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#1
10-04-2014, 09:56 AM
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OT: Another Car thread...1st Car for Teenage Drivers?
I have two teenage kids, a daughter and son, who will be new drivers in the next year. Because of family transportation demands and logistics, my wife and I have been thinking about a third family vehicle, primarily for the kids to use. Our criteria for this vehicle are; used, safe, reliable, easy to drive/maneuver. We live in the Boulder, CO area, so winter driving is a consideration. Finally, because they seem so plentiful in this area, Subaru is a brand on the top of our list...Outback, Forrester, or Crosstrek. Budget is around $6Kish. Open to other suggestions. Advice from those who have bravely gone there before us? If we go with a Subaru, are there any specific years to avoid? I have heard rumors about head gasket issues with certain years, but am personally not familiar. Thanks in advance.
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#2
10-04-2014, 10:00 AM
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if gas mileage is not a huge concern i can recommend an older jeep cherokee or grand cherokee with the inline-6 engine. these drivetrains are pretty bulletproof and the cars are pretty safe and reliable. best is that parts are hugely available and cheap for these things because they are american and thousands and thousands of them on the road.
teen drivers WILL hit stuff, have minor accidents, etc. jeep bumpers can be had in any junk yard in america by the dozens, and a rebuilt starter costs about 30 bucks and can be changed in your driveway in 10 minutes with simple hand tools. they're heavy vehicles that are excellent in the snow.
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http://less-than-epic.blogspot.com/
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#3
10-04-2014, 10:12 AM
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I guess the age old tradition of them getting a car when they can buy,fuel and insure one is not on the table? I am always amazed when driving by High Schools these days. Is it really now an expectation that parents buy their kids cars? Think of all the POS cars that used to be in the lot because it was that or walk/bus.
And Boulder area has the RTD which is a huge advantage over many areas. Are the kids skier/boarders? If not a fwd w/snows is going to be cheaper and get better mpg. The front range is not that bad IF you won't be heading up into the canyons. First choice here is older Honda for sure. Subie is fine but with the age and mileage likely on a 6k example costs can mount up plus low 20's is all you'll see for milage.
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#6
10-04-2014, 10:28 AM
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Good suggestions...
AngryScientist: Getting a used Jeep is a good is on my radar...as a father, I like the idea of a bigger vehicle for safety concerns. Heard a ER doc during a TED talk, say based on his experience, to keep new drivers out of the ER, let them drive big, ugly, slow, SUVs....from a safety perspective. WitcombUSA: I hear you regarding giving the kids too much too soon. Both my wife and I came from large families and neither of us had our own cars until we purchased them ourselves, after we were out of college and gainfully employed. We are wrestling with the dedicated kid-car thing. However, we both work and both kids are on top competitive soccer teams. As a result, my wife and I are constantly driving to practices, games, etc. The kids are using RTD now to get to school some days, some practices after school and get home and that is working for the most part, but after a long day of school, practice, and the RTD bus ride home and two transfers, it gets pretty late. Re: FWD vs. AWD....I am completely fine with FWD and snows. As for going up to the mountains by themselves, I don't see that happening. If they're going to ski, they're going with their Dad...I'll drive. Lots to think about.
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#8
10-04-2014, 10:33 AM
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most reliable car I ever owned was a 98 honda accord I had that thing for 5 years and never spent a dime on it. It was slow and safe.
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#9
10-04-2014, 10:53 AM
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For both teenage boys and girls in the northeast, Jeeps seem to be the car of choice.
I'd wait until after your son and daughter get their license. It is a lot of fun to go test driving cars with them . . .
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#10
10-04-2014, 10:58 AM
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Another good option would be a wrangler, they are slow and actually pretty safe. Bullet proof as well. Plus you can say its a fun car for you and just let them drive it.
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#11
10-04-2014, 11:05 AM
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I know more than one kid who rolled his Jeep back in high school. Roll over is definitely a concern. There are also many other aspects of safety than being surrounded by as much metal as possible. Plus 10MPG on a high schooler's budget? I wouldn't go that route, personally.
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#13
10-04-2014, 11:20 AM
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Bought my daughter a 1999 Toyota Camry 4 cylinder. This was back in 2005 and it had 41,000 miles on it. Kinda like a 'new' old car. Just routine maintenance, and one starter replaced in 10 years. It had developed an oil leak that was getting a bit worse (this was after the last timing belt replacement). It also needed struts and new tires(again). Finally, the driver's window motor gave out. So instead of spending another $1500 on it. We traded for a Toyota Rav4 just about 6 weeks ago.
My .02-- Get something 'older', but reliable -- that gets good gas mileage and is not likely to get'em into a road race or driving off in a ravine trying to learn to use '4WD'. This will save insurance costs. Oh, and, that little car had 169,000 miles on it when we traded. Purchased for $8,000. Trade in value was $2500. Not bad for 10 yrs of driving. Mike in AR 
__________________
2013 Serotta Fondo Ti w/Enve fork
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#14
10-04-2014, 11:21 AM
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this topic was recently covered on motor week on pbs. here is link for helpful info:
http://www.iihs.org/iihs/news/deskto...he-safest-ones
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ILLEGITIMUS NON CARBORUNDUM ''Don't Let The Bastards Grind You Down''
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#15
10-04-2014, 11:22 AM
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Quote:
To the Original poster, Volvo 240(sedan or wagon). Safe and relatively inexpensive/easy to work on.
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