Cars for teens...?
 

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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, I'd go for the E36...