New drivers first car... Let's debate

[AndyL]

Well its been an ongoing discussion in my world lately... Curious what you guys think?

What do you put a new driver into as a first vehicle?

I'm firmly in the cheap beater preferably manual with power nothing and no abs or electronic toys. Inadequately powered to get out of its own way. On the small side of midsized range... Worst case it's disposable.

I know there's a lot of people out there who argue its gotta be awd abs, traction controlled, stability controlled and econobox.

And then there's the Friend who says suburban ;) (he argues they'll have to learn to back it up using mirrors and when the first wreck happens - unless it hits a freightliner its gonna win)

I'm kinda stuck on I would rather a new driver learn to drive without aids - because we all know they'll need those ass clenching moments to learn properly (and hopefully learn appropriate speeds for conditions)

What do you guys think and why?

[A790]

Early-2000's Honda Accord. Spacious, reliable, safe, with all the bells/whistles needed for a comfortable ride. :)

[Unknown303]

1983 Dodge Ram 1/2 tonne. 1 wheel drive to keep things interesting in the winter.

[killramos]

VW Golf or GTI if racecar.

Honda Fit also a good option.

Learned to drive on a Fit. My first car was a GTI. Great options.

[Sentry]

Lamborghini Aventador. Or if you're one of them high-falutin tree hugging types, McLaren P1 or Porsche 918.

[btimbit]

eco box POS. Accord, Cavalier, that type of thing

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Civic/Accord/Fit

Cheap to run and repair, good to learn on, still relatively fun chassis.

[max_boost]

The cheaper, the slower, the better. :thumbsup:

[rx7_turbo2]

Mid 80's Mercedes 300d. Big, slow, absolute tank.

[rob the knob]

Originally posted by AndyL


And then there's the Friend who says suburban ;) (he argues they'll have to learn to back it up using mirrors and when the first wreck happens - unless it hits a freightliner its gonna win)



good idea to have you wife or child son daughter murder someone innocent in crash because they are bad driver. bad for all families.

[FixedGear]

Cheap, old, and borderline embarrassing. Builds character.

[ExtraSlow]

Suburban might win, but its occupants will not. Heavier vehicle is not safer.

[rx7_turbo2]

Regardless of make or model, keeping other kids out of the car might be the best way to address the safety aspect.

[Sugarphreak]

....

[corsvette]

Late 90's Malibu/Lumina/Grand Am/Prix. Seriously reliable, good on fuel, and safe.

[InRich]

Go with an Accord.

[redblack]

Beige corolla /thread

[ianmcc]

Ford Focus. Cheap on parts and cheap to run. Make sure it's the Zetec motor and not the SPI POS.

[dubhead]

Originally posted by Unknown303
1983 Dodge Ram 1/2 tonne. 1 wheel drive to keep things interesting in the winter.

My 77 Chev 1/2 tonne that I started on tried to kill me more then once.

[Sentry]

I should mention, my first car was a Geo Metro. Second car was a Pontiac Firefly.

Started from the bottom now we here. :D

[dirtsniffer]

something cheap and reliable. embarrassing is also good. Perfect age to learn some humility.

early 2000's japanese family sedan would be my suggestion.

I had a base 2002 camry with a 5 speed when I was in university. still miss it.

[JordanLotoski]

The deal I have with my son is He will drive my smart car for the next 6 months, then he will give me 10,000 which I will take as a down payment on a new car for him.

I do want to get him something nice as hes a great kid, have a few options in mind

[Sugarphreak]

...

[Proyecto2000]

my first car was a 5 year old Infiniti G20T and the best part was I bought it my damn self... :)

[88CRX]

Honda Fit. Reliable, good visivility, higher seating position, small enough to make it easy to park.

[A790]

Originally posted by 88CRX
Honda Fit. Reliable, good visivility, higher seating position, small enough to make it easy to park.
This is an excellent car, first or not. Great handling, excellent reliability, adequate but not over-the-top power.

Probably one of the best choices for a new driver.

[ianmcc]

Originally posted by Sugarphreak
I had dingo balls around the roof liner.

Dingo balls

https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.rayallen.com/images/uploads/30040-Dingo-Goof-Balls-p.jpg

Dingle balls

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff290/ErykOne/73%20Caprice%20Classic/DSC03644.jpg

[relyt92]

On the same note as the Fit, the Yaris is also quite good I'd say.

[ExtraSlow]

Fuck, now y'all are jelly of my Fit!

[Sentry]

Who wouldn't be?

[Neil4Speed]

I can't believe this hasn't been mentioned yet, whatever car has good safety ratings.

[BokCh0y]

I picked up my son the 96-00 EJ6 Civic SI coupe for his first car. Slow, great on gas, parts are readily available and reliable. He currently has a BB6 Prelude I got another member here.

I personally don't have any issues with buying him a new car, but the way I see it is this:

- Get a car he can work on and get his hands dirty, learn the mechanical side and to be a man.

- I know he'll wrecked shit so the 86-00 Civic is perfect for him as a starter car. And sure shit...he crashed it up while trying to do some winter snow drifting courtesy of the e-brake. Only front fender damage so lucky it was easy to replace.

- Teach him responsibility to take care of his own stuff. If he wants something better he has to show me he's responsible enough for something newer, and he was so he has a Prelude that he's slowly rebuilt as well.

A good cheap car has taught him many new values so far.