Another "first car" thread...

[Pokulski-Blatz]

Craig, this one would be perfect.

http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/cto/3617588173.html

[Pokulski-Blatz]

Yea, i agree. I was seriously thinking that as well.

not enough power to get your kid in trouble. of coure, there is plenty of room to have some fun in the back though and probably shitty gas mileage.

Gas mileage on one that isn't lifted isnt bad. I have seen 23-25 HWY. Repair bills are dirt cheap.

[mstng86]

Jeep Cherokee

/thread

Yea, i agree. I was seriously thinking that as well.

not enough power to get your kid in trouble. of coure, there is plenty of room to have some fun in the back though and probably shitty gas mileage.

[Pokulski-Blatz]

Jeep Cherokee

/thread

[KWClutch]

My first car was a 92 ford ranger. Ran it up to 318k miles before I sold it. It was a stick. No problems at all. Had to replace the clutch twice. Recharged the A/C twice.

Or a Crown Vic.

[Pro88LX]

The one I learned in was an 85 with the V6 and it ran decent for what it was. Not sure what kind of V6 they used in them back then (just know it was EFI). It was also pretty capable off-road for what it was. Spent a lot of time tooling around on logging roads back in WA with it.

probably the 2.9 which is somewhat of a turd.

[mstng86]

i still think the 85 Nova solves all your problems. cheap insurance, uncool car for the other kids to stay away. can only go about 55.

Perfect!

[Chili]

lol i suprised a few people from the light in that thing.

The one I learned in was an 85 with the V6 and it ran decent for what it was. Not sure what kind of V6 they used in them back then (just know it was EFI). It was also pretty capable off-road for what it was. Spent a lot of time tooling around on logging roads back in WA with it.

[Pro88LX]

SOHC engine? I was driving a 97 Explorer sport with the 4.0L SOHC and it would keep up with my 96 GT. Only problem with that engine is it's ass backward timing chain setup.

i think the SOHC 4.0 was offered in the ranger from 2001+

[Pro88LX]

I know, I bought my daughter her first vehicle and it was a 2000 Ranger Flareside (reg cab) with the 4.0 V-6, it hauled ass and I drove it quite a bit to pick up parts, etc.

lol i suprised a few people from the light in that thing.

[JC316]

I know, I bought my daughter her first vehicle and it was a 2000 Ranger Flareside (reg cab) with the 4.0 V-6, it hauled ass and I drove it quite a bit to pick up parts, etc.

SOHC engine? I was driving a 97 Explorer sport with the 4.0L SOHC and it would keep up with my 96 GT. Only problem with that engine is it's ass backward timing chain setup.

[Rick Modena]

really though for a bitch truck, it was a good ass truck.

I know, I bought my daughter her first vehicle and it was a 2000 Ranger Flareside (reg cab) with the 4.0 V-6, it hauled ass and I drove it quite a bit to pick up parts, etc.

[Pro88LX]

lmao!!!

really though for a bitch truck, it was a good ass truck.

[Chili]

I wouldn't get him a GT, if there was a remote chance I'd be paying insurance on it. Guaranteed doubling, possibly tripling household insurance rates for liability only? Fuuuuuuuuck that. And if he gets busted racing it (in what would constitute the absolute loosest sense of the term), enjoy SR-22 rates for a teenager. Get him a 4-banger, 4-door Accord or Camry. They are practical beyond man's understanding of the word. He can get his own toy when he can afford it.

Sidebar: make a condition of the free car that he has to pass the personal finance and intro to financial accounting courses on Coursera. That's what I'd do.

Insurance and space are still big issues with the Mustang.

shoulda kept the bronco

That was the original plan, though I was a little worried about rollovers and overall safety. Ultimately we decided against that mainly because I needed to upgrade, he wasn't ready to start driving, and I didn't want to sit on it for 6 months to a year.

He's going to be 18 and in the Navy... he's not going to give a SHIT about space in the vehicle. He's going to care about getting laid and partying with his shipmates. The Navy will move everything so that's no worry, and someone will have a truck/suv if he needs it.

The young man already has a good head on his shoulders with the decision to join at this age... not to mention you're obviously a father w/ a good head on your shoulders from the stuff I've seen you post. He will take after you and make mistakes like we all did.

Most of us started driving before that age... get him what you see fit, but make him respect the vehicle no matter what. If you are dead set on no V8 then don't let it happen, make him wait to buy it when he joins the Navy... because he will.

Personally I think you've punished him enough not letting him drive sooner, lol. Get him the v8, many of us responsible individuals had them at 16 and were fine. I caused more trouble in my 85 corolla than I did in my first foxbody. It's all about the lessons you've instilled in him and the fear of God you put into him before he hits the road.

He didn't get his license at 16 (last July) because of his grades last year. He knew the deal well in advanced and did not bring the grades up so no drivers ed, license, car, etc. The delay was all on him so I have no guilt.

I was talking to him about it last night and basically said that once you are in the Navy and away from home you can do whatever you like. If you want a project or toy, go for it, or if you want to sell what you have to upgrade, that's all you.

4cyl manual Honda accord or civic... At least he can learn to drive a manual and they are reliable, good mpg, and easy and cheap to fix. If he wants a v8 mustang let him buy it on his own down the road when he can appreciate it.

This was my first instinct but I did a lot of looking at Civics and Accords in that budget and they just all looked like big piles of shit.

a two seater anything... he comes from Craig's loins, it's not like he's gonna be getting a lot of chicks or anything

Suck a bag of dicks!

Early\Mid 2000s 4 banger Ranger with a standard transmission

Inexpensive, good on gas, reliable, and they hold up really well even when you beat them to shit.

That would be my #1 choice for him.

[Rick Modena]

you would be the expert in all things "bitch" i guess.

lmao!!!