My 17 year old son wants a Subaru WRX STI, but im not sure if he can handle it. Should i let him get one?

Question

He is going to pay for about 70% of everything. I have to pay the rest. He has had his lisense for about a year and a half now and has not had an accident yet. He does good in school too. But a Subaru WRX STI seems a little too much for a 17 year old boy to handle. Should i let him buy one? Used of course.

Answer 1

I think a better idea would be a few-year-old LEXUS!!!!!!

that will still impress the girls

ooooooooooooooooooooooo, the PRESTIGE!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't think anybody should drive ANY car that expensive, especially at 17!!

A good choice would be the Lexus ES250; they usually cost less than $3000

My first car was a 20-year-old Camry for $500

Answer 2

get you son a WRX or a Legacy or other car less than 300hp...your son ended up racing anyway. end result might ended up in hospital or worse...   plus insurance, gas, service,   maybe even tires

Answer 3

I'm really hoping you read this. I'm 17 and I was making terrible grades the 2 years before I got my car. I have a 1994 Mustang GT and I ALMOST wasn't allowed to drive it because of my grades. I was told that I wouldn't get any gas money if I didn't get better grades. The next school year I made almost straight As. I don't race but I do enjoy having a fast car. IF he's paying for that much of it then I really really doubt he's going to risk s******g up 'his' car. I think you should go for it. I also have not had an accident and I'm a very defensive driver because I know for sure that if I manage to wreck my car (my fault or otherwise) that I'm not getting another 94 Mustang to replace it. I'm probably going to get something that sucks. So I would trust your son on this one.

EDIT: I should also mention that if you don't buy it for him, he'll probably keep the 70%, what ever that may be. Save for the other 30% and wait til he's 18. At 18 you can't stop him from buying his own car. So... it may just cause an unnecessary fight.

Answer 4

It seems like you've answered your question. Yes, its way too much for him to handle. Yes, he will race in it.

Take a quick look at this photo:

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/1823/...

Now imagine your son causing that damage. Not so great is it? Although your son is responsible, peer pressure will get him to race any other car out there, why else would he want such a powerful car.

Now, badly, in the case that he does race, it's illegal and unsafe to cars around him. Me and my friends weren't so lucky and got hit by a Lancer EVO (similar to the WRX STi) by a teenager, just like your son, and our car flipped over, and he was also in the hospital.

Overall, its your choice, Keep in mind that its a rally racing car, and think "why does he want THIS specific model, instead of just  a WRX". If you feel like he's ready for it, go ahead. but just look at that picture ONE last time before you say yes

Answer 5

I hope you do realize that the WRX STI is a popular car for illegal street racing and modifications...which can lead to other problems.

Personally, i dont think you should buy him one because you would probably end up paying way more for insurance and your not sure if he can handle it. Its better to be on the safer side and get him something that he can handle. I recommend a used midsized or small sedan that isnt a sports car.

Since you are having some doubts, its better if you dont get him that car.

Answer 6

You know why he wants a fast car, right? To race people with it.

Get him a Liberty (Legacy in U.S.) worth the same amount, they are a bit bigger, bit nicer and safer car that he will not be in such a rush to race.

Answer 7

a 300 hp car for a 17 year old is pretty fast.... although is a very nice car.

I would say something not that aggressive..... a regular wrx or impreza? which looks quite the same but much more underpowered.

and don't let him get a radar detector!

Answer 8

it depends - do you think he has a potential of street racing? when he drives, does he usually like to floor it a lot, as well as speed over the limit and run red lights? if any of those are true, then most likely he's gonna race it. but if he's a good, decent driver who does well in school and takes driving seriously, then it should be ok.

it might take a while to get used to, but think of it this way - if your son has the ability to control and drive a 300hp rally car every day, imagine how good of a driver he'll be - the subaru has extremely good brakes, could save his life - the car is built to be fast reaction and light on its feet, so avoiding an accident will be easier than most cars. there are also times when you really need to power to get out of the way to avoid a colision, and its nice to know hes got 300hp to help him out

overall, buying this car will make him a better, skilled driver. but remember, YOU are the parent. if you dont think he can handle it, then feel free to say no - your the parent - u make the choice

Answer 9

He is going to race it. Make him get something big. No sense in giving a 17 year old a turbo AWD. He also has to know how to drive a stick.  

Answer 10

Have you considered what the insurance would be for a 17 yo unmarried male on a 300 hp car will be?  Ever think about what's going to happen if some random person pulls up on your son with a Mitsubishi Evo or a 350Z and starts revving their engine?

Serious questions to ponder before you put your 17 yo son behind the wheel of an STI.  I'm sure you'll make the right call.  I've got a lead foot ... I've owned 300+ hp cars and I'm still here.  But increased power means an increase in responsibility.  Is he ready for it?