Wants (in some semblance of priority):
< $20k...$15k is sweet spot
manual
non-astronomical maintenance costs
decent safety
reasonably fun to drive
reliable enough not to be breaking down all the time
sporty, but not dangerously so - 200hp or less
2 door a plus


Cars we've already considered -

GTI - I had one and think it might be a little too fast for a 16 y/o boy. He's pretty high on it though
Scion TC (16 y/o kid likes it...sounds like it drives like shit though, and visibility looking outside sucks)
Civic Si - Kid doesn't like the styling. I like the idea of having to work hard to go fast
Volvo S40 - Front runner currently, since it's uber safe and the kid likes it. Not sure how much fun it is or how reliable.
3 series - Not really considering due to maintenance costs paired with what the mileage will look like for a $15k 3 series
RSX/TSX -Seems like a pretty solid choice
A4 - Too expensive

What else should we consider?

7/12/2012 12:59:53 PM

volvo

7/12/2012 1:42:58 PM

Surely you mean $2k

7/12/2012 1:43:16 PM

let's begin with more questions, is/does/has the kid:

- ever driven a car before? if so, how much?
- a car guy?
- any bit mechanically inclined?
- know the difference b/t handling dynamics of fwd vs. rwd?
- know what 'sporty' actually means?


ultimately, is kid or parents making decision?

7/12/2012 1:43:38 PM

Veloster
Mustang
Mini Cooper

7/12/2012 1:44:00 PM

you probably shouldn't pick something that's too "fun to drive" for a 16 year old... he might end up on the news

just throwing that out there

7/12/2012 1:52:19 PM

(all of these at a year or two old)
-Hyundai Veloster (new enough that finding one at 15k is probably a no-go but under 20 is doable)
-Kia Forte Koup SX
-Mazda 3 (i with skyactiv or the 2.5s, the pre-skyactiv i was pretty slow)
-Volvo C30 (more like 3-4 years old)
-Subaru Impreza (non-WRX)
-Miata (if he is secure enough in his manhood to ignore people calling it a girl car. Might be a lot to ask of a high school kid)

Of the ones you listed, I also think the GTI might be a bit too much car for a 16 year old. Depending on his driving habits, the Civic Si could be in the same boat, though as you said you have to work it harder to keep it in the powerband. That could be good or bad--could promote skill or could promote over-agressiveness. S40 could be a good choice but I wouldn't expect much fun out of it. Maybe the T5. Can you get those with a manual? RSX might be ideal if you can find one that isn't super high mileage since they went out of production in I think '09.

[Edited on July 12, 2012 at 1:57 PM. Reason : e]

7/12/2012 1:56:31 PM

I'll go ahead and throw this out there....



1990 F150, 4-speed, i6.

drive that sum-bitch for a month and you'll be a manly driver.

7/12/2012 2:07:18 PM

^^^RSX went out of production in 2006.

1996-2000 Honda Civic or 2002-2006 RSX

[Edited on July 12, 2012 at 2:11 PM. Reason : k]

7/12/2012 2:10:59 PM

Surely you mean $2k

7/12/2012 2:15:35 PM

1970s 911 Turbo


Or maybe an AP1 S2000 or an MR2 Turbo

Or hell, how about my Z06? I know it has stability control, but it can easily be switched off for the young man to learn the ropes.

7/12/2012 2:21:18 PM

ITT we find out Duke wants 16 y/o boys to kill themselves in fiery wrecks.

7/12/2012 2:35:46 PM

my first car was a 1994 probe GT i bought myself in 1998 for $4200 (i think)

i didn't have a single problem with it until 2001 when it was totaled (not my fault)...geico gave me $4100 for it

[Edited on July 12, 2012 at 2:40 PM. Reason : price was somewhere around there and i got $100 less than i paid 3 years later]

7/12/2012 2:40:01 PM

'01 taurus

7/12/2012 4:02:07 PM

civic.

because I don't want no 16 yo hitting me with a jap rocket

7/12/2012 4:17:51 PM

Quote :

"you probably shouldn't pick something that's too "fun to drive" for a 16 year old... he might end up on the news"

Yeah we're trying to walk to line between putting him in a car he can enjoy, but at the same time not putting him in something too dangerous. Problem is those two things are nearly directly proportional

Quote :

"- ever driven a car before? if so, how much? - a car guy? - No...but probably will turn into one at some point - any bit mechanically inclined? - Naw - know the difference b/t handling dynamics of fwd vs. rwd? - No - know what 'sporty' actually means?"

- Not really. He's 16, so appearance of the car is way more important

Quote :

"ultimately, is kid or parents making decision?"

Parents. Kid is allowed to offer input and it's considered.

Quote :

"Or maybe an AP1 S2000 "

Too much car, and too low to the ground/unsafe imo

^^^ Nice. I used to love those cars.

^ Kid has no interest in driving a civic. Parents have no interest in putting him in one.

