Help needed in car choice for teenage son

[arlene22 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close arlene22]

My 2 cents: I drive a Hoda Pilot and I really don't like the way it handles in the snow/ice. The best car I ever had in snow/ice was my first car, which was a Saturn. It didn't have 4wd, but I never skidded in that car. My sister used to borrow it from me whenever she had to go out in a snowstorm (she's a visiting nurse).

[mpizza Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close mpizza]

My 16-year old son has his heart set on buying a 10 year old Dodge Ram from one of the fireman on his squad (he's a Jr. Firefighter). He has enough money saved to buy it outright.

I can't see why he needs a huge truck w/cab. When we discussed the cost of gas (we will cover insurance and major repairs while he's still in school), he said that's why he works. They have an answer for everything, don't they ?

I had my two older daughters' cars in their own names with separate insurance policies. I felt it important that they realized the cost involved and that owning a car was a privilege, not an entitlement. As soon they graduated college, it was their responsibility to budget for it. And they did.

Maria

[3kids4me Super Moderator and Super Mom Find all posts View Profile Close 3kids4me]

So here's an update.

He sat in a bunch of cars and was surprised to realize that, even in some SUVs, his legs would not fit. (He is pretty much all legs.) The wheel was between his knees! The ones that had automatic seats that let you make the seat lower helped, but of course those always come with leather...lol! There have only been two cars so far that he has fit okay in....a Nissan Pathfinder with auto seats and a really old Buick Century with 90,000 miles which might not last more than a year. The Pathfinder was a 2004 but was a little out of our price range (he was dissapointed and offered to work to make up the difference, but that would take a long time!).

Anyone know of someone who is selling their Pathfinder?

[1950bing Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close 1950bing]

It may have ben mentioned but I don't have time to read all the posts. Be sure to check the crash stats. and turn over stats. Check VIN for crashes too! Teach safety.

[Beaglemom3 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Beaglemom3]

How about an old Volvo with a 4 cylinder It should be fairly safe and wouldn't have too much power.
I was in 3 wrecks in one year a few years ago (NONE WERE MY FAULT) I am thankful I was in larger vehicles and was not hurt too bad.


Safety most important
Economy second

NPR's Click & Clack (Car Talk) most always recommend Volvos for younger, away-from-home drivers.
B.

[mshatty Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close mshatty]

So here's an update.

He sat in a bunch of cars and was surprised to realize that, even in some SUVs, his legs would not fit. (He is pretty much all legs.) The wheel was between his knees! The ones that had automatic seats that let you make the seat lower helped, but of course those always come with leather...lol! There have only been two cars so far that he has fit okay in....a Nissan Pathfinder with auto seats and a really old Buick Century with 90,000 miles which might not last more than a year. The Pathfinder was a 2004 but was a little out of our price range (he was dissapointed and offered to work to make up the difference, but that would take a long time!).

Anyone know of someone who is selling their Pathfinder?

OT, but I really like your avatar.

[3kids4me Super Moderator and Super Mom Find all posts View Profile Close 3kids4me]

Awww, thanks! (And thanks to Frank for getting it up there for me.)

And here's the update...we found a nice Subaru Forrester with 40,000 miles on it where his legs could fit. The mpg is much better than a Jeep (his dream car) or a Pathfinder and it will probably be more reliable than a Jeep as well. The previous owner had a little dog who scratched up the inside of the car beneath all the windows, which didn't affect the mechanics of the car at all but did affect the price!