What car should I buy a 2008 Civic DX or 2008 Jetta S for my 16 yr old teenager?

Question

I am concern about the cost in maintaining ,repairing a VW.

Which one last longer?

Which one sales better?

Answer 1

How about NOT buying a 16 year old kid a brand new car? Everybody knows that a first car will suffer wear and tear, you're better off buying something older and more affordable. You can't buy a brand new car then complain when the teenager wrecks it.

Answer 2

Buying your kid a car is a big mistake. Make the kid earn it himself/herself, they will respect it more and be more careful with it.... Kids are way too spoiled these days.

Answer 3

Definately the honda civic!  They get way better gas mileage (around 32 mpg).

Answer 4

I would not suggest buying a new vehicle for a novice driver.  Buy a Civic, at least 10 years old.  Guaranteed they will have crashes.  Why beat up a new car.  If they total an older vehicle, who cares, get another. When they earn their own money, & buy their own vehicle, they will appreciate it, not take it for granted.

»»»

Answer 5

You are buying your 16 year old a 2008? That is your first mistake.

Answer 6

a honda civic!....definitly more reliable than the VW...as its been said VW are expensive to fix

Answer 7

Well Volkswagon makes a nice car, but you have to be very careful with the repairs. If something is wrong with it you can only take it to an authorized volkswagon mechanic. Most shops dont work on Volkswagon. Also, I hear after 150k the Jetta starts to act up. I have a honda and its old, I love it. Its got almost 200k and still going, I havent done much repair on it except the timing belt, and the exhaust, everything else works great, and I can take it to shop to fix.

My best suggestion is to look at the prices of both of the vehicles and then look at the reviews on them, when you think you have chosen one that will be good enough, go to a dealership and test drive, thats always something you want to do first.

Answer 8

My sister which is 19 bought a brand new 2008 vehicle and it has 400 miles on it and it is totaled! I knew it was a bad idea for someone so young to have a brand new car. I would say get something used and maybe when she is going to college you get something better!

Answer 9

The honda would be a better idea vw's are expensive to maintain if you cannot do it yourself.

Answer 10

Buy your teenager an inexpensive car and if they haven't wrecked it in the first year, then buy a nice new car!! Most teenagers either get a ticket or are involved in a fender bender in the first 6-12 months of getting their license.  Call your insurance agent and ask for the cost of insurance before you get a big surprise!!

Answer 11

A 16 yr old will destroy any car in less than 1 year.  Neither will last long enough to need any maintenance.

Go find a decent late 90s car that runs decent and make your kid pay for all the damages and maintenance.  It will teach the some responsibility.  It also means you are only out maybe $1,000-2,000 when they total it.