What first car would you recommend for a teenager?

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Feb 15, 2010

Being a car person you probably get this question all the time; What type of car should I buy? As an enthusiast you probably have a long list, depending on the person's budget and taste. What car would you recommend for a teenager? I don't blame you for thinking used Civic or Impreza or perhaps a new Yaris, Fit or Versa. Cheap to buy and operate, right?

Well two of Canada's most recognized auto journalists, Jeremy Cato and Michael Vaughn of The Globe and Mail, were asked that very question and I think you'll be surprised by their answers.

Vaughn recommends a 2004 Volvo S80. Okay, nice car but has the guy considered insurance, fuel mileage or repair costs? Maybe teens make more money than I did at that age. Sure the S80 is safe but perhaps a little over the top.

Speaking of over the top, Cato recommended a 1999 BMW 740i. No, really. I'm serious. A 740i for your first car. Now I love the E38 7er and the understated design will go down as an all time classic. But a 282hp, RWD German autobahn cruiser for a teen? Yeah, I would love one but I can tell you I wouldn't recommend it for a teens first car.

I ask you dear reader, what would you suggest? Considering the car is for a teen, not yourself?

Read the entire article from the Globe and Mail right here.

Peter Johnson |

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Reader Comments (9)

My first car was a 1986 Honda Civic and I thought the car as a rocket. I would prefer to see my kids (when I have em) drive something like a Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris or something like that. For current teenagers why not go with a late 90's Prelude, Golf or a Saab 9-5.

Feb 15, 2010 |

Koflach

My first car was a 9 year old Golf. Blast of a car but doors freezing shut in winter and electrical gobblins were a pain in the but. If I had to suggest, it might be a used Mazda 3.

Feb 15, 2010 |

Geoffrey Grace

I'd say a Volvo C30 or S40.

Feb 15, 2010 |

Kevin

Bought both my kids a dodge neon.
The car is not important. Make sure it's a standard, and comes with driving lessons. Make
the kid pay for insurance and gas, but not repairs. Safest car in the world is
dangerous if the tires and brakes don't work.

Both have moved to a big city now and bought a bus pass. The cost of
insurance and gas, still itched in their brains from days gone by.

Feb 15, 2010 |

Paul

My first car in high school was a Buick LeSabre that I bought from my parents. It was a pretty decent high-school car for a kid that didn't care about cars at the time; easy, if not exactly exciting, to drive, big enough for friends, and with the 3.0L V6 it was cheaper on gas than a 3800 or whatever. If I'd been into cars at the time, I would have rather had an E30 BMW or a VW Golf, and if I had a teenager now that's what I would steer them toward. Cheap to run, more unique than a beater Honda (remember, high school: image is everything) and easy enough to tinker with.

Feb 15, 2010 |

Dan

some sort of gutless coupe (old Miata or something) less passengers equals less per pressure to do stupid things.

Failing that an old Volvo 240, or an old Subaru outback.

Feb 16, 2010 |

B1663R

I started off with a Chrysler Intrepid - too big and soft to inspire any real stupidity. So I'll throw in another vote for the used Ford Taurus/Buick/other mid-sized sedan.

Feb 16, 2010 |

Maymar

A used Chevy Cobalt.

Feb 16, 2010 |

Beken

volvo 244. solid, the gas bills will keep them close to home, too. the back seat may be too large, though.

Feb 16, 2010 |

wgreg

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