What kind of car should I buy for my Teen son?

[Audrey C]

Hello, I am going to buy a car for my almost 16 yr old son for around $4,000. What is a good used reliable and safe car in my price range? HELP!

[MagicRat]

Look up carsurvey.org for reviews on any particular model that catches your eye.

Imo, if your son has no particular interest in cars, get him the best condition, lowest mileage Toyota or Honda that you can afford.

If your son is interested.... ask him what he would like. I have found that teenagers are more likely to care for; and less likely to damage/abuse/crash a car in which they take pride and joy.

Also, contact your insurance agent/broker and get a quote before you actually buy a car. Some cars cost much more to insure than others.

Finally, imo, the best deal in a used car is not actually a car at all, but a compact (not full-size) pick-up truck, like the Chevy S-10, Ford Ranger, etc. Extended cab models are best.
These things are inexpensive to buy used, quite reliable, cheap to insure, relatively good on gas, relatively safe and very useful.

[jaimysessanna]

Personally, I think you should purchase your son a Buick LeSabre.

Why.... I'll answer it in 5 statements.

1. Class - I'm still driving the same car I did in high school, a 1994 Buick LeSabre Limited. My friends would pick on each other about their automobiles and poke back and forth, but I wasn't ever the but of any jokes or any rude comments. In my opinion, I've always felt that the LeSabre was respected. Sure I got the comments of "what a grandma/grandpa's car, but as soon as someone got into it, they were very impressed. Excellent interior, electronic climate control, power seats. And the seats themselves were very, very comfortable. The LeSabre is just a classy car, they look very good in my opinion and they have a lot of room.

2. Reliability - 3800 V6, The engine in the LeSabre is the Series I GM 3800 V6. To say that this engine is unreliable is probably farthest from the truth. My LeSabre has 202,981 miles on it right now, and it'll fire right up and take any beating I give it. The engine products 165 hp and around 230 ft-lbs of torque (I believe). It's a very economical engine averaging a combined mileage of 22-25 mpg. The engine has plenty of get up and go. Easily have I been able to destroy stock Honda's and Toyota's. Maybe not a turbo, but stock. A 0-60 will produce about 8 seconds or better. If you change your oil regularly and keep up with the car mechanically, it will easily go for years upon years. I have a friend with over 300k on the clock of his LeSabre.

3. Size - While the LeSabre is a full size FWD car, it handles very well and in my opinion "turns on a dime". I have never had an issue cornering the car in any tight spots or getting out of someone else's bad parking judgement. With the ability to seat 5 adults comfortably, you wouldn't have to worry about your passengers being uncomfortable. The trunk easily swallows TONS of luggage. Picking up relatives from the airport has always been a specialty of my 94.

4. Safety - The LeSabre is a full size FWD car, and it is safe. The car itself is built like tank and airbags come standard.

5. Price - You should be able to pick up a good condition used LeSabre for about $2,000. For $4,000 you should be able to pick up an almost MINT condition 1994-2002 LeSabre.

I know this sounds biased to the LeSabre on account of myself owning one, but out of all honesty, they're just a great car. My father has always owned big cars, and in my opinion, a LeSabre is a man's car.

I live south of Buffalo, I have a great set of Bridgestone Blizzak WS-50's on my car currently. If you equip a LeSabre with a good set of snows, they're instantly a great winter car. Since they're FWD and they weigh a good amount, they make a great tank in the winter.

Tell you son about this and see what he thinks.

BTW: the ladies always loved the classy car, many of times I was the driver with a buddy or two and a couple of beautiful ladies in the back

[jaimysessanna]

As MagicRat said too, S10's are great vehicles. Having a bed to haul stuff is always a plus.

[danielsatur]

We bought our daughter a retired 2000 Ford Taurus FBI car with a blue blocker sticker!
It's the same type of car, that she was trained in at school, and there's a graveyard of used cheap parts.

[passtest]

After you buy a car, you need to know about traffic rule and need driving license. you must pass driving theory test

[Shpuker]

Originally Posted by danielsatur

We bought our daughter a retired 2000 Ford Taurus FBI car with a blue blocker sticker!
It's the same type of car, that she was trained in at school, and there's a graveyard of used cheap parts.

Yea but the running miles on the car are much higher than a car with similar clocked miles. (not as extreme as an ordinary police cruiser but still more than normal)

[akboss]

If Jeremy Clarkson had anything to say, it would be to get a Volvo Estate Wagon!

[The Good Doctor]

Originally Posted by MagicRat

Imo, if your son has no particular interest in cars, get him the best condition, lowest mileage Toyota or Honda that you can afford.

i agree. cheap, reliable & safe.

[Blondambition]

I have four children, and my last is turning 13 in March. We bought large, safe, insurance-friendly vehicles for the other three- the Buick LeSabre is actually a good suggestion from the poster above, it actually was MY first car as a teen! As long as the car is not TOO old (must have airbags, etc.) you can get a great deal in the 4,000.00 range. If you want to go a little higher, we helped our 19 year old son buy a Mercury Cougar anniversary edition 2002. It was very low miles, but still a sporty car, he put his own MP3 player in it and was happy. Another car we looked at but didn't buy was in the Mitsubishi line, an older model Galant that will run forever. Harder to find but a nice sporty older model in your price range is the Mitsubishi Starion. I had one years ago, awesome sporty car! Good luck!