Cars for teens...?

[Handlebar]

Based on this report - http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicles-for-teens

Not many good cars for teens and possibly learning to Autocross. I had considered a 944 or 924, but just could not convince myself that those choices are good first car choices, and I really can't imagine selling the idea to my wife.

This summer, I am planning on shopping for a first car for my son. I really want: safe car, manual transmission, a car that is allowed to autocross/learn on track, pretty reliable.

Guessing a budget of $6,000-$10,000.

I am open to ideas or suggestions to start keeping an eye out for.

Thanks for the constructive suggestions.

[Tedzilla]

Got my kid a couple of1980 M-B 240D. He totaled both... Talented child!
67 HP manual trans 3200 lbs of German steel. As important was a couple of courses at BillScott's school at Summit and taking him Autocrossing.
He's 33, I now have a grand kid... Mission accomplished.
You can AX anything and it's fun.

[Windnsea]

A Miata although a tad small to be super practical is a great handling momentum car. Parts aren't terribly expensive.

[mlytle]

any modern toyota/honda sedan. airbags, modern crush zone structure, abs, etc. start with the safety aspect, then any car can be simply modified to be a fun learner for auto-x or PDX events.

[Der ABT]

Vw golf mkiii.....great cars....if you can find a vr6 that was my favorite....did fine in snow with the engine over the wheels...throw in a diff....good autox car...
A 1.8t mkiv wouldn't be bad either.
I started with an 87 300 turbo diesel mercedes...ran it till 450000 plus...odometer broke there

[turbo23dog]

BMW 1992-1998 3 Series (aka E36). Many of these will need some level of neglected maintenance to be done but great driving cars in every respect.

[Uncle ENzo]

E36 BMW. great cars and can handle the abuse. At your price point you should be able to do really well.

[Dr K]

Agree E36 car would be excellent choice (you want air bags and anti-lock brakes), not something older that may be built like a tank but lacking these modern safety features. Great auto-cross and track car. And...there is a Dorki who is likely selling one!!! PM sent.

Peter

[LPM911]

I have both and I'd skip the e36 and go for the e46. You should easily be able to find one within your listed budget. If your budget was half of what you listed, then I'd recommend an e36.

On second thought, if you think they are likely to wreck in their first year (like most teens will), then get an e36 to start...

[Dr K]

I have both and I'd skip the e36 and go for the e46. You should easily be able to find one within your listed budget. If your budget was half of what you listed, then I'd recommend an e36.

On second thought, if you think they are likely to wreck in their first year (like most teens will), then get an e36 to start...

After reading this (http://dorkiphus.net/porsche/showthread.php?t=34112), I'd go for the E36...

[smdubovsky]

E36. Get one w/ low power. A 318 maybe. Or just put a restrictor plate on a 325 :twisted:

[LPM911]

After reading this (http://dorkiphus.net/porsche/showthread.php?t=34112), I'd go for the E36...

Everything in that thread is also applicable to the e36.

[Lupin..the..3rd]

IMO ideal feature set would be large sedan, airbags, ~150 hp, manual. Something like Volvo S80 P23, VW Passat B5, Nissan Altima L31, etc. And with a throw-away price tag, because you know they're going to total it.

[Dandelion]

Ahem...

http://dorkiphus.net/porsche/showthread.php?t=34236

(Yeah, I wouldn't autocross it either, though.)

ed

[Cliff Claven]

audi a4 w/2.8 and can be found in manual. motor is very sound.

[Uncle ENzo]

8k buys a solid E36 M3. I had a 98 and it was bullet proof. Sure it had the usual abs and vanos issues but they are an easy DIY. Why did I sell it? I wish I knew. I would kill to have it back.

[John Clay]

Ahem...

http://dorkiphus.net/porsche/showthread.php?t=34236

(Yeah, I wouldn't autocross it either, though.)

ed

I would.

[blipshift]

Used GTI. Safe, practical, quick but not fast.

[roundel]

I am daily driving an E36 318ti. It is perfect for teens. It has a 4 banger so it is not too fast, but it is plenty fast enough. It is a great little car to throw around an autocross course. Mine gets just under 30 mpg. It is a hatch-back so it is pretty practical. Finally, the cost of entry is low enough that you will have funds left over to go over the mechanical needs of a 20 year old car.

[Handlebar]

I am leaning towards a 3 series. Probably an older one at first, and once he's less likely to kill it, a better car. Then, he and I can learn about what it takes to turn an older 3 series into a track/autoX car...

[BlackTalon]

Thanks for the constructive suggestions.sigh, you had to go and ruin things by including this...