[Edited on July 12, 2012 at 4:19 PM. Reason : Thanks for the input richthofen]

7/12/2012 4:17:57 PM

put him in a volvo

7/12/2012 4:20:27 PM

That's what I'm leaning towards...and he strangely seems cool with it (without haven driven any of them).

7/12/2012 4:22:36 PM

I had a Mini Cooper (non-S) as my first manual car. Fun to wring out without getting in trouble, great visibility, can take multiple people around but aren't the first choice to drive all the time, great gas mileage, cheap insurance, corners on rails, simple / low maintenance, great visibility, flexible / practical.

A Cooper with S or aftermarket wheels should be perfect and very well within your budget. Plus, girls think they are cool.

Edit: Get him something he can grow into and like. He is going to want to get rid of the Volvo when he realizes it's "uncool" by some standards. The Mini community, aftermarket support, and DIY knowledge base is great too.

[Edited on July 12, 2012 at 4:28 PM. Reason : .]

7/12/2012 4:26:25 PM

Keep your eyes open for a C30. The looks aren't for everyone but I think they're attractive, with a strong design nod to the P1800ES in the hatch/rear styling. ~220 HP and a 6-speed in the T5 version, probably not too much power given that Volvos tend toward the heavy. It's essentially a 3-door version of the S40 when you get down to the details.

7/12/2012 4:30:40 PM

Therefore, miata

7/12/2012 4:34:19 PM

^^^ I think that car is viewed as a chic car, like a bug...so I don't think he'd drive one.

7/12/2012 4:39:19 PM

Quote :

"Edit: Get him something he can grow into and like. He is going to want to get rid of the Volvo when he realizes it's "uncool" by some standards. The Mini community, aftermarket support, and DIY knowledge base is great too. "

puuuuke.

kid's 16. honda accord from the late 90's would be ultimate first car. if he crashes, who gives a shit. insurance is cheap, good fuel economy, and repairs are cheap as well.


and if he wants to go 100+, he will be able to

7/12/2012 4:40:01 PM

Mini Cooper a chick car and a Volvo S40 not?!? Hahaha

Check out this list:
http://jalopnik.com/5426649/jalopniks-best10-cars-of-the-decade/gallery/6

It's the best car on there for the situation, and I can tell you that if you are trying to breed an enthusiast, it will do a much better job than a S40. It's also very safe (I would know). Anyway, any car can be made feminine or masculine by its owner.















Not trying to be a jerk, just saying that Mini does not have to equal chick car, ESPECIALLY when compared to a S40.

7/12/2012 4:52:07 PM

Anything with over 150 hp is more than enough to get him in trouble. Unless you're going to take the time to teach him all there is to know about vehicle handling and safety I would avoid anything moderately powerful.

In the US 64% of Volvo S40's purchased are by women. That is more than any other car.

[Edited on July 12, 2012 at 4:53 PM. Reason : total chick car]

7/12/2012 4:52:43 PM

Should do no better than 0-60 in 7.5 sec, and should have strong understeer characteristics (especially under power). So, fwd or a slow as balls rwd, like a non-terbo (or diesel) volvo 240.

Also chances are it is probably going to get wrecked or mistreated or beat to shit in some capacity, so a 5k price limit would be wise. A car new enough to be reliable and with airbags can be had in this price range.

7/12/2012 5:09:49 PM

oh look mommy and daddy are buying jr a new car to fuck up. buy the little fuck a shit box regal wagon. he is gonna respect it the same way he would a brand new GTI.

help him buy a car and let the kid understand what hard earned money is.

Quote :

"Yeah we're trying "

youre fucking parents for gods sake.

[Edited on July 12, 2012 at 5:29 PM. Reason : p'jjhg]

7/12/2012 5:27:41 PM

s2000 (he cant carry many passengers, may be a good thing)
miata
mazdaspeed 3
dont get a tc, its a bitches car
subaru wrx (not sti) i know a guy with a 2008 or so for sale with ~90k miles for that price range

7/12/2012 6:08:04 PM

^ An s2000 is a terrible choice for a first time driver - no traction control, rwd, very neutral handling. Also, if a GTI is too much car, a WRX/speed3 is definitely too much car even if it doesnt oversteer. Lastly, while a miata is a great car to learn on, get him a car he can drive his friends around in if needed.

Id second a lot of whats in here so far. Ratings for how well I think certain cars fit your criteria (not necessarily what I think of the car):
Cooper - A
Altima Coupe - B+
S40 - B
Golf - A-
TSX - B-
Mazda 3 - B
TC - B+
Impreza - B
Elantra Coupe - B
Civic coupe - A-

[Edited on July 12, 2012 at 7:06 PM. Reason : typing.]

7/12/2012 7:03:21 PM

Quote :

"reliable enough not to be breaking down all the time"

plz to knock off all ze Germanz

7/12/2012 7:12:37 PM

Ah yes, an Impreza is a good choice as well. Relatively slow and benign handling from the AWD drivetrain.

7/12/2012 8:21:26 PM

Quote :

"i know a guy with a 2008 or so for sale with ~90k miles for that price range "

$15k ish for a 90k mile 4 year old car? LOL

7/12/2012 8:57:13 PM

I don't recommend anything nissan, because nissan makes some fucking junk.

