners and in bad weather. Other than that they're great vehicles. They will go almost anywhere, and with the 4.0L I6 engine they're very reliable.

Answer 5

I suggest you to try this site where onel can get quotes from different companies: http://COVERAGEQUOTES.NET/index.html?src=2YAygua8nEm2

RE :What do you think about a 1989 Jeep Wrangler as a first vehicle for a teenager?
I live in the midwest, in the country
Follow 10 answers

Answer 6

I think very expencive insurance. One its a soft top, and you can take the doors off, two they have one on the worst role-over ratings ever. Add one and two together plus a teenager and you get a insurance nightmare.

If you are wanting somthing to have a little fun in get a small 4x4 truck, s-10, or tacoma; lift it and throw some 33s on it and you'll have something to compete with and will make the insurance company happy to which meens more gas to play with.

Answer 7

I agree with the first guys answer. I would find something else that would be safer in the long run. Perhaps a 3 year old GMC Canyon or Chev Colorado 4x4. Just a suggestion.

Answer 8

you know your kid better then us and can you trust your teenager in a YJ? If your teenager understands and can respect a Auto and what it can do and how it can hurt you , I dont see a problem in it!! My oldest understands this and I let her have a CJ,YJ,TJ or JK for her first ride!!

They can roll if at high speed and try take a corner, or jerk the wheel, But some one pulls out I hit them in my TJ not taking chance of rolling end over end lol

eD

Answer 9

for a first car no. i remember how i drove my first car and i'm glad it wasn't in my jeep. also, when a jeep rolls, it's like being trapped inside a tin can, and you aren't protected very well.

Answer 10

Short wheelbase, high center of gravity, no side protection, no stability control, cant think of a less safe vehicle for a new driver.