Anywho, 2 things:

1. Check w/ your insurance carrier before pulling the trigger on any car. Chances are a fo' fo' would be $$$$ in insurance for a teen.

2. Tire Rack's Street Survival Teen Driving School. And not just one time, but twice. First time can be in your car if he does not have his own yet. Second time definitely in his own daily driver. Teach him how to truly control a car and avoid being in a wreck; you don't really learn that in regular driving school.

[mlytle]

Everything in that thread is also applicable to the e36.

actually, no, it is not. i have had both. the e46 remains the king of the bmw maintenance nightmares. e36's..no issues besides normal maint.

[mlytle]

2. Tire Rack's Street Survival Teen Driving School. And not just one time, but twice. First time can be in your car if he does not have his own yet. Second time definitely in his own daily driver. Teach him how to truly control a car and avoid being in a wreck; you don't really learn that in regular driving school.

second this motion. I am a street survival instructor. it should be required for all teens.

[SRG]

Does Max Verstappen know he's late for your class?

[Otto]

any low hp two seat car

the number one cause of accidents for the new driver is in car distractions, the fewer people in the car, the better

[Handlebar]

any low hp two seat car

the number one cause of accidents for the new driver is in car distractions, the fewer people in the car, the better

In Virginia, there is a restriction on how many unrelated people a young (under 18) driver can have in the car.

I believe it is one...

[Otto]

lol, and that law is never violated

interesting law however

[BlackTalon]

2-seater cars mean $$$$$$ for teen driving insurance.

[LPM911]

actually, no, it is not. i have had both. the e46 remains the king of the bmw maintenance nightmares. e36's..no issues besides normal maint.

I've got both right now and my experience has been different. All of them have had the normal BMW issues, from there it was regular maintenance stuff. Both e36 and e46 have had some electrical gremlins, so I'd call it a tie.

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend either depending on budget.

[Mister C]

2-seater cars mean $$$$$$ for teen driving insurance.


Not if you buy a 4 -seater and rip the back seats out before giving to your teen.

[blipshift]

Not if you buy a 4 -seater and rip the back seats out before giving to your teen.

I find it hard to believe that an old MR2 or Miata would be anymore to insure than an e36.

[Handlebar]

lol, and that law is never violated

interesting law however

Hey violation of the law like that will be a one and done in my family...

I wonder if having a HANS device and both seats might have other unforeseen benefits as a dad...maybe something that is linked to the ignition or something. If they both are wired in, facing forward, then the car won't work perhaps.

If only I could find a way to make the HANS device stay ON BOTH when the keys are off....

[William Miller]

I just spoke to Peter K yesterday who pointed me to this thread.
My son Chris and daughter Emily both learned to drive (and autox) in a 1997 e36.

We bought it for 6K 5 years ago with 116K on the dial.
For us it was a perfect car for them. Sporty (Fast enough, but not too fast.)
It has had it share of new driver dings, but has easily survived these early life lessons.

Its still a great car.

My son has had it back for the last year or so in Annapolis. He bought a Truck (2500HD Silverado) last week and will be bringing the white car home today to clean it up and get some pictures.

If your around this weekend, you should come and take a drive and see if you agree with what I wrote above. No strings.

Details: 1997 328is coupe Manual transmission. M3 bumper and wheels.
Original Wheels and bumper stored. Also have a set of 4 wheels with snow tires.

Will post pictures later when I get them.

[Handlebar]

Headed to Spring Break. I will catch up on this next weekend, thanks!

[William Miller]

Headed to Spring Break. I will catch up on this next weekend, thanks!

No rush. Not in a hurry.

[catron1]

Just Sayin..

http://www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Renault-5-Le-Car-421.jpeg

[Handlebar]

Thanks, Bill!

http://i.imgur.com/fuuA7ae.jpg

Now, about this third pedal... And I only have two feet...?

[cmartin]

Sweet! I've had 3 e36's now, that looks like a good one. I put a ton of miles on them, would like another one!

[good hands]

Sheesh... parents today...My next door neighbor just surprised his son with a new 40k Toyota Tundra for his 16th birthday ...

Wow the BMW looks perfect for a young driver. Congrats.

[Trak Ratt]

You'd have to really hate your kids to get them one of these :roll: Just Sayin..

http://www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Renault-5-Le-Car-421.jpeg

[William Miller]

Ken, the car served us well and I hope it does the same for you!

2 of ours learned to drive and started auto X with that car.

BTW, did you take it on Sunday? Hope to see some pictures soon!