My First car?

Question

Well a little background I guess:

My dad owns a successful construction company and we live in WA. My sister and my brother have both recieved cars from him. My sister got a 2000 Isuzu Trooper and my brother got a 1999 chevy tahoe.

I'm the youngest and a little different with different tastes.

Ive been looking at a 2005-2007 Volvo s40. Around $16k. It is quite a bit for a first car but its safe and practical. Just wanted to know if it is a good car for an experienced teen driver (really lol).

i have been driving various heavy machinery and driving my my moms SUV on the road since about 10 so im not like most new drivers.

Your constructive input is appreciated!

Answer 1

Your first car should always be one that isn't too expensive.  16K is the price you usually pay for your second car.  My first car was a 1985 honda civic back in the late 1990s.  It cost about 1000 dollars.  It was reliable and fun to drive.

Answer 2

Volvo s40 is on the list of used cars to avoid.

non turbo 05 & 06, turbo 00-01 & 05

look at

Acura RSX 05

Infiniti G35 03

Nissan Altima V6 05

Volvo, Audi, BMW, MB are all very expensive to own and repair. unless your good with tools or have a personal relationship with a great mechanic owning them is not recommended.

Answer 3

As long as you don't intend to do illegal things like you were when you were driving your mom's SUV, and as long as you've got a good safety record driving heavy machinery, you're a leg up on most teen drivers.

And you're looking at less idiotic options than most people asking about first cars on this site.  (DURRR IS A V8 MUSTANG A GOOD CAR FOR A 16 YEAR OLD BOY)

I'd suggest going a bit older and driving the value (and therefore insurance cost) and the pain of loss if you DO crash it down a bit.  Also, you might consider Saabs, they seem to shed value a bit quicker than Volvos, so a comparable one might be cheaper.  BMWs are RWD, but otherwise comparable enough to consider, as well.  Otherwise, hey, if you have the money or mom and dad will buy it for you, that's a pretty good choice.

Answer 4

Sounds like a great choice. Congratulations!

Answer 5

The Volvo S40 is a good car.  Nothing wrong with it as a first car.  

Leave the gas guzzling SUV's for your sister and brother.

Answer 6

I would definately suggest the Volvo. They are reliable, safe, and very comfortable to drive.

Answer 7

nothing wrong with it if you can afford it!