7/12/2012 9:04:23 PM

We just got a 2012 Ford Focus hatch and I gotta say for a grocery getter it's a peppy little car. You can get a brand new one for about $18K, decently equipped.

The manual is by far the winning choice for this particular iteration, the DCT for the automatic has had a lot of teething issues.

If you'd like to know more/see mine, let me know.

7/12/2012 9:19:52 PM

Quote :

"1990 F150, 4-speed, i6. drive that sum-bitch for a month and you'll be a manly driver."

Haha, that's almost exactly what I learned to drive on when I was 16! Now I own a '92 F150 5-speed 4x4 with an i6 and the nostalgia is great.

7/12/2012 11:01:57 PM

jetta TDI.

7/12/2012 11:13:02 PM

lexus IS250?

7/13/2012 6:15:49 AM

^ You mean a used 2007 model? Good luck finding one in a manual, especially around $15k. They are quite rare and for a good reason; the transmission is clunky and the flywheel is very, very heavy. I was disappointed with the manual trans setup. Also, the ISx50 series has some front end suspension "issues." Front end is very demanding on brakes and tires, so plan on going through them every 20k miles. Granted, I upgraded the front pads and rotors to EBC red stuff and slotted rotors and they are holding up very well. Should get 60k+ miles out of them. But as for tires, 15k-20k miles... Ask Quinn



[Edited on July 13, 2012 at 6:59 AM. Reason : .]

7/13/2012 6:58:30 AM

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=27604&endYear=2013&modelCode1=GENESISCPE&startYear=1981&makeCode1=HYUND&listingType=used&transmissionCode=MAN&searchRadius=25&listingId=320521433&Log=0

7/13/2012 8:04:49 AM

Quote :

"1990 F150, 4-speed, i6."

My first truck was a 1995 F150 I6, 5-speed, XLT 4x4. 4-low 1st gear would break your neck. Damn I loved that truck.

7/13/2012 8:32:20 AM

Who the hell recommends Bimmers and Lexi for a 16 year old's first car? That's just retarded.

Get him a 4 cylinder 2 door hatchback and be done with it.

7/13/2012 8:34:22 AM

I would get a manual, and would think that the inability to comfortably carry 4 or more people would be a +. I'd want a 2 door hatch if possible. 06+ VW Rabbit may be a good choice. Also, I'm a big fan of the S40 despite it's extra doors.

7/13/2012 9:20:57 AM

My vote would be Prius, Jetta, Acura TSX.
Not sure Prius would be fun to drive but it sure is economical!

[Edited on July 13, 2012 at 11:40 AM. Reason : k]

7/13/2012 11:39:36 AM

I'm not advocating for a BMW, Lexus, or any luxury car. Personally, I think a $2k-$5k "beater" is acceptable, but I'm no parent so what I know is m00t, aside from the fact that my first car was a 1993 Ford Probe SE which I bought for $2k about 7 years ago.

[Edited on July 13, 2012 at 12:27 PM. Reason : .]

7/13/2012 12:26:34 PM

true dat, i never even had a car until I started grad school....then i inherited my mom's 1994 toyota camry...that thing was falling apart...i had to hold the sunroof with one hand while driving since it was loose and i was afraid it would blow off

7/13/2012 12:39:03 PM

since you mentioned a GTI, i'll add some insight.

in 1999-2000 they made a gti (MK4) with the base 2.0 4-cylinder engine. this can be had cheap, visually is a gti, fairly slow (115 hp), fwd, hatchback, 2-door. cheap to maintain and the 8-valve 2.0 is the most reliable engine vw ever made. i've seen them run out of oil and still be fine. great car for a 16 year old. the engine was available in a golf and jetta through 05ish.

in the MK4 chassis, 1.8t is also a great engine, but i would go for a 2003+ model.

a MK4 golf/jetta is going to be decently fun to drive, obviously more fun with the 1.8t (150-180hp depending on the year).

in the MK5, the 2.0t had some issues, especially in the 06-07 model years. crappy pcv, some people report oil slightly higher than normal oil consumption, and the very common high-pressure fuel pump issue (vw extended the warranty on it)

any forced induction vw engine is going to require premium (93 octane) and synthetic oil, which raises the maintenance cost a bit.

we do pre-purchase inspections if you are looking at a VW/Audi.

7/13/2012 1:14:15 PM

A 16 year old should ideally get a $2-$3k beater and learn how to maintain/fix it. He will never appreciate the value of money otherwise. Buy an expensive car and 5-10 years from now you will regret your decision.

[Edited on July 13, 2012 at 1:24 PM. Reason : .]

7/13/2012 1:23:09 PM

Quote :

"I don't recommend anything nissan, because nissan makes some fucking junk. "

my 02 ser sentra with 173k would say otherwise.

7/13/2012 5:08:10 PM

junk.

7/13/2012 5:11:52 PM

600

dolla

shitbox

7/13/2012 5:13:25 PM