My son will be driving soon, what car should I get him?

Question

I am looking for a car/SUV that my son can drive, I am looking for something that is save, has good gas milage, and doesn't cost a fortune. If anyone can help me out that would be great. Also, is it a good idea to buy him a car right when he gets his permit, so he can get use to driving the car, or wait until he has his license. Thanks!

Answer 1

if you are looking at new, some of the cars that top the list for kids that are safe, handle well, not too fast but not too slow and reasonably priced are

civic

mazda 3i (not the S) this would be my choice

honda fit

toyota corolla

scion xB

make sure you get the side airbags and stability control if it's available.

a couple of other choices that don't handle as well but get better gas mileage are

toyota yaris

hyundai accent gs

Answer 2

the best thing to get him is a job to pay for the fuel.    Get him a legal to be on the road beater for his first vehicle because that is what he is going to do(everybody has got to see him driving) or ride with him and he has to go everywhere with the vehicle.  The old air cooled VW beetles were great for this (because you just could not kill them), they didn't eat lots of fuel, and you could drive down alleyways and where 4x4's go summer like winter.   And if stuck you could push the car out.  Not hard to maintain.  Does it have oil?  Air cleaner still on?  Tires good. Gone.  Heat?  Wear a jacket.

Unfortunately, I can't say the same for the new ones.

Answer 3

I will absolutely second the Civic as a great first car.  Stay away from SUV's, especially for a new driver.

Answer 4

Honda Civic, new or used. Safe, fuel efficient, age-appropriate, "hot", good resale value, dependable, virtually maintenance-free.