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.

[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.