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Smart Shopper Best Car for a new teenage driver
554 messages, Last post on Nov 08, 2009 at 7:33 PM
You are in the Smart Shopper Forum. Your Hosts are kirstie_h & tidester
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Replying to: Ambz00 (Jan 30, 2009 11:33 pm) Hopefully you came back to check the replies these nice people gave you to your question. My recommendations would be to check out used Mazda 3's\Proteges, Ford Focuses, and as already mention the Pontiac Vibe. I know you said your budget was $20k, but being still in college I would hope you would keep it under $10k. |
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Replying to: Ambz00 (Jan 30, 2009 11:33 pm) A used Impreza isn't a bad idea, although for $20K you could probably buy a NEW Impreza. (not that I would recommend it, just that you could) What about a Nissan Altima? Depreciates quicker than the Accord (so you pay less for it... a used Accord will cost you an arm and a leg) but it's not as boring as a Camry. Reliability of some years were a bit iffy, but I would venture to say that the '03, '04, '06 and '07+ models were generally reliable, according to CR. I would also look into the Pontiac Vibe and Mazda Protege5, as others have already mentioned. |
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Replying to: Ambz00 (Jan 30, 2009 11:33 pm) It would be better if you considered your individual "needs" rather than your "wants". If you're tall, that will affect your choice for headroom and legroom. Do you need to transport a bike or kayak on the roof? Then you'd need roofracks, decent factory rails, or a fit for aftermarket racks (see Yakima.com for "fit my car"). Do you need to parallel park on the steet? Drive in the snow or offroad? Focus on actual needs and intended use and that will narrow it down greatly. |
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2005 Used Ford Mustang Coupe, Blue, 4.0L V6, AUTO, 2 door, Stock# 116480 Dealer: Avon Auto Brokers 877-462-0291 $12,995 4,314 mi Avon, MA |
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Replying to: euphonium (Feb 25, 2009 12:11 pm) Well, it would sure appeal to a teen. I don't know about safe though. The 4.0L 2005 Mustang has 210hp, plenty of muscle to get in trouble if you're trying to live up to the "Mustang image" with your friends. I've driven that trim level Mustang and was not real impressed with it's higher speed handling (it doesn't compare to the GT). I'm also going to break with the crowd on their opinion of Chryslers. Get a low milage Plymouth Acclaim (produced until 1995) with 100hp for a few grand. Some of those K car derivatives were surprisingly robust and cheap to fix. |
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Replying to: oldfarmer50 (Feb 25, 2009 3:30 pm) (I had one. Functional is the nicest thing I could say about it.)
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Replying to: oldfarmer50 (Feb 25, 2009 3:30 pm)
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Replying to: kirstie_h (Feb 26, 2009 11:37 am) Wow, that's some talk from a person who's SO drives a CHRYSLER.  Actually, your comments reflect the different perspectives of age. I identify with the OP who I assume is a parent. I'm thinking how to keep the teen out of trouble, safe etc. You as a younger person (if your profile pictures are to be believed) identify with the teen. You're thinking, how could this car be used to get the kid a date. That aspect of it didn't occur to me. God, I feel old.  How's this as a compromise, get the teen the Mustang but remove 3 of the spark plugs? 
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Replying to: euphonium (Feb 26, 2009 12:34 pm) How about "Youth will out"? |
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Replying to: oldfarmer50 (Feb 26, 2009 4:42 pm) He is a very lucky man. He's fortunate that I overlook the Chrysler. You as a younger person (if your profile pictures are to be believed) identify with the teen. You're thinking, how could this car be used to get the kid a date. That aspect of it didn't occur to me. I'm over 40 and my kids are 19, 17, and 15. I think you mis-interpreted (due to my lack of clarity) my post. Since my only daughter is 17, I am constantly thinking of ways for her NOT to get a date! I actually prefer the car that doesn't make all of her friends just HAVE to ride in it (too much distraction). I prefer reasonably safe and low-cost to me.
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